My name is Tristan Martin, and I am a 1st Year PhD student in Politics at Newcastle University. I am in the second year of a 1+3 research scholarship, established in the name of former Newcastle Professor of Politics, Hugh Berrington . The aim of this blog is to give my perspectives and insights on the process of working through a PhD in Politics. I will be updating this blog at least once a month, more often if I can. Hopefully I will be able to share some useful experiences to those considering going into PG research in Politics here at Newcastle.

I am also the PGR School Representative for the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, as well as being a PG Ambassador for Politics.

A small biography of me: I am 26, born in Sussex but have spent most of my life living in various places across Yorkshire . I did my BA (Hons) in History at the University of Sussex, Brighton. I recently finished an MA in Politics Research from Newcastle University. Before that I completed an MA in Politics from the University of Leeds. I currently live in Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne.

My research is focused on the ideological divisions/factions within the UK Conservative Party around European integration/policy. I am also interested in British politics, political parties and the politics of the European Union more generally.

Check out my Twitter page for tweets on British politics and the EU. Please check back here soon.

Thanks for reading.