A rotor for a wound-field synchronous machine (WFSM) comprises a core having a base with a ring-shaped cross-section extending between an outside surface and an inside surface defining a bore. The rotor also comprises a plurality of field windings spaced apart from one another at regular angular intervals and each extending around the base of the core, adjacent the outside surface and through the bore. Rotor field windings having radial, or spoke configurations are provided. Rotor field windings having V-shaped arrangements, in which two field windings each contribute to the production of each pole, are also provided. Rotors having permanent magnets in addition to field windings are also provided.