PhD
Be a Part of World Leading Research
The PhD programme is among the most successful in the world. Students undertaking PhD research are an integral part of the Department’s renowned Research. Their considerable achievements are indicated in prize winning theses, high quality published work, excellent track record of securing post-doctoral awards, and success in the job market.
This commitment to research excellence is supported by unparalleled departmental support and the best supervision practices in the field. We have an internationally recognised group of scholars who are experienced in supervising original PhD research falling into several broad areas:
- Foreign and Defence Policy
- The European Union
- European, UK and Welsh Politics
- US Politics and foreign policy
- Russian politics and security policy
- International Relations Theory
- Normative International Theory
- Postcolonialism
- Security and Intelligence Studies
- International History
- Military History
- Cold War History
- Strategic Studies
- Global Development
- Emerging Powers & BRICS
- Global Health
- Migration and Refugees
The Department welcomes PhD research projects that address one or more of these areas or which adopt an inter-disciplinary approach. Equally welcome are projects that challenge the traditional cartography of the discipline by drawing on unorthodox ideas and approaches.
To apply for a place on the PhD programme you will need to prepare a 1500 word Research Proposal Guidelines, complete an application form and provide two references.
All applicants who wish to be considered for funding must submit their applications by 12 January, unless otherwise stated in a specific funding call.
ESRC WGSSS General Studentships
Our students say:
"Doing a PhD in the Department of International Politics means that my academic work is continuously stimulated by invigorating intellectual debates in a personal and supportive environment. I could not have chosen a better department to study for a PhD.” Suzanne Klein Schaarsberg, PhD (2019)