PhD Political Science and International Studies

Undertaking a PhD in Political Science and International Studies at POLSIS offers you the chance to conduct groundbreaking research under the mentorship of distinguished academic supervisors. Your journey will culminate in an 80,000-word thesis, supported by a series of research training modules in your first year. Additional courses offered by the Department and the University will further enhance your discipline-specific and transferable skills, preparing you for a wide range of professional settings.

POLSIS, part of the School of Government, stands as a leading UK and international hub for governance, politics, international development, and public management. Our community includes over 80 full-time academic staff, 1,200 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and 70 doctoral researchers. Beyond the degree, you’ll engage in a rich array of research events, such as the PGR Colloquium and departmental speaker series, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. An individualized training plan will be developed to meet your specific needs, ensuring comprehensive skill development.

Our faculty is equipped to supervise a broad spectrum of topics aligning with our research interests, particularly in Asian Politics, British Politics, European Studies, Gender and Feminist Theory, International Relations and Security Theory, Parties, Voters and Elections, Political Economy, and Political Theory. We welcome applications for both full-time and part-time study, encouraging diverse perspectives and innovative research proposals.