Postgraduate Research in Politics & International Studies (POLIS)

We offer two core routes for postgraduate study in politics and international relations.

First, our MA in International Relations, taught over two modules by leading experts in the field and using advanced approaches in distance learning.

Second, PhD study. Each year we are able to supervise a small number of MPhil and PhD projects, either through funded studentships like those provided by the ESRC, or that are self-funded. We now offer a distance learning PhD too.

Politics has a small but collegial postgraduate student community that forms an important part of our research culture. As well as contributing to the intellectual life of our department, doctoral students are also part of the wider graduate community of the School and the Faculty, as well as the University as a whole. There is a small and fiercely competitive set of funding opportunities available for doctoral study, including the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership, funded by the ESRC, in collaboration with Oxford and Brunel Universities. This scheme can also support doctoral studentships based on partnerships between the university and the third sector. Then there are the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (which can support some work adjacent to international studies).

Below you will find key information about doing a PhD with POLIS how to apply and areas of supervision.

Key Information

Please note: The next earliest available start date for PhD study with us is October 2027.

The PhD programme in POLIS now has only one start date per year for self-funded students, commencing in October. To apply, the deadline is 31^st March. For funded studentships part of the above mentioned funding schemes, please check the relevant calls.

More information on the PhD Programme in POLIS can be found by following the links below.

Most of your time doing a PhD will be spent undertaking your own research project, under the supervision of experts in your chosen area. You will be expected to undertake training designed to support you through the transition into becoming an independent researcher and develop academic and professional skills.

All postgraduate students are provided with two supervisors for the duration of their studies. Supervisors meet regularly with students, acting as academic advisors, providing guidance on research topics, the skills needed to successfully complete a research degree, planning research and on writing a thesis. They read and discuss students' work, helping to develop ideas and to encourage critical and independent thinking. In a recent survey of former PhD students,100% of our respondents rated the supervision experience in POLIS as “excellent”.

You are encouraged to approach potential supervisors, or to contact the postgraduate convenor Dr Dan Taylor for suggestions regarding potential supervisors. This is not essential, but it will enable you to develop a stronger proposal.