PhD in Political Geography

Political geography is the study of the way in which political systems are shaped by and influence the physical geography of the Earth. It is primarily concerned with how the political processes and their outcomes are shaped by spatial factors.

By the end of your PhD, you’ll produce an extended dissertation that should make a significant original contribution to the field of Political Geography.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Political Geography?

You’ll spend the majority of your time conducting independent research under the guidance of an expert supervisor in your chosen topic. Research methods in Political Geography can include fieldwork, mapping, statistical analysis, and remote sensing.

Possible research areas include:

• Climate policy
• Role of geography in voting behaviour
• Political boundaries and national borders
• Migration
• Climate change as a cause of conflict
• Food security

Alongside your research, you may be required to attend additional training and help with undergraduate teaching. You may also have the chance to present at academic conferences and publish your work in journals.

There are a handful of advertised PhD projects available in Political Geography, but most students will design their own project. This means you’ll decide your own objectives and determine the parameters of your research.

PhD in Political Geography funding entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for PhD projects in Geography is normally an upper-second class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject. A Masters degree is sometimes also required. It’s worth noting applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and a postgraduate qualification may be an advantage even if it is not required.

PhD in Political Geography funding options

The Research Council responsible for funding Political Geography PhDs in the UK is usually the Economic and Social Research Council (ERSC), which provides studentships covering tuition fees and living costs. Some advertised PhDs have funding attached, or you can apply for a studentship once you’ve been accepted onto a programme.

Full studentships are extremely competitive, so it’s likely to have to fund at least part of your PhD independently. Options for students taking this route include the UK government’s doctoral loan, funding for charities and trusts or part-time employment alongside your studies.

PhD in Political Geography careers

Many students who complete a PhD in Political Geography will go on to pursue research careers, but you could also consider roles in local or national government, policy analysis, lobbying or political consultancy.