The Department of Politics is at the heart of current thinking, research and debate, and home to a prestigious, lively and international community. Our students and academics are at the forefront of research. Current concentrations of research expertise include the history of political thought, contemporary political theory, comparative politics, public policy, peacebuilding, global development, international security, human rights, international political economy, environmental and gender politics.
Our staff are committed to both research of the highest standards and to applying their knowledge to real-world problems. They advise governments and international organisations on a wide range of issues, and regularly contribute to the news media and current affairs programmes throughout the world.
Doctoral study
- Options to specialise in Politics, Environment and Politics or Global Development (through the Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre)
- A range of subject-specific research training modules to support you through your exploratory phase
- Studentships available from ESRC, encompassing the White Rose Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership, and AHRC, via the White Rose College of the Arts & Humanities
- A number of Department scholarships available to support your study
Why us?
- We’re ranked in the UK top ten for the quality of our research outputs and our research environment - the support we give to our researchers - according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021)
- Dedicated study space for PhD students
- Teaching opportunities throughout your degree
- Financial support for conferences and fieldwork
- Varied programme of interdisciplinary events
Research in the Department of Politics
Our research spans the discipline and an array of interdisciplinary areas.
Each of our four research clusters supports seminars and conferences, and all hold regular workshops at which talks are given both by visiting speakers and by local academics. The clusters are:
We also support our PhDs through four research centres, which provide platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with non-academic partners:
We are an intellectually diverse and inclusive department with a global outlook and regional expertise encompassing British and European politics, Latin America, southern Africa, the Middle East and Central and South Asia. We are proud to be home to a vibrant community of researchers from all over the world, tackling pressing local and global problems.
What next?
Have a look at our guide to PhD study and check to see how your research interests align with the expertise of one or more of our staff. We encourage you to name a preferred supervisor on your application form.
Complete an application:
PhD in Politics
PhD in Environment and Politics
PhD in Global Development
Contact us
poli-graduate-office@york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 323561
Research degrees in the Department of Politics
Research in the Department of Politics
Department of Politics
Funding
Funding for research degrees
Departmental funding