Politics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for Non-European Students in the UK

A PhD in Politics will enable you to conduct research that will make a unique contribution to the field of Politics. You could be researching the formation of political identities, the relationship between governments and citizens, or the role of the state and non-state actors in political change.

What's it like to study a PhD in Politics?

You'll be working on your own research project under the guidance of an expert supervisor to submit an orginal thesis by the end of your programme.

Possible research areas include:

• Conflict resolution
• Terrorism
• Security
• Political theory
• Political identity
• Globalisation

You may also be part of a wider department with specialist research centres.

A PhD in Politics will last for between three and four years (or eight years part time).

Entry requirements for a PhD in Politics

The minimum entry requirement for a PhD in Politics is usually an undergraduate degree and Masters in a relevant subject.

PhD in Politics funding options

Some UK PhDs in Politics have funding attached, meaning you'll automatically be awarded tuition fee coverage, a living cost stipend, and a research grant if you're accepted onto a project.

Some students will self-fund their PhD in Politics. You could self-fund by combining the UK Government's doctoral loan with additional sources of funding such as support from your university, charity or trust level (if applicable), or part-time work.

PhD in Politics careers

You can expect careers in the political sector to be very competitive, with most options requiring a PhD. You may choose to continue your research career, but many holders of a PhD in Politics go on to work in government, local and national administrations, international relations and diplomacy, forensics, and law.