The School of Politics and International Relations has a long tradition of high-quality research among its staff and students. The School's vibrant research culture attracts students from all over the world who conduct research at the forefront of our discipline. The School is unique in offering programmes in both Canterbury and Brussels, the home of European politics.
Our research programmes provide a combination of formal research training and individual supervision within a supportive environment, with regular interaction between staff and students. The School runs a weekly Graduate Research Training Seminar, where students are encouraged to present their work and receive feedback from peers and staff.
Students enjoy regular meetings with a supervisor and supervisory team, and are also given opportunities to collaborate with other members of staff through the staff research seminar and the activities of the School's research centres. Students are encouraged to participate in the annual postgraduate research conference, during which various staff members discuss the work of research students, and outside speakers offer plenary lectures. Research students will also be able to benefit from the skills training offered by the University's Graduate School.
Research expertise
Our research interests span a broad spectrum of the discipline, with particular strengths in the fields of conflict analysis and resolution, political theory and European politics. The strength of the School's research culture is reflected in the numerous books and articles published and in the existence of three University-recognised research centres: the Conflict Analysis Research Centre (CARC), the Global Europe Centre (GEC) and the Centre for Critical Thought (CCT).
The breadth of expertise within the School enables us to provide research supervision on a wide range of topics across the area of Politics and International Relations. You can view the profiles of our academic staff members here.
Our research programmes
Research students can study at our Canterbury campus or at our postgraduate centre in Brussels. At Canterbury you can have the option to study an MA by Research or PhD, whereas at Brussels the research programmes are offered at PhD level.
Comparative Politics
International Conflict Analysis
International Relations
Political and Social Thought
Further details about our Postgraduate Research programmes are available here.
Funding information
The University has a generous scholarship fund to support our research students with their tuition fees and living costs. To view all University and external funds that
may be available please visit the Postgraduate Scholarships and funding pages.
Further Questions & Contact
School of Politics and International Relations
Postgraduate Admissions Team
T +44 (0)1227 827307
E: polirpgadmissions@kent.ac.uk
https://www.kent.ac.uk/politics-international-relations