Political Science and International Studies PhD

UK

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What will I learn?

The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) offers a vibrant and inclusive research culture.

POLSIS has established itself as a centre of excellence in political science, political economy, comparative politics, political theory, international, international relations theory and security and conflict. Our research is concentrated around various research groups and research clusters which carry out a series of collaborative research activities.

Undertaking a PhD in Political Science and International Studies, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of academic supervisors within an active research environment, leading to an 80,000 word thesis. You will take a number of research training modules in your first year and may attend further courses offered by the Department or the University that enhance your personal discipline-specific and transferable skills.

POLSIS is part of the School of Government, one of the leading UK and international centres for governance, politics, international development, and public management. As one of the largest Schools of Government, in the United Kingdom, it is home to more than 80 full-time academic staff, more than 1,200 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and more than 70 doctoral researchers.

The School of Government offers much more than a degree. As a doctoral student here, you have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of research events with staff and other doctoral students, including a PGR Colloquium and departmental speaker series. In addition, an individual training plan is drawn up to meet the needs of each student, covering coursework and skills development. As such, completing this research degree will cultivate specialist knowledge in your field and professional skills for a range of career settings.

We are able to supervise a wide range of topics, in line with the research interests of our staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications on themes that fit with our research groups:

Asian Politics
British Politics
European Studies
Gender and Feminist Theory
International Relations and Security Theory
Parties, Voters and Elections
Political Economy
Political Theory

Applications to study for a research degree on either a full- or part-time basis are welcomed.

Which department am I in?

Dept of Political Science & International Studies

Study options

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
£21,360.00 (US$ 27,585) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

University of Birmingham

Edgbaston,

Birmingham,

B15 2TT, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

For doctoral programmes you require a good Honours degree (UK high upper second; USA GPA 3.40), and a good research proposal. Students need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to: TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 21 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing; Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 59 in all four skills; Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Birmingham

The university is known globally for its pioneering research – students benefit from trailblazing discoveries that impact international society.

  • One of the world’s top research-intensive universities
  • Based in Europe’s youngest city
  • 5 colleges offering hundreds of study options
  • Plenty of dedicated international student support