Entry requirements

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Months of entry

September

Course content

Pursue your doctoral research degree within our dynamic department of Political Science and International Studies. Engage in cutting-edge research with expert supervisors, specialised modules, and a supportive, inclusive environment, ultimately enhancing your personal discipline-specific and transferable skills for diverse career paths.

Achieve your professional ambitions with us. Our PhD in Political Sciences and International Studies will shape your future by developing deep expertise and versatile skills such as critical analysis, advanced research techniques, and effective communication. Prepare for impactful careers in academia, government, international organisations, and beyond.

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Course highlights

Our PhD in Political Science and International Studies offers unparalleled flexibility with global access, expert supervision, and a rich research environment.

Benefit from tailored research training and a personalised development plan while engaging with leading academics and diverse research groups. You can study for a PhD full-time, part-time or by distance learning.

Engage in cutting-edge research within a globally recognised and inclusive academic environment.
Receive guidance from leading scholars across diverse areas Politicla Economy to International Relations and Security.
Enhance your skills with extensive research training modules and tailored development plans, preparing you for a range of career settings.
Pursue your PhD on a full-time or part-time basis, accommodating your various personal and professional needs.

Our Department of Political Science and International Studies is part of the School of Government, one of the leading UK and international centres for governance, politics, international studies. As one of the largest in the UK, the School is home to more than 80 full-time academic staff, 1,200 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and 70 doctoral researchers.

Career opportunities

Pursue our PhD in Political Science and International Studies with us and engage with a leading research hub to drive impactful studies. Benefit from expert mentorship, dynamic research opportunities, and tailored skill development. Our supportive community and comprehensive career services will prepare you for success in diverse career paths, including academia, government, and international roles.

Information for international students

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

UK students

Campus: £4,921 full-time; £2,461 part-time / DL: £4,921 four years; £2,461 eight years

International students

Campus: £22,110 full-time / DL: £22,110 four years; £11,055 eight years

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

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