Political Science and International StudiesPhD
- Delivery formatOnline or in person
- Start dateSeptemberDuration3 years full-time, 6 years part-time campus; 4 or 8 years Distance learning
- AwardDoctorate
- Entry requirementsA good Honours degree in a relevant field
- Fees£4,921 full-time, £2,461 part-time, £4,921 DL 4 years, £2,461 DL 8 years
Page contents
Course overview
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.
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.
- #14
in the UK for studying Politics (Times University Rankings 2025)
- #9
In the UK for research power in Politics and International Studies (REF 2021).
- 41%
of research rated world-leading (REF 2021).
Course delivery
As a PhD student, you'll 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.
- Projects - Academic projects typically require you to conduct research, analyse data, and draw conclusions based on your discoveries. You may also be expected to work in a team, present your work to an audience, and defend your findings.
- 1:1 Supervision - Supervisors are expected to support, encourage and guide those students who are their tutees’ so that they are supported in maximising their academic potential, personal development, and professional and employability skills acquisition throughout their time at the University.
- Research support – you can use the University’s libraries on campus and also online. We also offer grants towards conferences, printing and photocopying.
- Publishing your work – build your reputation and make your research public, by working with your supervisors to publish articles.
- Memberships - you’ll be a member of our Graduate School and Graduate Social Centre. You can also join the College of Social Sciences Doctoral Training programme, which has ESRC recognition.
Research projects
At Birmingham, you can apply for an advertised PhD or propose your own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.
Find a supervisor
If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.
When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.
View the research profiles of academic members of staff belonging to the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS).
Find an Advertised PhD
Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
Research proposal
If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
- A good Honours degree
In a relevant field and a good research proposal.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
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 scholarships
- £4,921 full-time; £2, 461 part-time
On Campus
- £4,921 four years; £2,461 eight years
Distance Learning
Funding options
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.
Careers Network
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.