Doctor of Politics and International Relations

Offering supervision in most subject areas, the School of Politics and International Relations is a thriving and dynamic centre for PhD study.

A PhD is the most advanced form of postgraduate study. It is awarded on the successful completion of supervised research, verbal examination and final thesis.

We encourage our students to play an active role in the school’s research centres and institutes as well as the activities of the school as a whole.

The school runs a weekly colloquium for postgraduate research students, giving you the opportunity to present your work in front of other research students and staff with similar research interests.

Politics and international relations research areas include:

Asia and Pacific studies
British politics and Brexit
China’s governance and politics
Conflict, security and terrorism
International relations
Political ideologies
Political theory
Social and global justice
Social science research methodology
Key facts

Ranked in the UK top 15 for research power in the latest Research Excellence Framework
Top 100 worldwide for politics and international relations in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017
Committed to excellence in teaching, having won 13 Higher Education Academy awards
Expert academics who contribute to public debate through national and international media, including such publications as The Independent, The LA Times and Le Monde
Facilities

Graduate School

Representing the needs of postgraduate students across the University, the Graduate School provides research training and development for postgraduates and early career researchers.

You will have access to a dedicated space on University Park, which includes computer stations, Wi-Fi, study and social areas, and kitchen facilities.

Research support

The school runs a weekly colloquium for postgraduate research students, giving you the opportunity to present your work in front of other research students and staff with similar research interests. Organised by students and facilitated by the Director of Postgraduate Research, it acts as a supportive forum for presenting your work, testing your arguments, ideas and approaches, and developing your research design.

Research seminars

We offer research seminars for staff and postgraduate research students through our research centres and institutes. Each centre runs a full programme of workshops, reading groups, talks and conferences.

Teaching experience

Second and third-year research students can apply to build their paid teaching experience by delivering undergraduate tutorials. Training courses on teaching methods are on offer and teaching is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Student Services

Student Services provide a range of support and information to enhance your student experience. They are part of a comprehensive network of University services that includes academic and disability support, counselling, financial support and childcare services.

International Office

The International Office ensures EU and international students have all the information they need to live and study at Nottingham. It offers a welcome programme just before the start of the academic year.

Centre for English Language Education

Accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK, the University’s Centre for English Language Education provides high-quality preparation and English language support, as well as a social programme for its students.

Researcher Development Programme

Working closely with academic schools, the Graduate School’s dedicated training team contribute to faculty specific and doctoral training programmes. They deliver core training in line with the standards set out by the UK’s major research funders through their researcher development programme.

As well as helping you to develop your research skills, this offers you opportunities to enhance your communication skills, career prospects, time management and entrepreneurship, as well as meet and work alongside researchers from other disciplines.

Find a supervisor

You will be assigned two supervisors appropriate to your field. Please make sure that we have a supervisor who shares an interest in your proposed area of research before applying. Details of research supervisors at the University can also be found on our research A to Z.

The school offers supervision in most subject areas within international relations and security, British and comparative politics, and political theory.

Careers

Career destinations for our graduates include economists, management consultants, researchers, statisticians and university lecturers. Companies and organisations our graduates have gone to work for include Channel 4, the European Union, GCHQ, Reuters and the Thailand National Police Department.

Employability and average starting salary

90% of postgraduates from the School of Politics and International Relations who were available for employment secured work or further study within six months of graduation. £22,429 was the average starting salary, with the highest being £29,000.*

* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates 2015/16. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Career and professional development

Whether you are looking to enhance your career prospects or develop your knowledge, a postgraduate degree from the University of Nottingham can help take you where you want to be.

Entry requirements

Masters (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline, with an average of 60% or above

English language requirements

IELTS: 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in each element)