University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The PhD is a sustained piece of original research, supervised by staff in the School of Politics and International Relations. You will develop a substantial thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field within politics and international relations. Typical research themes include comparative politics, international security, global governance, political economy, political theory, electoral behaviour, public policy and area studies.

Your programme will include:

• Designing and delivering an original research project under the guidance of one or more experienced supervisors.
• Research training in qualitative and quantitative methods, and methods tailored to your project (for example, archival research, fieldwork, interviews, content analysis or advanced statistical techniques).
• Participation in research seminars, reading groups and workshops run by the School and wider faculty, which provide feedback on work in progress and expose you to current debates.
• Regular progress reviews, interim reports and a viva voce examination at the end of the thesis submission process.
• Opportunities to gain teaching experience as a demonstrator or associate lecturer, subject to local arrangements and training.

Most students follow an initial period of close training and literature consolidation, proceed to fieldwork or data collection as appropriate, then concentrate on analysis and thesis writing. The School encourages interdisciplinary approaches and supports collaborative projects with colleagues in other social science disciplines.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in politics, international relations or a closely related discipline, together with a relevant postgraduate research qualification such as a master’s degree with a substantial research component. Typical offers require evidence of strong academic performance at undergraduate and postgraduate level (for example, a UK upper second-class honours degree and a merit at master’s level, or international equivalents).

Selection is based primarily on the strength and feasibility of the proposed research project and match with available supervisory expertise. Applicants must submit a research proposal, academic transcripts, a CV, and academic references. Where English is not the first language, the School requires an appropriate English language qualification at the level expected for postgraduate research students.

Applicants with relevant professional experience or an alternative academic background may also be considered if they can demonstrate research potential and a clear rationale for doctoral study. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview with potential supervisors.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Politics and International Relations PhD progress into a range of careers that value advanced research skills, specialist knowledge and critical analysis. Common career pathways include:

• Academic careers: postdoctoral research posts, lectureships and teaching and research roles in universities.
• Public sector and civil service: policy analysis, advisory roles and specialist positions in national and local government.
• International organisations and diplomacy: positions in multilateral bodies, embassies and international development agencies.
• Think tanks and research institutes: research fellowships, policy research and programme management.
• Non-governmental organisations and advocacy: policy development, campaigning and programme evaluation.
• Private sector and consultancy: political risk analysis, public affairs, and research consultancy.
• Media and communication: political journalism, commentary and specialist analysis.

The research training you receive — including project design, data collection and advanced analysis — is widely transferable and valued across these sectors.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham is home to a broad community of scholars working across comparative politics, international relations, political theory and policy-relevant research. You will benefit from close supervision by active researchers and from a programme of seminars, workshops and methods training that supports doctoral development.

The University offers strong research infrastructure, including access to extensive library resources, research networks and facilities for both qualitative and quantitative work. Doctoral students are encouraged to present work at internal and external events and to build collaborative links with colleagues across the University and with international partners.

Funding and development opportunities are available through a combination of university scholarships, faculty-level awards and competitive external funding; students are supported through research training and pastoral supervision to complete their theses and build careers beyond the doctorate.