Politics or International Relations PhD

The study of Politics and International Relations in the School of Law and Social Sciences takes place in an environment of critical enquiry and rigorous research. Our innovative and influential research has received international recognition, and we help to change attitudes and inform policy across areas such as African trade policies, conflict and organised crime in the Middle East, the politics of gender and Eastern European politics.

Please see the specific entry requirement details in the degree routes section above. If you choose to study full-time you must be able to devote a minimum of 35 hours per week over a 44-week year to your research. You should not undertake more than 20 hours per week paid employment or other commitments (including a maximum of six hours per week teaching, demonstrating, or other paid work directly related to your research training). If you choose to study part-time you must be able to devote a minimum of 15 hours per week over a 44-week year to the programme of research. You must also meet our residence requirements. English language requirements Applicants whose main language is not English must meet the Faculty’s English language requirements. The minimum IELTS score required for entry to the research degree programme is 6.5-7 overall. In addition, we require a minimum of 6.5 in each component of the test. We do not accept IELTS certificates that are over two years old. If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements. Application process It is essential that you first check whether your specific research interests can be adequately supervised before submitting a full application. To do this please email the Research Administrator ( hss-researchdegrees@brookes.ac.uk ) your provisional research proposal. This should be 1500-2000 words in length and should include a title and a summary of the proposed subject area. There is no specific format for research proposals but the following areas are usually covered: introduction evidence of background reading and knowledge/previous experience of research area details of research methods proposed to carry out the project the aims of the research project and any proposed hypotheses/outcomes literature review how your research project will make an original and independent contribution to knowledge. If your area of research can potentially be supervised you will be encouraged to submit a full application via our online application system. The Research Administrator will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. We strive to make a decision within one month of receiving your application. Please note, however, decisions may take longer during busier periods of the academic year. Supporting documents Please read through the list of supporting documentation that must be uploaded along with your application or emailed separately.

IELTS score required for entry to the research degree programme is 6.5-7 overall. In addition, we require a minimum of 6.5 in each component of the test. W

International students: £18,300

UK students: £5,338

UK/Home: £5,338

International: £18,300

June 2025 / September 2025 / January 2026 / June 2026 / September 2026

International and EU applicants apply 5 months before enrolment date. Applications received less than 5 months before cannot be guaranteed. UK applicants apply 4 months before enrolment date…

• Headington, United Kingdom