Entry requirements

Good first degree in a relevant subject. Successful completion of a taught Master's degree.

Months of entry

January, October, April

Course content

The MPhil/PhD in Politics is an opportunity to undertake a major piece of research under the supervision of someone with academic expertise in your field. The department offers supervision for a wide range of research projects, from the study of public policy to social and political theory. On completing your MPhil/PhD you will have developed advanced skills in research and scholarly writing, and will be able to use these to embark on, or further, a career in research. If, like many of our students, you choose to study part-time, you may have the opportunity to apply your developing research skills in your current career.

Current research spans the broad areas of: social and political theory; modern British politics and society; comparative public policy; civil society and the state; gender; public policy; nationalism and ethnicity; religion and politics; international relations, international security and terrorism; European politics; politics of development; theoretical approaches to armed conflict and international politics; and politics and society in Russia, North America and the Middle East.

Department specialisms

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

Fees and funding

UK students

Part-time home/EU students: £ 2187 pa Full-time home/EU students: £ 4121 pa

International students

Part-time overseas students: £ 6050 pa Full-time overseas students: £ 11995 pa

Our School attracts funding for studentships that ensure researchers of the highest standard can pursue their research with us. We offer fully funded postgraduate research opportunities.

Find out more about other research funding opportunities at Birkbeck.