Politics

Entry requirements

You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) a taught Masters in a relevant subject area.

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

Equivalent qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

Months of entry

January, September, April

Course content

We accept students into the Department of Politics and International Relations on the basis of a match between your proposed research and the current research interests of a potential supervisor as well as an assessment of qualifications and suitability for a research degree.

Initial discussions about supervision are therefore on the basis of a brief research proposal prepared by prospective students before a formal application is made.

If you'd like to come and discuss your research with the Director of Postgraduate Studies and/or with a potential supervisor, please contact the Departmental Secretary to make an appointment.

Department specialisms

Local government, European politics, British politics, Chinese politics, international relations, nationalism, modern political and social thought, Marx and Marxism, postcolonialism, the politics of health, political sociology, democratisation, and public administration; see details of staff research interests.

Information for international students

For this programme we require:

• IELTS 7.0 with a 7.0 in writing

If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees and funding

Find out more about funding opportunities for home/EU applicants, or funding for international applicants. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

The Department of Politics and International Relations regularly offers postgraduate bursaries for this programme. Find out more about our departmental awards. We also offer a Research studentship funded by the London Borough of Lewisham.

Research students have successfully applied for AHRC studentships and ESRC doctoral training studentships.

Find out more about tuition fees.

Qualification and course duration

PhD

MPhil