Entry requirements

First class or very good upper second class honours degree (normally 65+) and a taught master's degree (or equivalent) in political science or a closely related discipline (such as sociology, economics or history).

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the MRes/PhD programme

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of political science. You will begin on the MRes, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.

The Department of Government at LSE is one of the largest political science departments in the UK and covers almost all areas of politics. We offer a comprehensive range of academic approaches, from political theory, political economy, rational choice theory, public policy, nationalism, conflict studies, and comparative government to the history of institutions and policy. Many faculty members have particular regional expertise on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and/or Latin America.

The MRes/PhD Political Science provides world-leading methods training, participation in a lively and open research culture, and the opportunity to be part of one of the best departments in political science and political studies in the world. You will join a small and highly selective entering class, of about 6-10 students, from a wide range of universities around the world. Together you will embark on the MRes portion of the programme, which is a structured route to the PhD.

Department of Government

The Department of Government is home to some of the most internationally respected experts in the study of politics. Within the Department, our expertise centres on six sub-disciplinary pillars of political research: Comparative Politics, Conflict Studies, Political Behaviour and Political Psychology, Political Economy and Institutional Analysis, Political Theory, and Public Policy and Public Administration. Both our research and educational curriculum reflect these sub-disciplinary strengths. The Department produce influential research that has a global impact on policy.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities.

These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Find out more about financial support.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PhD
    full time
    24-48 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MRes
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad
Phone
+44 (0)20 7955 6613