Philosophy

Entry requirements

MPhil - You should hold or expect to achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in a related subject.

PhD - You should hold or expect to achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in a related subject.

If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 6.5 in each component).

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Months of entry

January, April, July, October

Course content

A PhD or MPhil in Politics and International Relations at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.

It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject area. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).

Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise.

We have a wide spread of relevant research expertise, including: contemporary political theory; applied ethics; phenomenology; the philosophy of emotion; feminism and gender politics; and economic justice.

As a research student, you will be required to attend skills and training courses. You deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the College of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate conference.

You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

Information for international students

Since its foundation in 1920, Swansea University has embraced opportunities to think globally. The vibrant mix of nationalities and cultures on campus greatly enriches our learning and teaching environment. We understand the type of support our international students need to help them settle into student life in a new country.

Fees and funding