PhD International Studies at Queen's University Belfast

The PhD in International Studies is a research degree in which students become independent researchers under a supervisory team, culminating in an 80,000-word thesis. Research strengths include International Relations, International Political Economy, International Political Sociology, foreign policy analysis, security and terrorism, nationalism and ethnic conflict studies, and feminist International Relations.

Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics  |  Duration: 3 years full-time (thesis submission at end of three years full-time for PhD, two for MPhil, or part-time equivalent)  |  Intake: Academic Year 2027/28  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students work with a supervisory team on a thesis project, and are encouraged from the outset to present at seminars and conferences and publish in high-quality outlets. Research resources include the Political Studies and International Relations seminar, the Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict, the Centre for Gender in Politics and the Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice.

Career pathways

Graduates of the School have found success in academia, journalism, PR, marketing, policy research, social work, teaching, civil service and government posts.

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