Politics (PhD) at University of Bristol

Conduct advanced political research in an innovative interdisciplinary school. Study with internationally renowned politics and international relations scholars in a dynamic and supportive research environment. Our research activity is guided by focusing on key themes such as critical security; conflict, peace and violence; gender and sexuality; race, colonialism, postcolonialism, and decolonialism; global knowledge (including expertise, ignorance, and secrecy); the climate crisis and green political theory; political economy; political and social inequalities; popular culture and (global) politics; political and international theory; socio-technical systems and their politics; Europe and European governance; the Americas, politics and sociology; African regional and state politics; and South and East Asian regional and state politics.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences  |  Department: School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies  |  Duration: Up to four years full-time, up to eight years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: We welcome new PhD students all year round.  |  Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The PhD in Politics will combine both taught and research components. The taught component provides you with the necessary research methods skills to become an independent researcher, including a better understanding of the research process, ethics, and methodologies so that you are fully equipped to work on your PhD project. You are required to complete this, unless you can provide evidence that you have undertaken this training before joining the programme.

Career pathways

Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation. Graduates of our postgraduate research programmes go on to pursue varied and interesting careers.

Official programme page