PhD/MPhil Politics and international relations at University of Dundee

Programme overview

Research degree in politics and international relations within the School of Social Sciences at Dundee. Academics have particular strength in international politics, and students can propose their own PhD topic.

Department: School of Social Sciences | Duration: 3 to 4 years (3-year, 3.5-year or 4-year PhD pathway depending on prior research training) | Intake: May, September and January | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research supervised by staff, in areas including peace and security, international relations theory, EU politics, terrorism and policing, asylum, migration and borders, human rights, drug policy, and Irish, Russian, African and Middle Eastern politics. Pathways with a Research Training course are offered to applicants needing further research skills.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Honours degree at 2.1 or above and a Masters degree in a relevant discipline. Applicants are assessed by School staff for a 3-year, 3.5-year (with Research Training course) or 4-year (with Research Training course) PhD pathway depending on prior research training and proposal development. English language (international applicants): IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 6.5 in Writing; other English language qualifications are accepted, and nationals of certain countries are exempt. Three start dates per year (May, September, January).

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Scottish/Rest of UK fee status; estimated from the expected UKRI increase; per year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 22,660 a year (2026/27). International fee status; per year of study Source

Intake: May, September and January

Duration: 3 to 4 years (3-year, 3.5-year or 4-year PhD pathway depending on prior research training)

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities