PhD International Conflict Analysis at University of Kent

Programme overview

Research degrees (PhD and Master's by Research) in International Conflict Analysis at Canterbury, based largely on independent study and assessed on a dissertation or thesis reporting original research, with training in methods and research skills. Students normally have a main and a secondary supervisor and meet monthly with the main supervisor (bi-monthly part-time).

Department: School of Politics and International Relations | Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time | Intake: September, January | Study mode: full-time or part-time (Canterbury) | Location: Canterbury, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Independent research on topics such as international peacekeeping, crisis diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable development, supervised by a team; students choose their own topic in most cases after agreeing a research proposal with a prospective supervisor.

Career pathways

Alumni have moved into foreign offices and diplomatic services, international organisations such as the UN, EU and OECD, and NGOs including IRC and Amnesty International; graduates also go into academia, local and national government and public relations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2.1 or above: before applying you must contact and confirm supervision with a staff member in the School of Politics and International Relations (applications are not processed until supervision is confirmed); a first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent; for the PhD, a Master's degree in a relevant subject is preferable. English language (international applicants): Good level (CEFR B2); for example IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component, or PTE Academic 63 with at least 59 in each sub-test, or a UK degree or a degree from a majority English-speaking country. All applicants are considered individually and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may be taken into account.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Guide only: full-time UK postgraduate research fee for 2026/27; the 2027/28 UK research fee had not yet been set Source

International applicants: GBP 21,950 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual tuition fee from the 2027/28 fee table Source

Intake: September, January

Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply

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