PhD International Relations at University of Kent

Programme overview

A PhD in International Relations at the School of Politics and International Relations, rated 100% world-leading or internationally excellent for environment and publications in REF, and part of the South East ESRC Doctoral Training Centre. Students have regular meetings with a supervisory team.

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 doctoral research supervised by academics, with engagement through the Global Europe Centre and the Conflict Analysis Research Centre.

Career pathways

Alumni have moved into foreign offices and diplomatic services, the UN, EU and OECD, the IRC, Amnesty International, other NGOs and internationally oriented businesses; graduates also go into academia, government and public relations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2.2 or above: a first or second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. 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

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities