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Politics and International Relations

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Introduction

The Department of Politics and International Relations offers internationally-recognised expertise and postgraduate supervision across the various fields of our discipline.

Study Information

At a glance, want to know more.

We are a medium-sized Department of Politics and International Relations (PIR) with 18 members of staff who investigate some of the world’s most pressing political problems at several levels of analysis: sub-state, state, regional and international. Often adopting an interdisciplinary perspective across the social sciences, the department’s research can be grouped into four key themes: Democracy and Representation; Conflict and Security; Comparative Politics and Policy; and Political and International Relations Theory. PhD study can be undertaken either on campus or at a distance.

Our Research

Often adopting an interdisciplinary perspective across the social sciences, the department’s research can be grouped into four key themes:

Democracy and Representation

Comparative politics and policy, political and international relations theory, conflict and security, research interests.

Several staff members specialise in political and IR theory. This focus includes expertise on postcolonial theory, precarity and affect, aesthetics and politics, temporality, globalisation and global governance, knowledge production in social science, Michel Foucault.

Supervisors: Dr Philippe Beauregard , Dr R Vij

The department has a long-established background in Comparative Politics with expertise on multilevel governance, devolution and constitutional change, migration policymaking, democracy promotion and energy politics. Staff have expertise in areas including the UK, the EU, China, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and post-Soviet states, Scandinavia and the Western Balkans.

Supervisors: Dr L Bennie , Prof M Bain , Dr N Danilova , Dr J McEvoy , Dr Judith Sijstermans , Dr Digdem Soyaltin Colella , Dr E Tabur , Dr K Thomas , Dr A Widfeldt

Our staff research central areas of politics relating to elections, political organisations and emerging challenges to modern liberal democracies. This theme includes expertise on political participation, including party membership, party change and electoral behaviour. We also have expertise on constitutional politics (including independence referenda), energy politics, far-right politics and green politics.

Supervisors: Dr L Bennie , Dr M Harvey , Dr Judith Sijstermans , Dr K Thomas , Dr A Widfeldt

Several staff members have expertise on themes relating to conflict and security, including post-conflict peacebuilding, terrorism and counter-terrorism, civil-military relations, cybersecurity, immigration and asylum, memory studies, political apologies, international security, strategic studies and EU conflict resolution. Supervisors: Dr D A Anagnostakis , Dr M Bain , Dr T Bentley , Dr N Danilova , Dr S Durkin , Dr James Johnson , Dr M Lekunze , Dr S May , Dr J McEvoy , Professor Michael Smith , Dr E Tabur , Dr I Xypolia

Entry Requirements

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body

Applicants to the PhD and MRes must provide a detailed research proposal and two academic references from their most recent academic institution.

APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISORS BEFORE MAKING AN APPLICATION.

Please see PhD Supervision which details our research interests and our leaflet: Guidelines for writing a Research Proposal .

International Applicants

Additional details for international applicants, including country-specific information, are available here .

Fees and Funding

View the tuition fee rates

More information about Fee status, living costs, and work allowances for international students is available here .

Our Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database .

Recent successful postgraduates have gone on to posts in the Scottish Parliament and civil service, the House of Commons, the UK civil service including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the UK Ministry of Defence, international organisations including the United Nations and the European Union, research consultancies, international business and banking, and lobbying.

Others have moved into academic careers or drawn on their Politics and IR degree to undertake Postgraduate qualifications in other disciplines and career paths.

Get in Touch

Contact details.

Email Us [email protected]
Call Us +44 (0)1224 274242
Enquire Now Using an online form

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Postgraduate study

Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

Staff research interests search

Postgraduate research

Politics & International Relations PhD

The UK funding councils assessed two thirds of our research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent, in the Research Assessment Framework (REF) 2014

Politics & International Relations at Glasgow produces innovative and influential research across four main subfields of the discipline:

Comparative Politics

International relations, political theory, area studies.

We have an active and engaged international community of doctoral students and pride ourselves on our active co-supervision by staff with complementary expertise. We work to foster this community through our research seminars, research clusters, professional development sessions and regular staff-student social events.

We are part of the Economic and Social Research Council-funded Scottish Doctoral Training Centre (S-DTC) .

Topics for supervision

Prospective students are encouraged to discuss their research ideas with members of staff who are specialists in their fields of interest before applying.

Authoritarianism
Business & politics
Democracy and democratisation
Elections and voting, including referenda
Energy policy
Environmental policy
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) politics
Political communication
Political economy
Political parties
Political psychology
Politics of education
Politics of migration
Public opinion [especially elections, political trust, participation and democratic support]
Social movements and political activism
Welfare policy

Broad expertise in comparative politics of China; Western, East and Central Europe; the European Union; United States; Russia and the post-Soviet region; Latin America; and the Middle East. For some topics we have research expertise also on Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Conflict and political violence
Critical security studies and approaches to peace
Development and foreign aid
Emotions and aesthetics in global politics
Foreign policy analysis
Gender and development
Humanitarianism
International cooperation and international organisations
International development
International organisations
International political economy
International security
Migration and refugee politics
Post-colonial and decolonial international relations
Securitisation theory
Transnational politics (non-state actors)
War: causes and origins
War: strategic studies

Broad expertise in international relations in Europe (East, West and Central); Russia & the post-Soviet region; the European Union; North America; and the Middle East. For some topics we have research expertise also on Africa, the Caribbean, China, the Pacific and South Asia.

Climate change ethics
Distributive justice
Egalitarianism
History of political economy
History of political thought
Liberal and conservative political thought
Methods in political theory
Political philosophy
The Scottish Enlightenment
Chinese politics
Central & East European politics
Latin American politics
Russian & post-Soviet politics
Southern European politics

Study options

PhD: 3 years full-time; 5 years part-time.

Final assessment involves the submission of a thesis of between 70,000 and 100,000 words and an oral examination (viva voce).

Entry requirements

Our research degree applicants will usually possess a good Master’s degree (or overseas equivalent), with a significant component in politics.

Your proposed research topic should be in an area in which supervision can be offered. You may find it helpful to search our staff research profiles .

Research proposal

A good proposal should contain the following elements:

a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
a clear account of exactly what the question is that your research will address
an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent study in the subject
an assessment of the key theoretical, empirical and/or policy literatures to which the study will contribute
an indication of the theoretical/analytical frame that will be utilised by the study
a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take
a discussion of the primary sources that your research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums
an indicative bibliography of secondary sources that you have already consulted and/or are planning to consult

The length of the proposal should normally be no more than 1500 words not including references.

These are general guidelines for writing a research proposal and applicants should follow more specific instructions if provided by Schools or scholarship application procedures.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

7.0 with no sub-test under 6.5
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test
IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

94; with Reading 19; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 21
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

66 with no subtest less than: Listening 59;Reading 60; Speaking 59; Writing 74
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

185 overall, no subtest less than 176

Oxford English Test

Oxford ELLT 8
R&L: OIDI level no less than 7 with Reading: 25-26 and Listening: 18-19
W&S: OIDI level no less than 8.

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Fees and funding

UK: £4,786
International & EU: £25,290

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

Fee status and policies

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

Re-submission by a research student £540
Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

Postgraduate research scholarships

The College of Social Sciences Graduate School draws together internationally recognised scholars and respected practitioners to offer a range of research programmes.

Our programmes are based on thorough training in research methods and we encourage you to take part in numerous exciting seminars, conferences and events. We offer modern library, IT services and a wide-range of support services. You will be living in one of Europe’s most exciting cities which has a vibrant cultural and social life.

Our Graduate School Researcher Development Programme will support you to plan your professional development over the course of your PhD and ensure your employability.

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors.

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search .

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional. References may be uploaded as part of the application form or you may enter your referees contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference. We can also accept confidential references direct to [email protected] , from the referee’s university or business email account.
Research proposal, CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area.
If you have any questions about your application: contact our Admissions team
Any references may be submitted by email to: [email protected]

International Students

Advice on visa, immigrations and the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) can be found on our International student pages

Related subjects:

PhD Government and Politics
PhD African Studies
PhD Age Studies
PhD American Studies
PhD Americas: Studies
PhD Anthropology
PhD Applied Social Studies
PhD Asian Studies
PhD Classics
PhD Community Studies
PhD Criminology
PhD Cultural Studies
PhD Development Politics
PhD Ethnology
PhD France Studies
PhD Gender Studies
PhD Humanities
PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
PhD International Politics
PhD International Relations
PhD International Studies
PhD Islamic Studies
PhD Middle East Studies
PhD Middle Eastern Studies
PhD Policy Studies
PhD Politics
PhD Politics of Specific Countries
PhD Social Anthropology
PhD Social Research
PhD Social Sciences
PhD Social Studies
PhD Sociology
PhD Sociology of Health and Sickness
PhD Sociology of Specific Subjects
PhD Strategic Studies
PhD War Studies

Course title (A-Z)
Course title (Z-A)
Price: high - low
Price: low - high

Politics and International Relations PhD

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PhD in International Relations

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Course type:

Full time PhD
Part time PhD

Qualification:

Related subjects:.

PhD subject areas

As a postgraduate researcher at the University of Stirling, you’ll be part of a vibrant and supportive research community that has a reputation for turning insight into impact.

Explore the subject areas below to see the wide range of disciplines you can conduct your research in, and learn more about the types of research degrees on offer to decide whether a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Professional Doctorate is right for you.

Postgraduate research subject areas A–Z

Accounting and finance, applied social research, aquaculture, biological and environmental sciences, communications, media and culture.

Computing Science
Criminal Justice
Criminology
Dementia and Ageing

Family Therapy

Health sciences, literature and languages, management, work and organisation.

Mathematics

Marketing and Retail

Social work.

Sociology and Social Policy

Substance Use

Can’t see your subject area.

The subject areas listed on this page represent broad topics we offer supervision in. If you don’t see a subject area that is an exact match for your interests – or if you want to conduct interdisciplinary research – you should apply for the area that seems most relevant to your research proposal. Our experts supervise PhD students in a huge range of topics, and we can reallocate applications to the most suitable subject area after you apply.

If you’d like to ask as a question about PhD study at Stirling, please get in touch . To find out more about interdisciplinary research at Stirling, view our Research themes and programmes .

Accounting and Finance PhD

Our Accounting and Finance research is recognised as being academically excellent, policy relevant, and of benefit to society.

The Accounting and Finance Division at Stirling offers a stimulating environment in which to study towards a PhD. Students come onto this pathway from a variety of backgrounds, including disciplines allied with accounting and finance such as economics. There is a national shortage of researchers in this area and the need to increase the number of PhD students to address this shortage has been highlighted in independent reports. As such, students who complete the PhD Accounting and Finance programme have excellent career prospects and will be in high demand in both academia and industry. Students graduating from this programme have found faculty positions in top universities across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as in leading financial institutions.

The PhD Accounting and Finance programme is accredited by the ESRC and affiliated by the Accounting and Finance pathway of the Scottish Graduate School, which is supported by the British Accounting Association (BAA) and its regional Scottish Accounting Group (SAG) (active for over 20 years) as well as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). Whether your career aim involves a research or teaching lead academic career, or working in a leading financial institution, the PhD in Accounting and Finance can help you achieve your goals.

The University of Stirling is accredited by AACSB International in recognition of our excellence in business education. This puts the University of Stirling Management School among the top 6% of business schools globally.

Apply for PhD Accountancy and Finance
Apply for MPhil Accountancy and Finance

Doctor of Applied Social Research

Our Doctor of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

If you’re an experienced professional who wants to advance your expertise and broaden your career opportunities, this course is an ideal match. From the outset, you’ll gain high-quality research skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace and refined through access to seminars and advanced training opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the guidance of our expert staff and your interaction with fellow professionals and executives from a range of social science backgrounds.

The course is highly flexible, and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You can also fine-tune your Doctorate in Applied Social Research based on your profession by choosing one of the following pathways:

social work
dementia studies
substance use
criminal justice
social research
family therapy

You'll acquire skills that bring you up to date with the latest ideas, findings and research methods in your field, all of which you can feed back into optimising the workplace and taking decisive actions that improve services and advance your career.

Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research and apply online

Aquaculture PhD

The University of Stirling is a global leader in aquaculture research and teaching, supporting the development of aquaculture worldwide. Our expert staff, facilities and networks – including the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre hosted at Stirling – make us the first choice for research partners from across the globe. Our research looks at reproduction, genetics, aquatic animal health and welfare, nutrition, production systems, environments, markets, and social and economic impacts – with the overarching goal of providing insights and solutions that will help meet the global challenges of feeding the world in a sustainable manner. We welcome applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who are passionate about making a contribution to the research activities undertaken by the Institute.

Apply for PhD Aquaculture
Apply for MPhil Aquaculture

Aquatic Veterinary Studies PhD

Apply for PhD Aquatic Veterinary Studies
Apply for MPhil Aquatic Veterinary Studies

Biology PhD

Our Faculty of Natural Sciences is internationally renowned for research exploring the relationship between human behaviour, technology and the environment. We offer PhDs supervised by expert staff, and are proud of the key contributions made by research students to our achievements.

PhD students in Biology will join a vibrant research environment in which we seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We look at how environments and ecosystems have changed over annual to millennial timescales to predict and mitigate the future impacts of anthropogenic change and natural hazards. We consistently attract major research grant support from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, charitable trusts and industrial sponsors.

You can find out more about our PhD opportunities in Biological and Environmental Sciences .

Conduct your postgraduate research with us and you’ll join a friendly community where teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2020).

Apply for PhD Biology
Apply for PhD Biology with placement
Apply for MPhil Biology

Ecology PhD

PhD students in Ecology will join a vibrant research environment in which we seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We look at how environments and ecosystems have changed over annual to millennial timescales to predict and mitigate the future impacts of anthropogenic change and natural hazards. We consistently attract major research grant support from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, charitable trusts and industrial sponsors.

You can find out more about our PhD opportunities in Biological and Environmental Sciences .

Apply for PhD Ecology
Apply for PhD Ecology with placement
Apply for MPhil Ecology

Environmental Science PhD

PhD students in Environmental Science will join a vibrant research environment in which we seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. We look at how environments and ecosystems have changed over annual to millennial timescales to predict and mitigate the future impacts of anthropogenic change and natural hazards. We consistently attract major research grant support from the Natural Environment Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, charitable trusts and industrial sponsors.

Apply for PhD Enviromental Science
Apply for PhD Environmental Science with placement
Apply for MPhil Environmental Science

English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism PhD

The University of Stirling has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Communications, Media and Culture research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, 100% of our research environment in English was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Our work encompasses research into screen and print media, digital media and social media, public communication and promotional culture, heritage and archives. We have research specialists in journalism and public relations in addition to researchers working on many aspects of media representation, media institutions, media and communications policy, and also on numerous relationships between media, culture and society.

As a PhD researcher in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, you’ll be provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. You’ll also have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

Apply for PhD English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism
Apply for MPhil English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism

Film and Media Studies PhD

Communications and media research at Stirling has played an important role in the development of the research field both in the UK and internationally from the foundation of the original department in 1978. Of our research in Communications, Media and Culture, 70 per cent was rated as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. As a PhD student researching film and media studies at Stirling, you’ll benefit from all this expertise – and play a key part in contributing to it in a supportive, vibrant research environment.

Apply for PhD Film and Media Studies
Apply for MPhil Film and Media Studies

Public Relations PhD

Communications, Media and Culture at the University of Stirling had 70 percent of its research rated as either ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Our expertise in Public Relations has helped us build strong links with industry, giving PhD students the chance to both learn from and contribute to the latest thinking in the arena. We host regular visits from guest speakers and work closely with a range of international research partners – further contributing to a vibrant research environment that values your contribution as a Postgraduate researcher and supports you in your ambitions.

Apply for PhD Public Relations
Apply for MPhil Public Relations

Computing Science and Mathematics

Professional doctorate data science.

Our Professional Doctorate Data Science is the first industrial doctorate of its kind, and is supported by The Data Lab.

We build on Stirling’s highly successful taught MSc Data Science to equip you with a range of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and practical skills and tools, that will lead to an academic or industry job in the area of Data Science, with possible applications to sectors including, e.g., life-sciences, finance, engineering, computing, healthcare, fintech, business.

In addition to enhancing students’ employability through work-based learning, the doctorate prepares you to undertake interdisciplinary Data Science research, jointly supervised by world-leading Stirling academics and Data Science industry experts.

The research programme is conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner around industry-relevant research questions. Students should be employees or have established a collaboration with an industrial partner. If an industrial partner has not been identified yet, interested applicants may either check with relevant academic staff if opportunities are available (typically, active staff in the topic of interest), or enrol in one of the available MSc programs (you may want to get in touch with the program director), which can then grant access to the second year of the Professional Doctorate Data Science, should an industrial collaboration be identified meanwhile.

Find out more about our Professional Doctorate Data Science and apply online

Computing Science PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 95% of our Computing Science and Mathematics research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. As a PhD student researching Computing Science at Stirling, you’ll benefit from the support and expertise of leading academics who encourage you to think outside the box and tackle real problems affecting industry and society. The contributions of our postgraduate researchers play a vital role in our work, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our passion for making a positive impact through Computing Science research.

Find out more about our PhD opportunities in Computing Science and Mathematics .

Apply for PhD Computing Science
Apply for MPhil Computing Science

Mathematics PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 95% of our Computing Science and Mathematics research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. As a PhD student researching Mathematics at Stirling, you’ll benefit from the support and expertise of leading academics who encourage you to think outside the box and tackle real problems affecting industry and society. The contributions of our postgraduate researchers play a vital role in our work, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our passion for making a positive impact through Mathematics research.

Find out more about our PhD opportunities in Computing Science and Mathematics .

Apply for PhD Mathematics
Apply for MPhil Mathematics

Dementia and Ageing

Doctor of applied social research (dementia studies).

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Dementia Studies.

Ultimately, you’ll acquire skills that bring you up-to-date with the latest ideas, findings and research methods in your field, all of which you can feed back into optimising the workplace and taking decisive actions that improve services and advance your career.

Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Dementia Studies) and apply online

Dementia and Ageing PhD

Dementia research at the University of Stirling is multidisciplinary, relevant to policy and practice, and places a particular emphasis on people with dementia and those who support and care for them. Our research spans from healthcare – looking at the outcomes of people with cognitive impairment and dementia in the hospital setting – through to end of life care, decision making for care provision, the roles of community based care professionals in particular community pharmacists, and the importance of the dementia friendly neighbourhood. This large spectrum of research is made possible by the vast skill mix of the team: doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologist, economists, social workers, social scientists, musicians, carers and people with dementia. The Research Group works with researchers, clinicians and social care practitioners from many disciplines across the University and with national and international colleagues in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. The University of Stirling is also home to the Dementia Services Development Centre – an international centre of knowledge and expertise. We welcome applications from prospective PhD students who are interested in joining us in our work.

Apply for PhD Dementia Studies
Apply for MPhil Dementia Studies

Economics PhD

The aim of the PhD Economics programme is the development of students who (a) develop a very high degree of technical ability in economic theory and methods, to allow advanced career progression in the field, and (b) are supported to make an original research contribution to knowledge through high level peer-reviewed publication.

The PhD programme is affiliated with the prestigious Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics and is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council.

The division is a vibrant and friendly place in which to be based, with a weekly seminar series providing contact with leading external researchers, as well as opportunities to network with academic staff from the division. Whether your career aim involves a research or teaching lead academic career, working in an environmental charity or NGO, or a having a professional economist position in a financial institution, a PhD in Economics can help you achieve your goals.

Apply for PhD Economics
Apply for MPhil Economics

Education EdD

Our Doctor in Education is an ideal development opportunity if you’re a senior education professional seeking to enhance and use your research expertise. Whatever your area of education – from schools, colleges and universities to professional, work-based and lifelong learning, or policy development – earning an EdD will position you as a leader in your field. Our Doctor in Education is tailored to the needs of busy professionals and combines an excellent grounding in research methods and educational theory with the opportunity to put your research to work in improving professional policy and practice. You’ll work towards your EdD either full or part time under the guidance of expert teachers who have helped to secure the University’s reputation as the 3rd in Scotland and one of the top 10 in the UK for Education (The Complete University Guide 2023).

Find out more about our Doctor in Education and apply online

Education PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 100% of our research impact and environment in Education is classed as world leading or internationally excellent.

Our early years education research has influenced education provision and practice in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the USA, and our research on the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is influencing government policy around CfE and developing key tools for teachers to use in schools to improve education.

As a PhD student, you’ll benefit from all our expertise and conduct your research in a supportive, vibrant environment that helps to develop your research skills and provide a collaborative research environment, so you can make a difference to wider society.

Apply for PhD Education

PhD TESOL Research

A PhD in TESOL Research will mark you out as an expert researcher in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages, and will equip you with new skills in understanding complex matters and increase your confidence as a researcher. We’ll support you throughout your research, and you’ll benefit from the knowledge of our Education experts. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), 100% of our Education research submissions were judged world leading or internationally excellent in terms of the quality of the research environment and their impact – highlighting the vibrant, world-leading research environment you’ll be part of.

Find out more about our PhD TESOL Research and apply online

Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Family Therapy)

Our Doctorate of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

If you’re an experienced professional who wants to advance your expertise and broaden your career opportunities, this course is an ideal match. From the outset, you’ll gain high-quality research skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace and refined through access to seminars and advanced training opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the guidance of our expert staff and your interaction with other doctoral students from a range of social science backgrounds. The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career.

Find out more about our Doctorate of Applied Social Research and apply online

Clinical Doctorates

Our Clinical Doctorate is the only one of its kind in Scotland, tailored to the needs of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. The course is practice-focused and has been designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the healthcare sector.

If you’re passionate about improving patient care, whilst retaining a clinical focus, this course is designed for you. You’ll join professionals from a range of disciplines for on-campus and online study, benefitting not only from the extensive knowledge of the Clinical Doctorate team, but also from each other’s experiences. As a qualified Doctor of Nursing, Midwifery or Professional Health Studies you’ll have the highest level of academic qualification available within your specialism – placing you at the forefront of your profession as a recognised, highly employable expert.

Healthcare professionals on the course could include: nurses, midwives, dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, paramedics, speech and language therapists, podiatrists, sport psychologists and genetic counsellors.

Find out more about our Clinical Doctorates and apply online

Health Sciences PhD

Study for a Health Sciences PhD or MPhil at the University of Stirling and you’ll join a friendly postgraduate health science community, where teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2018).

We’re proud of the key contributions made by our research students to our achievements and our PhD students are supervised and supported by leading academics who have outstanding multidisciplinary research records. These include specialists in public health, epidemiology, statistics, social marketing, health psychology, nursing, health services research and evaluation. They have expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. We’re committed to making a difference to world needs in health, wellbeing and society. If you share our passion, the University of Stirling is the perfect place to conduct postgraduate research in Health Sciences.

Apply for PhD Health Sciences
Apply for MPhil Health Sciences

Nursing and Midwifery PhD

Study for a Nursing and Midwifery PhD or MPhil at the University of Stirling and you’ll join a friendly postgraduate health science community, where teaching, employability, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness are all five-star rated (QS Stars University Ratings 2018).

We’re proud of the key contributions made by our research students to our achievements and our PhD students are supervised and supported by leading academics who have outstanding multidisciplinary research records. These include registered nurses, midwives and other allied health care professionals, who have interests across the fields of practice and work in research teams in self-care, cancer care, evaluation and public health. We’re committed to making a difference to world needs in health, wellbeing and society. If you share our passion, the University of Stirling is the perfect place to conduct postgraduate research in Nursing.

Apply for PhD Nursing and Midwifery
Apply for MPhil Nursing and Midwifery

History, Heritage and Politics

Doctor of diplomacy ddipl.

This course brings together best practice in academic learning and professional expertise. A unique feature of the face-to-face and practical aspect of the course is weekend seminars, which maximise your opportunities for discussion of key issues and flexible delivery. The suite of modules includes diplomatic simulations and negotiation exercises, which can also be taken à la carte. The DDipl consists of two parts. Full-time students can expect to complete the degree in three to four years. The taught part of the course will last for two academic years if you’re a full-time student. In your final year (with the option of applying for a one-year extension), PhD candidates will complete a thesis within about one year. This thesis will enable you to reflect on pertinent issues of diplomacy in light of the theory and conceptual knowledge you have gained over the course of your degree – as well as through your independent research. Most working professionals are likely to choose part-time study for this degree. If you choose the part-time degree pathway, the completion of the DDipl will take proportionately longer.

Find out more about our DDipl Doctor of Diplomacy and apply online

Heritage PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in Heritage at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a vibrant research culture, supervised by academic staff who are international leaders in their fields. You will join a dynamic cohort of early career researchers who benefit from a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research environment. Students benefit from the University’s Centre for Environment, Heritage and Policy and the Interdisciplinary Research Programme in Cultural Heritage , as well as our institutional partnerships with the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland.

Our research makes a tangible impact on heritage policy and practice and improves the quality of life of the communities that we engage with. We examine how ideas of a shared past are created and contested through diverse forms of tangible and intangible heritage, which we see as fundamentally interrelated. We also explore the ways in which heritage intersects with some of the most significant challenges of our time, including issues of nationalism, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, decolonisation, climate change, and disasters. Collaborating with heritage professionals, communities and civil society we explore fundamental issues underpinning the field, including authenticity, memory, identity, and place, alongside practice-led lines of inquiry in areas such as conservation, significance assessment, social value, museology, replication, reconstruction and community participatory practices.

Students have access to dedicated research facilities, as well as the opportunity to participate in a range of research seminars and workshops. The University of Stirling’s Institute for Advanced Studies delivers an excellent research training and career development programme, and students also participate in the training offered by the Scottish Graduate School in Arts and Humanities (SGSAH). We have a strong track record of supporting our students to gain funding and value cross-disciplinary supervision, working with colleagues in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Stirling Management School, as well as other disciplines in Arts and Humanities.

When you click the apply link below, you will be directed to an application form titled "PhD History”. Please be assured that this is the correct form to use for Heritage, because PhD History and PhD Heritage share an admissions code.

Apply for PhD Heritage
Apply for MPhil Heritage

History PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in History at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds.

Research students can draw on the expertise of our academic staff, all of whom have national and international reputations in their respective fields. We value the opportunity to work with new research talent and have put in place a supportive environment for you to develop your skills and pursue your specialist field of research.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has a vibrant postgraduate research community working across its four Divisions. Students are provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. Research students have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

Apply for PhD History
Apply for MPhil History

Politics PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in Politics at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds.

Apply for PhD Politics
Apply for MPhil Politics

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Housing)

Our Doctor of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Housing) and apply online

Housing PhD

Study for a PhD in Housing Studies at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a research environment with an outstanding international reputation. In the Faculty of Social Sciences we engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll receive expert support and encouragement as you conduct your research and pursue your ambitions.

Our Housing Studies staff are on the cutting-edge of housing research, with specialist expertise in policy analysis, homelessness and housing rights, social theory, housing and land market analysis. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework – a UK-wide assessment of universities’ research output – we ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK in the Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

Apply for PhD Housing
Apply for MPhil housing

Law and Philosophy

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research impact and 82% of our overall research in Law was classed as world leading or internationally excellent. Research is centred around a number of clusters, reflecting staff expertise. These include Private Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Public Law, Competition Law, Intellectual Property and Legal Philosophy. Our Law staff are involved in a number of research networks and groups – from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Implementation Project, to the University Association for Contemporary European Studies. Postgraduate students undertaking a PhD or MPhil in Law at the University benefit directly from our vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment, and play a key role in furthering the division’s knowledge.

Apply for PhD Law
Apply for MPhil Law

Philosophy PhD

The University of Stirling offers a range of postgraduate research opportunities in Philosophy through our collaboration with the University of St Andrews. The St Andrews and Stirling Graduate programme in Philosophy (SASP) is taught by the Philosophy departments at the University of St Andrews and the University of Stirling, which together form Scotland’s premier centre for Philosophy and one of the top Philosophy programmes in the United Kingdom. The philosophical ambience is rigorous, friendly and co-operative.

We offer graduate teaching at a level that matches the best graduate programmes elsewhere in the world, across many areas of Philosophy. Our students are active participants in both the Arché Philosophical Research Centre and the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs. In addition, the department hosts the Institute for Gender Studies.

Find out more about Philosophy PhD and MPhil opportunities

Learn more about our Philosophy research

English Studies PhD (including Creative Writing)

English Studies at Stirling encompasses the study of global literatures written in English, English language (including Global Englishes), and Anglophone cultures from the medieval period to the present day. It also encompasses creative practice. We offer expert supervision in all these areas. Our key research strengths include:

Book History (from the medieval to the present day)
Scottish Studies
Gothic Studies
Medieval, Early Modern and Eighteenth-Century Studies
Victorian and Neo-Victorian Studies
Creative Writing
English Language and Linguistics
Postcolonial Studies
Translation Studies

You may wish to contact us about projects in any of these areas. We also offer supervision in other areas of English Studies and supervise doctoral students from across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and indeed the rest of the University. Notably we co-supervise projects with colleagues in History, Social Sciences, and Law.

We have excellent national and international connections, with links to universities across Europe, North America, and Asia. We also hold leadership roles in learned societies, lead major international research projects, organise conferences, and are active members of editorial boards of the leading journals in the field, which will help you create connections as you complete your research with us. You will also be able to take advantage of our long-established links with libraries, archives, and museums across the UK. Recent collaborations with external partners include the British Library, the National Trust for Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, NHS Scotland, and many others. In terms of additional sources of funding, we would point you to the Carnegie Trust PhD Scholarships: we have had a successful track record with these in recent years.

In addition to the outstanding support within English Studies, you will join a large group of doctoral students within the Division of Literature and Languages. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities will provide access to dedicated research facilities, including working spaces. We also dedicate financial resources towards supporting doctoral candidates to access archives, carry out fieldwork, and attend conferences. There are excellent training opportunities in place at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums, a Divisional Writing Group which organises weekly Writing Hours and Writing Retreats, and the opportunity to get involved with conference organisation. PhD students in English Studies become valued members of our research community, and trusted colleagues in our teaching endeavours.

Apply for PhD English Studies
Apply for MPhil English Studies

French at Stirling makes a vital contribution to the rich disciplinary and interdisciplinary research environment of the Division of Literature and Languages. As a PhD student, you will be welcomed into a thriving, inclusive community of researchers. We encourage and support our PhD students to build confidence by taking part in staff-student research seminars and public engagement events, organising postgraduate conferences and publications and joining subject-association committees. You well also benefit from University’s Institute for Advanced Studies professional training and support. Enjoy access to our state-of-the art facilities, including our renowned inspirational campus grounds. As a student in French, you will be supported by a team whose internationally-recognised, award-winning research foregrounds the diversity of the French-speaking world and emphasises French as a global language. Many of our research staff in French also hold key roles in subject associations and are involved as editors or editorial board members of leading journals in their fields.

French at Stirling is internationally recognised for a research culture that has long underpinned transformative, decolonising approaches to curriculum development. We have led the way in (re)-shaping disciplinary understandings and prioritised a forward-thinking, inclusive research ethos that responds to a changing world and the place of French-speaking cultures within it. A small, supportive team with a strong collaborative work ethos, French at Stirling welcomes enquiries and applications from strong PhD candidates working across the full range of our areas of expertise

Established research strengths in French include: visual cultures (especially cinema), postcolonial literatures and decolonising methodologies, museum studies, poetry, histories of migration, gender and sexualities, queer studies, environmental humanities, translation studies.

Apply for PhD French
Apply for MPhil French

Languages, Cultures and Religions PhD

As a PhD student in Languages, Cultures and Religions you’ll contribute to a research culture that cuts across the disciplinary units of English (including English Language, Literature, Creative Writing and Publishing Studies), Modern Languages, Translation Studies, and Religion, and foregrounds their intersections. We work within a shared set of research groups, bringing together outstanding researchers to develop their fields. Our wide-ranging expertise comprises creative practice and the study of global literatures, cinema, languages and cultures from the medieval period to the present day. We work with a diverse range of theoretical frameworks and welcome students who are interested in engaging with the latest work in Translation and Interpreting, Gender and Sexuality, Postcolonial Studies,

Research students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities are provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. Research students have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

Apply for PhD Languages, Cultures and Religions
Apply for MPhil Languages, Cultures and Religions

Publishing Studies PhD

The Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication is a world-leading centre for postgraduate publishing studies, offering expertise in contemporary and historical publishing. The Centre celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 as one of the first UK centres for research and postgraduate education in publishing studies. Scotland is a particularly exciting place to study publishing, with a rich literary culture and a distinctive publishing ecosystem, characterised by dynamic independent publishers.

As a PhD researcher, you will join a supportive and collegial research community and benefit from the Centre’s close relationships with publishing companies and literary organisations, as well as other universities. Our research expertise is wide-ranging, including digital publishing, global publishing, scholarly communications and open access, publishing and the visual arts, small press publishing and contemporary literary culture including book prizes and festivals. We are part of the Division for Literature and Languages, which offers adjacent expertise in literature, creative writing, translation and book history, hosting The Pathfoot Press, a centre for letterpress publishing. There are paths for interdisciplinary research and supervision.

Research students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities have access to dedicated facilities for research and opportunities to participate in a wide range of research seminars and workshops, within specialist research centres and collaboratively in multi-disciplinary forums.

Our PhD community incorporates researchers from professional publishing backgrounds, publishing postgraduates, and graduates from other backgrounds. We welcome enquiries about potential PhDs and can advise on sources of funding. Previous students have obtained AHRC funding via the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities (SGSAH), and Carnegie Caledonian PhD scholarships.

Apply for PhD Publishing Studies

Religious Studies PhD

As a postgraduate researcher in Religion at Stirling, you’ll work with a range of scholars at the cutting edge of critical and interdisciplinary engagement, exploring the way religion intersects with politics, gender, philosophy, postcolonial studies, theology, economics, literature, music, and the arts, sociology and more.

Under the banner of Critical Religion, our research seeks to interrogate how we have come to think about the historical construction and category of “religion” itself, and to ask positive but searching questions about the place of religious discourse and practice in contemporary societies. We see this as a necessarily interdisciplinary enterprise, and encourage doctoral projects that combine theoretical ideas (such as from philosophy, theology, feminism, or critical theory) with more embodied expressions within society and culture (such as from literature and the arts, material culture, economic activity, or political formations). Our expertise in Continental Philosophy, Non-Western Scholarly Traditions, Caribbean culture, Postcolonial Literature and theory, Gender, Hermeneutics, Middle East Politics, China, Translation, Economics, Literature and the Arts (including music), Sociology of Religion and Cultural Studies are just some of the principal lenses through which we wish to pursue what it means to “be” religious in a globalising world.

We have a vibrant research environment that welcomes, values and supports interdisciplinary doctoral researchers. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities provide access to dedicated research facilities, study space, and training opportunities at multiple levels. Pursing a PhD in Religion in this context at Stirling will then offer unique opportunities to work collaboratively across disciplinary subjects, as you engage in research seminars, workshops and forums both with broad connections and within specialist research centres that involve Religion.

Apply for PhD Religious Studies
Apply for MPhil Religious Studies

Spanish PhD

Studying for a PhD in Spanish, you’ll benefit from our international partnerships and broad expertise in film and visual cultures, literary writing and theory, postcolonial studies and more.

Apply for PhD Spanish
Apply for MPhil Spanish

Management, Work and Organisation PhD

Conducting a PhD in Management, Work and Organisation at the University of Stirling will put you at the heart of a vibrant environment which facilitates the development of world-class research. Research in the Division covers a range of business and management topics and supports knowledge exchange, research impact, as well as the development of young scholars.

The Management, Work and Organisation Division is comprised of two Groups – Business and Strategy, and Working Lives. Staff in these Groups have international reputations for the quality of their research, which is published in leading journals such as the Journal of Management Studies, Human Relations, Journal of Business Ethics and more.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll benefit from all of our expertise and make your own key contributions in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Apply for PhD Management and Organisation
Apply for MPhil Management and Organisation

Marketing and Retail PhD

The PhD in Marketing and Retail enables students to undertake research in a broad range of topics. Students often conduct their research in collaboration with industry, charities, and governmental bodies with a view to using the findings of their research to improve some aspect of the organisation’s operation.

The PhD programme is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council and is affiliated with the prestigious Business and Management Pathway of the Scottish Graduate School.

The Marketing and Retail division has particular strengths in consumer culture and society and retail studies, as well as brands and branding, corporate social responsibility, and marketing in the small and medium sized enterprise. Whether your career aim involves a research or teaching orientated academic career, working in a charity or NGO, or a career in business, the PhD in Marketing can help you achieve your goals.

Apply for PhD Marketing
Apply for MPhil Marketing

Professional Doctorate Health Psychology

Our Professional Doctorate Health Psychology will train you to develop scientific and practitioner skills in Health Psychology, and to be eligible to become a health psychologist. It is based on real-world placement learning, and includes brief periods of teaching and workshops.

You'll acquire specific competencies as defined by the British Psychological Society. You'll also gain competence in carrying out a piece of high quality empirical research to a standard publishable in peer review journals.

Supervision is provided by the experienced and enthusiastic health team in Psychology. We have an excellent international reputation in the field of Health Psychology with a record of high quality research into health and health behaviour.

The Professional Doctorate award is also available for study via a two year part-time top-up research doctorate route. Applicants who already hold a doctoral level (practitioner) qualification in Health Psychology via the British Psychological Society (QHP), and are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a ‘Health Psychologist’ will be eligible to complete the research module for award of the Professional Doctorate degree.

Students following this route will be required to complete the 240 credit ‘Applied Research in Health Psychology’ module, via one-to-one supervision.

Find out more about our Professional Doctorate Health Psychology and apply online

Psychology PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research impact and environment, and 87% of our overall research in Psychology is classed as world leading or internationally excellent. From the neuropsychology of perception and action to influences of smell on mate choice, we have a diverse range of research interests, and our staff are highly collaborative, with an extensive network of international research partners. Many of our academic staff and students conduct interdisciplinary research while working closely with public services and industry. Our research is organised in three overarching research groups: Cognition in Complex Environments, Behaviour & Evolution and Health and Behaviour Change. We have a collegiate working environment that provides excellent support and mentoring to early career researchers, making Stirling the perfect place to study for a PhD or MPhil in Psychology.

Apply for PhD Psychology
Apply for MPhil Psychology

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Work)

Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Work) and apply online

Social Work PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research in Social Work was deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

As a PhD researcher in Social Work, you’ll benefit from our desire to engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. Our staff having outstanding international research records, and you’ll be part of a Faculty that hosts and collaborates with renowned centres and networks such as The Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, the Dementia Services Development Centre and many more.

Our research influences policy, shapes thinking and improves lives. Postgraduate researchers in Social Work have a key role to play in all that we do, and we offer a supportive, encouraging environment to help you achieve your goals.

Apply for PhD Social Work
Apply for MPhil Social Work

Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology

Criminology phd.

The University of Stirling is ranked first in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Our world-class teaching is underpinned by leading-edge empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment which welcomes and supports PhD researchers in achieving their goals.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, Social Work and Social Policy research was ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

Apply for PhD Criminology

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Criminal Justice)

Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Criminal Justice) and apply online

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Drug and Alcohol Studies)

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Research)

Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Research) and apply online

Sociology and Social Policy PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, Stirling ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy research – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

As a PhD researcher in Sociology and Social Policy, you’ll benefit from our desire to engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. Our staff having outstanding international research records, and you’ll be part of a Faculty that hosts and collaborates with renowned centres and networks such as The Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, the Dementia Services Development Centre and many more.

Our research influences policy, shapes thinking and improves lives. Postgraduate researchers in Sociology and Social Policy have a key role to play in all that we do, and we offer a supportive, encouraging environment to help you achieve your goals.

Apply for PhD Sociology and Social Policy
Apply for MPhil Sociology and Social Policy

Sports Studies PhD

As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we pride ourselves on game-changing research. We’re shedding light on the risks posed by heading footballs, informing the conversation around anti-doping and inspiring the next generation to form healthy habits. Sport is in our DNA, and our research reflects our passion to make an impact on the global stage.

Our campus is home to Olympic athletes, national academies for tennis and swimming and unique five-star facilities – creating a dynamic environment where theory and practice are closely interlinked.

PhD studies in Sport and Exercise Science can be undertaken in diverse contexts from high performance sport to population health. Staff specialisms include genetics and molecular biology, nutrition and hydration, neuro-muscular function and physical activity. Doctoral students join a dynamic, internationally recognised academic community carrying out innovative studies that improve human health and performance and address global challenges.

Meanwhile, our expertise in Sport and Social Sciences allows doctoral students to conduct original studies across diverse sub-disciplines including sport coaching, sport psychology, sport policy, sociology of sport, and sport management, governance and economics. Our strong connections across the sport, health and exercise sectors allow students to address key issues in sport including anti-doping policy, coach education, sport for social change, sport and identity, and sport mega events. Our expertise includes the role of sport in contributing to health and wellbeing, including active lifestyles and workplace health.

Apply for PhD Sports Studies
Apply for MPhil Sports Studies

Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Substance Use)

If you’re an experienced professional who wants to advance your expertise and broaden your career opportunities, this course is an ideal match. From the outset, you’ll gain high-quality research skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace and refined through access to seminars and advanced training opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the guidance of our expert staff and your interaction with other doctoral students from a range of social science backgrounds.

Find out more about our Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Substance Use) and apply online

Interesting for you
My settings

As a student in the Politics programme from the University of Strathclyde, you can study an MPhil over one year or a PhD over the course of three years.

University of Strathclyde Multiple locations Glasgow , Scotland , United Kingdom Top 2% worldwide Studyportals University Meta Ranking 4.4 Read 79 reviews

Programme Overview

We have over 30 full-time staff who can offer you great expertise and supervision in your area of research. You'll be based in our Graduate School where you'll join our current research students working across many disciplines.

Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert RPD) programme:

As part of the Politics PhD programme from the University of Strathclyde, you'll be enrolled on the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert RPD).

This certificate is designed to support you with your research and rewards you for things you'll do as a research student here.

It'll help you improve skills which are important to professional development and employability:

the knowledge & intellectual abilities to conduct your research
the personal qualities to succeed in your research & chosen career
the standards, requirements & conduct of a professional researcher in your discipline
working with others & communicating the impact of your research to a wide range of audiences

All you have to do is plan these activities alongside your doctorate, documenting and reflecting your journey to success along the way.

Programme Structure

You can carry out your degree in any of our five research areas:

Improving quality of public policymaking & governance
Public policy & governance in times of austerity & post-austerity
Public opinion & political behaviour
Representational processes
International relations & international organisations

Key information

36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2024-10-01 00:00:00 Apply anytime.
Most PhD students start in October, so they move forward as one cohort, but you can start at any time of year.

Interested in an IELTS preparation course? Get started here

Disciplines

Academic requirements, english requirements, student insurance.

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Home contents and baggage

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Strathclyde and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal .

Other requirements

General requirements.

We look for a first or 2:1 UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a politics-related discipline.

During the application you'll be asked for the following:

your full contact details
transcripts & certificates of all degrees
proof of English language proficiency if English isn't your first language
two references, one of which must be academic
funding or scholarship information
research proposal of 1,500 – 2,000 words in length, detailing the subject area & topic to be investigated

By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.

Tuition Fee

International, living costs for glasgow.

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Politics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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PhD in International Relations

The PhD is normally studied over three years full-time, although it is possible to take the degree over up to six years on a part-time basis. After this minimum period of registration, every student is entitled to a continuation period of one year to write up their thesis. The continuation year is one year whether a student has been pursuing full-time or part-time study.

Before applying please familiarise yourself with the Postgraduate research courses in International Relations .

During the first year of study, you will undertake a tailored programme of generic and subject-specific research and general training.

Members of the Postgraduate Research Committee meet with all first-year students in the Spring to review progress. PhD students who successfully complete the first-year review are able to upgrade from a probationary status to full PhD status. A successful outcome requires:

satisfactory progress on your research (based on your supervisor's recommendation),
satisfactory completion of the IR5601 Research Methods in International Relations module, and of your research proposal,
satisfactory completion of your first-year training programme.

Your research will lead to the production of a thesis of up to 80,000 words. View previous students' theses .

First year training programme

The first year of your PhD is an important and busy time. At the beginning of your first year, you will meet with your supervisor to develop your research training programme.

The first element of your training is the IR5601 Research Methods in International Relations module. This module meets during the Autumn semester, providing an introduction to research skills, methods, and practices specific to international relations. As part of this module, you will complete a methodology assessment and a research proposal. The proposal and feedback is part of your submission for the first-year annual progress review which is held in March or April of your first year of study.

The second element of your training is participating in at least four and GRADskills short courses. These are designed to provide you with help in research management, personal effectiveness, networking, and career management.

The third element of your training is attending one or more of the four social science modules offered by the University. These are focused more directly on social research methods and are taught by social scientists from throughout the University. The courses on qualitative or quantitative methods are the most popular for international relations students. While you may wish to choose courses related to the methodologies you are likely to employ, you may also view these courses as an opportunity to develop your wider training which can be extremely useful when applying for jobs after successfully completing your PhD studies. You should consult with your supervisor to determine the best options for you. These modules are as follows:

SS5101 Being a Social Scientist explores the fundamental skills required by all social scientists. In part one, you will learn how to design and produce a research dissertation. In part two, issues of professional development (e.g. ethics, careers, grant writing) will be addressed.
SS5102 Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences covers the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences, encouraging you to make connections between the methodological and epistemological issues involved in conducting social scientific research.
SS5103 Qualitative Methods in Social Research offers both a theoretical and practical introduction to the collection, analysis and writing of qualitative social science research.
SS5104 Quantitative Research in Social Science provides a user-friendly introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantitative analysis.

Completion of these elements of your research training will ensure that you can conduct research within the community of St Andrews and for your future career in international relations.

18 Best universities for Political Science in Scotland

Updated: February 29, 2024

Art & Design
Computer Science
Engineering
Environmental Science
Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Scotland ranked based on their research performance in Political Science. A graph of 3.49M citations received by 171K academic papers made by 18 universities in Scotland was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Edinburgh

For Political Science

2. University of Glasgow

3. University of Aberdeen

4. University of Strathclyde

5. University of St Andrews

6. University of Dundee

7. University of Stirling

8. Glasgow Caledonian University

9. Heriot-Watt University

10. Edinburgh Napier University

11. Robert Gordon University

12. University of the West of Scotland

13. Queen Margaret University

14. Abertay University

15. Scotland's Rural College

16. University of the Highlands and Islands

17. Glasgow School of Art

18. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Closest to Scotland states to learn Political Science

State
	118	1
	10	21

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences subfields in Scotland

Schools & departments

Social and Political Science PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Placements/internships

Programme website: Social and Political Science

Discovery Day

Join us online on 21st August to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh.

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Research profile

This is a generic PhD programme for the School of Social and Political Science. Most PhD applicants should apply to a discipline-specific PhD programme, usually the home discipline of your intended lead supervisor. Interdisciplinary research can take place within the named discipline programmes.

If you intend to apply for the generic PhD in Social and Political Science, you must email the [Director of Postgraduate Research](mailto: [email protected]) with your research proposal and reasons for applying for this programme in advance of making a formal application.

The main content of this PhD programme is an independent doctoral research under the supervision of at least two members of academic staff from the Social and Political Science subject area.

Our expertise and interests range across the following subject areas:

African Studies
Global Health Policy
International Development
Medical Anthropology
Politics and International Relations
Social and Public Policy
Social Anthropology
Social Work
Socio-cultural Studies
South Asian Studies

Your application must clearly state the potential supervisor you have contacted.

Programme structure

In undertaking this PhD you will also be able to choose from a range of courses which provide research training in a wide range of social science methods, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods.

You can also take courses addressing aspects such as research ethics and positionality, as well as substantive taught courses in the School of Social and Political Science as relevant for your thesis.

Work placements/internships

You will be part of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science and can participate in all offered courses, events and initiatives such as internships.

Training and support

You will have access to a suite of professional development courses and workshops offered by the University’s Institute for Academic Development and the School’s Student Development Office.

Research library and archive facilities in Edinburgh are outstanding.

All research students are members of the Graduate School of Social & Political Science, with full access to the Graduate School’s facilities in the Chrystal Macmillan Building.

Other library and archive facilities include the:

University’s Main Library
National Library of Scotland
Scottish Records Office.

Proximity to the Scottish Parliament and other institutions of national government provides further research opportunities.

Graduate attributes

On completion of your PhD in Social and Political Science you will have:

a critical understanding of theories and concepts in the social and political sciences
a critical, detailed and often leading knowledge and understanding of literature at the forefront of the specialist research area
designed and generated original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field
knowledge of the principal research methods in the social sciences
applied relevant research methods and techniques of enquiry on a specific research question.
exercised critical judgement with regard to both your own work and that of other scholars in the same general field
applied an integrated approach to critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas, information and issues
communicated to a range of audiences including communication to a specialist audience through published academic work
demonstrated substantial authority and exercise of a high level of autonomy and initiative in academic and equivalent activities
if appropriate, practised in ways which are reflective, self-critical and based on research/evidence
managed complex ethical and professional issues

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, and a UK masters degree with an overall mark of 65%, or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

Entry requirements by country
English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Living costs.

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

School of Social and Political Science Scholarships

UK Research Council Awards

For specialised guidance on submitting a competitive scholarship application, please follow the requirements and recommendations and how to contact relevant academic staff as advised here:

Important information and recommendations

(Revised 10 November 2023 to update featured funding opportunities.)

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

your programme
the duration of your studies
your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

Search for funding

Further information

Postgraduate Admissions Team
Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
Contact: [email protected]
Postgraduate Director of Research
Contact: [email protected]
Graduate School of Social & Political Science
Chrystal Macmillan Building
15A George Square
Central Campus
Programme: Social and Political Science
School: Social & Political Science
College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

This programme is not currently accepting applications. Applications for the next intake usually open in October.

Start date: September

Awards: PhD (36 mth FT, 72 mth PT)

Application deadlines

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

How to apply

You must submit a research proposal demonstrating your knowledge of your field of research, which will be closely scrutinised as part of the decision-making process. We request that PhD research proposals are no more than four A4 typed pages in Times New Roman, 12pt font. This includes charts and figures but does not include references or a bibliography.

We require PhD applicants in particular to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss their research proposal so we can ensure there is adequate supervision.

[Revised 29 March 2024 to remove application fee requirement]

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

We have 729 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Scotland

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Scotland

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University of Edinburgh

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University of Strathclyde

PhD & postgraduate research degrees at the University of Strathclyde

PhD in Cyber-Physical Systems for Medicine Development and Manufacturing

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Physics-based mathematical modelling of water electrolyser

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

1 Year: MRes Project: Development of High-Strength Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Recycled Aggregates and Pozzolana

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

1 Year: MRes Project: Investigating the role of Machine Learning algorithms in the valuation of real estate tokenised assets

1 year - mres project - data driven cities, design of superconducting electric machines for zero emission transport, phd in chemistry - development of in situ and operando neutron imaging for real-world reactor and reaction imaging, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Alkali Metal Mediation (AMM) in Chemical Manufacture and Fuel Technology

Dry-coupled ultrasonic inspection of cfrp aerospace structures, ultrafast quantum-dot lasers: exploring novel regimes of ultrashort pulse generation, plants with purpose: enhancing flood management and multi-functional performance of green infrastructure by evaluating plant functional traits, power-dense power electronic conversion technologies for laser energy transfer systems, ultrasound based technology for removal of scale from downhole production tubing, sustainable waste-to-chemicals strategies to promote circular economy., stochastic response characterisation and reliability driven optimisation of floating wind turbines.

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Nationalism and national identity in Scottish politics

Leith, Murray Stewart (2006) Nationalism and national identity in Scottish politics. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Scotland has long been a nation within a wider state, but only within the last four decades has a political party dedicated to the establishment of a Scottish state emerged as an electoral force. Yet, since that time the political landscape within the United Kingdom has changed rapidly. While some see devolution as a step towards the separation of Scotland from the United Kingdom, others argue it is a strengthening of that relationship.

This thesis argues that only by acknowledging the ethnic and mass influences on the nature of Scottish national identity will an understanding of Scottish nationalism be possible. After considering the theoretical arguments surrounding nationalism, and specifically Scottish nationalism, the work shifts to an empirical analysis of Scotland. To examine the nature of Scottish nationalism and national identity, this research considers the manifestos of the political parties over the past thirty-five years, examining how they have employed a sense of Scotland the nation, and Scottishness. This consideration is then linked to an analysis of mass perceptions of national belonging and identity, which are themselves contrasted with elite perceptions, gleaned through interviews conducted amongst MPs and MSPs.

The results indicate the need to recognise that ethnic aspects of Scottish national identity are more significant than the foremost theoretical considerations of nationalism and national identity allow. Furthermore, this case study illustrates that the impact that mass perceptions have on national identity also requires greater recognition within the field.

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Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Qualification Level:	Doctoral
Subjects:	>
Colleges/Schools:	> >
Supervisor's Name:	Girvin, Prof. Brian
Date of Award:	2006
Depositing User:
Unique ID:	glathesis:2006-2924
Copyright:	Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited:	12 Oct 2011
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2012 14:02
URI:

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The University of Glasgow is a registered Scottish charity: Registration Number SC004401

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Politics degrees in Scotland

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University of Glasgow

74 Politics degrees

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.3) 2555 reviews
CUG ranking : 14th Source: Complete University Guide 2024

Politics (SocSci) MA (Hons)

UCAS points 120-336
UCAS code L202
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University of Aberdeen

35 Politics degrees

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 1254 reviews
Employment rate: 87% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
CUG ranking : 32nd Source: Complete University Guide 2024

Philosophy and Politics MA (Hons)

UCAS points 108-152
UCAS code VL52

University of Dundee

18 Politics degrees

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 907 reviews
Employment rate: 95% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
CUG ranking : 57th Source: Complete University Guide 2024

Politics MA (Hons)

UCAS points 102-120
UCAS code L200

The University of Edinburgh

23 Politics degrees

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.1) 987 reviews
Employment rate: 82% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
CUG ranking : 9th Source: Complete University Guide 2024

Social Anthropology with Development MA (Hons)

UCAS points 114-144
UCAS code LL69

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

12 Politics degrees

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (3.4) 13 reviews
Employment rate: 100% Source: UNISTATS , 2019

Sociology and Politics BA (Hons)

UCAS points 72-75
UCAS code L30P

University of Strathclyde

8 Politics degrees

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.4) 1839 reviews
Employment rate: 91% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
CUG ranking : 22nd Source: Complete University Guide 2024

English and Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)

UCAS points 120-132
UCAS code QL32

University of St Andrews

82 Politics degrees

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.2) 629 reviews
Employment rate: 90% Source: UNISTATS , 2019
CUG ranking : 4th Source: Complete University Guide 2024

International Relations MA (Hons)

UCAS points 144-159
UCAS code L250

University of Stirling

OVERALL RATING This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni. (4.1) 979 reviews
CUG ranking : 30th Source: Complete University Guide 2024

Politics BA (Hons)

UCAS points 120

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Political Science - Ph.D.

The Political Science doctoral program provides in-depth knowledge and advanced research skills, preparing you for leadership positions in academia, research institutions and public service. With a dedicated faculty and a supportive community of scholars, you'll have access to opportunities for cutting-edge research and professional development.

Ryan Claassen | [email protected] | 330-672-2060
Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

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More About This Program

Broadly but not exclusively focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, rights, and conflict resolution, the graduate program at Kent State allows candidates to study important and timely questions under well-established scholars. Our focus on methodological skill, sophisticated research design, and faculty mentoring enables PhD candidates to develop their own research questions in a theoretically and empirically grounded manner. Our program enjoys an impressive completion rate, and our PhD recipients place well .

Many of our Ph.D. students receive funding to support their study. Funding is competitive and only granted to students with exemplary academic records. Support is generally continued for four years, and currently includes a nine-month stipend, tuition remission, and a subsidized health insurance plan. Funded students serve as Graduate Assistants (either assisting with research or teaching) throughout the academic year. In some cases, students may receive financial support to complete their dissertations in the fifth year.

Program Information

Full description.

The Ph.D. degree in Political Science prepares students for research and teaching careers in higher education and for research-based careers in fields that are focused on political, economic and social issues. The degree program is broadly focused on the dynamics surrounding representation, equity, conflict, human rights, development and conflict resolution. Students develop their own research questions in an interdisciplinary and theoretically sophisticated way. Students work with faculty mentors throughout their degree program and often develop and present their own research at regional or national conferences.

The Political Science major comprises the following concentrations, from which students select two:

American Politics and Policy
Conflict Analysis and Management
Transnational and Comparative Politics

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website . For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website .

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
Official transcript(s)
Résumé or curriculum vitae with cover letter
Goal statement
Writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
Minimum 58 PTE score
Minimum 110 DET score

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

Priority deadline: February 15 Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission .

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

Understand the theoretical underpinnings of political science and be able to address real world issues and problems.
Attain research and methodological skills that will further their research and make them attractive to future employers.
Effectively communicate research findings and implications to a range of audiences including scholars, practitioners and citizens.

Program Requirements

Graduation requirements, major requirements.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
POL 70002	SCOPE AND EPISTEMOLOGY	3
POL 70003	QUANTITATIVE METHODS I	3
POL 70004	QUANTITATIVE METHODS II	3
POL 70010	QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS	3
POL 71094	COLLEGE TEACHING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE	1
Additional Approved Electives for Post-Baccalaureate Students		0-23
Advanced Research Methods, choose from the following:		3
	PROGRAM EVALUATION I
	SEMINAR IN QUANTITATIVE METHODS
	ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
	QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
	ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS IN SOCIOLOGY
Culminating Requirement
POL 81199	DISSERTATION I	30
Concentrations
Choose two from the following:		21



Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students		90
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students		67

Dissertation is required. Doctoral students must complete additional approved electives, including research, to reach a minimum of 30 credit hours post-master's (or equivalent advanced degree) or a minimum of 60 credit hours post-bachelor's prior to enrolling in POL 81199 . Upon completion of course requirements and candidacy exams, doctoral students must register for POL 81199 for two semesters for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter POL 81299 , until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Students select two concentrations. For the first concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and three elective courses (12 credit hours). For the second concentration, students complete one Proseminar or Status of the Field course and two elective courses (9 credit hours).

American Politics and Policy Concentration Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements
POL 70101	STATUS OF THE FIELD: AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY	3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:		6-9
	AMERICAN POLICY PROCESS
	CONGRESS, THE PRESIDENCY AND THE COURTS
	URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS
	AMERICAN POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
	SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS AND POLICY

Minimum Total Credit Hours:		9-12

Conflict Analysis and Management Concentration Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements
POL 70901	FOUNDATIONS OF CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT	3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:		6-9
	CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND RECONCILIATION
	POWER, CONFLICT AND THE POLITICS OF GENDER
	IDENTITY DRIVEN CONFLICTS
	SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND NONVIOLENT CONFLICTS
	POLITICAL VIOLENCE
	TERRORISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
	SEMINAR IN CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Minimum Total Credit Hours:		9-12

Transnational and Comparative Politics Concentration Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements
POL 70501	STATUS OF THE FIELD: TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY	3
Concentration Electives, choose from the following:		6-9
	GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
	FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
	POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT
	STRATEGIC PLANNING
	SEMINAR IN TRANSNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND POLICY

Minimum Total Credit Hours:		9-12

Graduation Requirements Summary
Minimum Major GPA	Minimum Overall GPA
-	3.000

Passage of one field paper in the first area of concentration
Written and oral defense of both a dissertation prospectus and dissertation

Residency Requirement

Students must spend two consecutive semesters pursuing doctoral studies.
Kent Campus

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The rules of the game

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At the core of Raymond Wang’s work lies a seemingly simple question: Can’t we just get along?

Wang, a fifth-year political science graduate student, is a native of Hong Kong who witnessed firsthand the shakeup and conflict engendered by China’s takeover of the former British colony. “That type of experience makes you wonder why things are so complicated,” he says. “Why is it so hard to live with your neighbors?”

Today, Wang is focused on ways of managing a rapidly intensifying U.S.-China competition, and more broadly, on identifying how China — and other emerging global powers — bend, break, or creatively accommodate international rules in trade, finance, maritime, and arms control matters to achieve their ends.

The current game for global dominance between the United States and China continually threatens to erupt into dangerous confrontation. Wang’s research aims to construct a more nuanced take on China’s behaviors in this game.

“U.S. policy towards China should be informed by a better understanding of China’s behaviors if we are to avoid the worst-case scenario,” Wang believes.

“Selective and smart”

One of Wang’s major research thrusts is the ongoing trade war between the two nations. “The U.S. views China as rewriting the rules, creating an alternative world order — and accuses China of violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules,” says Wang. “But in fact, China has been very selective and smart about responding to these rules.”

One critical, and controversial, WTO matter involves determining whether state-owned enterprises are, in the arcane vocabulary of the group, “public bodies,” which are subject to sometimes punitive WTO rules. The United States asserts that if a government owns 51 percent of a company, it is a public body. This means that many essential Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) — manufacturers of electric vehicles, steel, or chemicals, for example — would fall under WTO provisions, and potentially face punitive discipline.

But China isn’t the only nation with SOEs. Many European countries, including stalwart U.S. partners France and Norway, subsidize companies that qualify as public bodies according to the U.S. definition. They, too, could be subject to tough WTO regulations.

“This could harm a swathe of the E.U. economy,” says Wang. “So China intelligently made the case to the international community that the U.S. position is extreme, and has pushed for a more favorable interpretation through litigation at the WTO.”

For Wang, this example highlights a key insight of his research: “Rising powers such as China exhibit cautious opportunism,” he says. “China will try to work with the existing rules as much as possible, including bending them in creative ways.”

But when it comes down to it, Wang argues, China would rather avoid the costs of building something completely new.

“If you can repurpose an old tool, why would you buy a new one?” he asks. “The vast majority of actions China is taking involves reshaping the existing order, not introducing new rules or blowing up institutions and building new ones.”

Interviewing key players

To bolster his theory of “cautious opportunism,” Wang’s doctoral project sets out a suite of rule-shaping strategies adopted by rising powers in international organizations. His analysis is driven by case studies of disputes recently concluded, or ongoing, in the WTO, the World Bank, and other bodies responsible for defining and policing rules that govern all manner of international relations and commerce.

Gathering evidence for his argument, Wang has been interviewing people critical to the disputes on all sides.

“My approach is to figure out who was in the room when certain decisions were made and talk to every single person there,” he says. “For the WTO and World Bank, I’ve interviewed close to 50 relevant personnel, including front-line lawyers, senior leadership, and former government officials.” These interviews took place in Geneva, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington.

But writing about disputes that involve China poses a unique set of problems. “It’s difficult to talk to actively serving Chinese officials, and in general, nobody wants to go on the record because all the content is sensitive.” As Wang moves on to cases in maritime governance, he will be reaching out to the key players involved in managing sensitive conflicts in the South China Sea, an Indo-Pacific region dotted with shoals and offering desirable fisheries as well as oil and gas resources.

Even here, Wang suggests, China may find reason to be cautious rather than opportunistic, preferring to carve out exemptions for itself or shift interpretations, rather than overturning the existing rules wholesale.

Indeed, Wang believes China and other rising powers introduce new rules only when conditions open up a window of opportunity: “It may be worth doing so when using traditional tools doesn’t get you what you want, if your competitors are unable or unwilling to counter mobilize against you, and you see that the costs of establishing these new rules are worth it,” he says.

Beyond Wang’s dissertation, he has also been part of a research team led by M. Taylor Fravel, Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science, that has published papers on China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

From friends to enemies

Wang left Hong Kong and its political ferment behind at age 15, but the challenge of dealing with a powerful neighbor and the potential crisis it represented stayed with him. In Italy, he attended a United World College — part of a network of schools bringing together young people from different nations and cultures for the purpose of training leaders and peacemakers.

“It’s a utopian idea, where you force teenagers from all around the world to live and study together and get along for two years,” says Wang. “There were people from countries in the Balkans that were actively at war with each other, who grew up with the memory of air raid sirens and family members who fought each other, but these kids would just hang out together.”

Coexistence was possible on the individual level, Wang realized, but he wondered, “What systemic thing happens that makes people do messed-up stuff to each other when they are in a group?”

With this question in mind, he went to the University of St. Andrews for his undergraduate and master’s degrees in international relations and modern history. As China continued its economic and military march onto the world stage, and Iran generated international tensions over its nuclear ambitions, Wang became interested in nuclear disarmament. He drilled down into the subject at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, where he earned a second master’s degree in nonproliferation and terrorism studies.

Leaning into a career revolving around policy, he applied to MIT’s security studies doctoral program, hoping to focus on the impact of emerging technologies on strategic nuclear stability. But events in the world led him to pivot. “When I started in the fall of 2019, the U.S.-China relationship was going off the rails with the trade war,” he says. “It was clear that managing the relationship would be one of the biggest foreign policy challenges for the foreseeable future, and I wanted to do research that would help ensure that the relationship wouldn’t tip into a nuclear war.”

Cooling tensions

Wang has no illusions about the difficulty of containing tensions between a superpower eager to assert its role in the world order, and one determined to hold onto its primacy. His goal is to make the competition more transparent, and if possible, less overtly threatening. He is preparing a paper, “Guns and Butter: Measuring Spillover and Implications for Technological Competition,” that outlines the different paths taken by the United States and China in developing defense-related technology that also benefits the civilian economy.

As he wades into the final phase of his thesis and contemplates his next steps, Wang hopes that his research insights might inform policymakers, especially in the United States, in their approach to China. While there is a fiercely competitive relationship, “there is still room for diplomacy,” he believes. “If you accept my theory that a rising power will try and use, or even abuse, existing rules as much as possible, then you need non-military — State Department — boots on the ground to monitor what is going on at all the international institutions,” he says. The more information and understanding the United States has of China’s behavior, the more likely it will be able “to cool down some of the tensions,” says Wang. “We need to develop a strategic empathy.”

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Euro 2024: why the host nation is required to protect the human rights of football fans

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In recent years, several incidents have occurred at major football events where authorities have been heavily criticised by the general public, the media, academics and supporters for breaching the rights of football fans.

The 2022 Champions League Final in Paris is the most high-profile example, where Liverpool fans experienced difficulties travelling to the stadium, encountered crushing as they waited to get in and were subjected to tear gas fired by police.

Following reviews of the incident, initial criticism of supporters was replaced by complaints about the behaviour of police and stadium security, refocusing attention on the human rights of football fans.

Football authorities have since been forced to respond to pressure from advocacy groups such as the Sport and Rights Alliance and Football Supporters Europe . Uefa is the first football federation to include clauses related to human rights as part of its bidding process for Euro 2024 , including requirements that potential hosts must “ "proactively address human rights risks” .

Uefa, alongside the German Football Association – Deutscher Fussball Bund (DFB) – and the Euro 2024 GmbH (a joint venture of Uefa and DFB) published their human rights declaration for the Euro 2024 tournament in November 2023. In it, Uefa and partners state that: “We all commit to jointly contribute to a tournament that highlights democracy, respect, equity and the promotion and protection of human rights.”

Crucially, the declaration reiterates the responsibility of government and event organisers to respect human rights throughout their tournament. This responsibility means identifying, preventing, and reducing actual or potential negative effects on fans, and reducing the likelihood of abuse. A range of other practical measures have been put in place at Euro 2024 to help uphold and protect human rights at the tournament.

One example is the stated role of the police at the Euros. This aims to ensure public safety and security while maintaining a tolerant, open approach. However, clearly a tension emerges here in that organisers have to balance protecting the rights of supporters with the security and policing concerns of large-scale football events.

Fan zones and protecting rights

Academic research on football fandom and fan cultures has often centred on incidences of violence and hooliganism. Therefore, the need to protect the public from the “threat” of football supporters has typically taken prominence over the need to protect the rights of fans themselves.

Significant media attention on football tournaments can perpetrate negative perceptions associated with football fans. While media stereotyping is commonplace, the nature of policing cultures can reproduce similar shared assumptions about football supporters as drunken, violent and dangerous.

Of course, there have been many incidents of football fans engaging in disorderly behaviour at major football tournaments, including the clash between fans before the opening England Euro 2024 match against Serbia. But there has been an overemphasis on criminalising football fans, leading to police being involved in direct clashes with supporters .

High-profile incidents and the response to them has influenced how football fans are policed, with implications for the spaces designed to host and manage them. Football supporters are considered, paradoxically, both potential criminals and valuable consumers and this has resulted in the creation of dedicated spaces to contain them.

Beyond the extensive security of football stadia, other spaces have been developed by tournament organisers and their host city partners to address the paradoxical representations of football supporters: such as the fan zone. These were first introduced at the 2004 European Championships in Portugal before being popularised at the World Cup 2006 in Germany and have been part of almost every football tournament since.

Uefa, like Fifa, has a contractual requirement to include these “football festivals” in their hosting agreements. Fan zones are secondary venues, welcoming ticketless supporters who can be managed – whether through formal policing, security, or stewarding – to deal with the perceived threat of anti-social behaviour. Promoted as festival settings, they construct and legitimise attempts to control fan behaviour through “soft” measures that restrict mobility and allow for careful monitoring.

Fan zones provide a space for fans to consume food and drink, watch matches and participate in sponsor activities in a safe environment. However, these spaces also embody a dual mission of governing and managing “problematic” fans groups while making money from them. For organisers, fan zones represent a safe way of managing ticketless fans and generating positive media stories for host cities and nations.

They work on the basis of a precautionary logic, building in the management of security and potential risk in festival spaces. At Euro 2024 they are also being used to promote pro-social messages about the importance of fan safety, security, accessibility and inclusion both in their venue design and the United by Football content shared on their big screens.

England fans in a fan zone in Germany before a match.

Record numbers of football fans have made the journey to Germany this summer from the UK, and beyond. Pre-tournament media coverage emphasised the potential threats awaiting fans from terrorism, excessive drinking and breaking German public-order laws.

Our ongoing research into the protection of fans’ human rights at Euro 2024 has shown that fan zones play an important role in managing the mobility of visiting football fans, providing them with safe and secure spaces to enjoy the tournament while also generating revenue for Uefa and its sponsor partners.

However, evidence of crowd congestion, transport chaos and difficulties in accessing basic amenities within the Munich fan zone for the tournament’s opening match suggests that there remains work to be done to ensure the tournament’s lofty rhetoric about protecting the human rights of supporters will be realised.

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Royal family in Scotland: Latest news and pictures of King Charles and Queen Camilla in Edinburgh celebrations

King Charles and Queen Camilla will be taking part in a series of events in Scotland, including a celebration of the 900th anniversary of the city of Edinburgh, as they host Royal Week from their official residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royals in Scotland

The King and Queen will take part in a series of events in Scotland, including a celebration of the 900th anniversary of the city of Edinburgh
Author Sir Alexander McCall Smith is to be knighted at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

'Precious Ramotswe would be happy' says Alexander McCall Smith

Author Sir Alexander McCall Smith has said his knighthood is a “wonderful thing” and that his famous fictional detective Mma Precious Ramotswe would be “very happy” for him after being honoured by the King.

Professor Sir Alexander McCall Smith with his wife Elizabeth Parry (right) and guests after being made a a Knight Bachelor in a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

The writer of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series was knighted for services to literature, academia and charity at an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh earlier today.

The author, an emeritus professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh, is also known for series including the 44 Scotland Street novels, the Isabel Dalhousie collection, and the von Igelfeld books.

Speaking after the ceremony, he said: “It’s a wonderful thing, I’m most grateful, it’s a very nice thing to happen so I’m very pleased, but of course obviously behind it there are all sorts of other people who have made it happen so I think of them.”

Asked what Mma Ramotswe would think about the knighthood, he said: “Well I think Mma Ramotswe would be very pleased, she likes jewellery and decorations and she’d say that’s rather a nice badge you’ve got there, so she would be very happy I think, it’s been a long journey I’ve had with her, conversation over many years.

“I wish she could be with us today but she’s entirely fictional.”

Sir Alexander enjoyed speaking to the King and said: “The King is marvellous, he’s an example to all of us, he does all these things and does them so beautifully in such a friendly fashion.”

Others to be honoured on Tuesday, after being named in the King’s New Year Honours, include Paul Mealor, professor of composition at the University of Aberdeen.

He became a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order – a gift given by the King to people who have served him or the monarchy in a personal way.

Prof Mealor composed Coronation Kyrie for the King’s coronation last year and has composed music for other royal occasions over the past decade, including the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011, and Charles’s 65th, 70th and 75th birthdays.

He also composed music for the Honours of Scotland service which was held at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh last summer to mark the coronation.

Others honoured included Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal of the University of Strathclyde, who was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for services to engineering, education and energy.

Liz Smith, a former Scotland cricketer who is now a Conservative MSP, became a CBE for services to sport.

Members of the emergency services were also among the more than 50 people honoured on Tuesday.

They included Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, who received the King’s Police Medal.

Mr Hussain, from Largs, North Ayrshire, is the first ethnic minority police officer to progress through the ranks from constable to the post of chief superintendent.

Retired chief superintendent Carol McGuire, from Symington in South Ayrshire, and Police constable Stephanie Rose, from Denny near Falkirk, also received the King’s Police Medal.

Guard of Honour

New pictures have emerged of King Charles’ Ceremony of the Keys in Holyrood.

The King walked past the Guard of Honour, speaking to some of the servicemen, before touching keys laid on a red velvet cushion.

King Charles III receives the keys to the City of Edinburgh from Lord Provost Councillor Robert Aldridge.

Ceremony of the Keys

It is far removed from the typical Edinburgh visitor’s key pick up from a lock box outside of their AirBnB.

Today, King Charles began his official stay in Scotland by receiving the keys to the City of Edinburgh.

The King took part in the Ceremony of the Keys in the garden of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official residence in the Scottish capital.

He was welcomed by the Lord Provost, City of Edinburgh councillor Robert Aldridge, who presented the keys on a red velvet cushion which Charles symbolically touched.

Mr Aldridge told the King, after he arrived by helicopter with the Queen: “We, the Lord Provost and members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the capital city of your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland and offer for your gracious acceptance the keys of Your Majesty’s good City of Edinburgh.”

Charles gave the traditional reply: “I return these keys perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.”

Each year the monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.

This year’s Holyrood Week is shorter then in previous years because the General Election has meant the royal family has postponed any engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign”.

Before the ceremony, the palace’s garden was transformed into a parade ground, where the King met senior military and uniformed figures including Chief Constable of Police Scotland Jo Farrell, before receiving a royal salute and inspecting a Guard of Honour of soldiers from Balaklava Company, 5 Scots.

Also lined up were the Royal Company of Archers, who serve as the sovereign’s ceremonial bodyguard for Scotland – a role first created in 1822 for King George VI.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland were on parade for the occasion.

The King walked past the Guard of Honour, casting his eye over the servicemen and stopping to talk to some of them, and he also chatted to members of the military bands.

King Charles arrives at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

King Charles III arrives for the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

The Order of the Thistle

Our heritage correspondent Alison Campsie has updated on King Charles’s plans for Wednesday:

The King will be joined by Queen Camilla, the Duke of Rothesay and The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at a service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh to install two new members of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s oldest chivalric order.

The King's appearance will be among the first in Scotland since his cancer diagnosis was made public in February and comes as part of Royal Week in Scotland. The Duchess of Rothesay, who is also being treated for cancer, will not attend the service.

The King has personally selected Sir Geoff Palmer, human rights activist and educator on Scotland and slavery; forensic anthropologist Professor Baroness Black of Strome and lawyer and women’s rights campaigner Baroness Helena Kennedy of The Shaws to join the order.

The Most and Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle recognises those who have contributed greatly to Scottish life through excellence in their professional life with medicine, law, academia, politics and business all represented among the order’s 16 knights and ladies.

The King also has the capacity to appoint Royal Knights to the order, with Queen Camilla and the Duke of Rothesay among them.

The order may have been founded by James III (1488 to 1513) who was responsible for changes in royal symbolism in Scotland, including the adoption of the thistle as the royal plant badge.

James VII (1633–1701) re-established the Order to reward Scottish peers who supported the king’s political and religious aims.

The motto of the order – Nemo me impune lacessit – was the motto of the Stuart dynasty in Scotland from at least the reign of James VI.

McCall Smith to be knighted

Author Sir Alexander McCall Smith is to be knighted at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

He will be given the honour for services to literature, academia and charity at an investiture ceremony later today.

The writer, creator of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, has written and contributed to more than 100 books including short story collections, children’s books and specialist academic titles.

The detective agency series, set in Botswana, has now sold more than 20 million copies in the English language alone.

Now 75, he was born in what was then known as Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, and made Edinburgh his home after studying there.

He conceived the idea of the Great Tapestry of Scotland, now housed in Galashiels.

He is also a patron of several charities including The Eric Liddell Community, a care charity and community hub in Edinburgh.

Others to be honoured today, after being named in the King’s New Year Honours, include Paul Mealor, professor of composition at the University of Aberdeen.

He will become a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) – a gift given by the King to people who have served him or the monarchy in a personal way.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal of the University of Strathclyde, will be appointed to the most senior rank of the Order of the British Empire.

He was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list, for services to engineering, education and energy.

Sir Jim became principal and vice-chancellor of the university in March 2009 following a long association with Strathclyde, studying his bachelor of science, masters and PhD degrees in the areas of electronic and electrical engineering, power systems and energy economics.

Liz Smith, a former Scotland cricketer who is now a Conservative MSP, will become a CBE for services to sport.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP won seven caps with the Scottish Ladies’ Cricket XI and is also a former president of the Scottish Women’s Cricket Association.

She no longer plays professionally but is still involved in the sport through coaching.

Members of the emergency services will also be honoured on Tuesday.

They include Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, who will receive the King’s Police Medal.

Mr Hussain, from Largs, is the first ethnic minority police officer to progress through the ranks from constable to the post of chief superintendent.

The tactical firearms commander won praise for his adept handling of the response to Operation Unicorn – where he was responsible for all firearms officers involved in the large-scale policing operation put in place following the death of the Queen in September 2022.

Retired chief superintendent Carol McGuire, from Symington, and Police Constable Stephanie Rose, from Denny, will receive the King’s Police Medal.

Ms McGuire joined Strathclyde Police in 1995 and retired in October last year.

During the course of her career she undertook a secondment to the football co-ordination unit Scotland, where she developed the country’s first national strategy for the policing of football.

Pc Rose developed the Keep Safe initiative in partnership with I Am Me Scotland, which was piloted in Renfrewshire in 2014 before becoming a national programme in 2015.

The initiative creates a network of local businesses to establish Keep Safe places for disabled, vulnerable and elderly people to go if they feel lost, confused, scared or intimidated, or have been the victim of a crime.

Welcome to Royal Week

King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to the Scottish capital for two days of royal engagements, from the King presenting awards at an investiture ceremony to the Queen hosting a reception for bookshop owners, writers and literary organisations.

Each year the monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.

Holyrood Week is shorter than in previous years as the General Election has meant the royal family has postponed any engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign”.

The King will begin his official engagements in Scotland by inspecting a guard of honour in the Palace of Holyroodhouse gardens, and then attending the Ceremony of the Keys, where he will be presented with the keys to the city.

Later Charles will preside over the investiture ceremony where recipients include bestselling author Sir Alexander McCall Smith, creator of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and the 44 Scotland Street novels, who will receive a knighthood for services to literature, academia and charity.

Camilla will hold a reception to celebrate those promoting Scottish literacy, before the King and his wife host guests at a garden party, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

On Wednesday the King and Queen will be joined by the Prince of Wales, whose Scottish title is the Duke of Rothesay, at the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where Camilla and Edward will be appointed to the Order of the Thistle.

Charles and Camilla will round off the trip by joining a celebration with various performers, guests and organisations at Edinburgh Castle to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.

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MSc Politics

Start date: September
Application deadline: August
Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time

Places on the course: 30

Study with us

gain advanced understanding of the study of politics
learn to design and conduct research projects in political science
benefit from the input of guest lecturers and visiting academics
excellent preparation for PhD in politics or the social sciences
Taught by leading international scholars of elections, public opinion, and political parties.

Why this course?

If you're looking for work in the public sector, the third sector or with non-governmental organisations our MSc in Politics is the course for you. It's also excellent preparation for PhD work in politics or in the social sciences.

The Department of Government & Public Policy has a number of research centres that relate to the topics covered and the content of the course. For example, the European Policies Research Centre is a leading hub for the study of regional development policy and collection of such data in Europe, a centre that is of increasing importance in the wake of Brexit.

Specialised policy centres focused on health and energy – such as the Centre for Energy Policy – also add to the applied policy environment at Strathclyde. The Institute for Future Cities' City Observatory, located in Strathclyde’s award-winning Technology & Innovation Centre, uses data to understand and address urban problems. The University also has many centres and institutes with projects that incorporate European governance and political issues, such as the Fraser of Allander Institute .

Want to hear more?

Head over to YouTube to watch our video of Dr Mark Shepherd discussing why you should study this course .

Interested in postgraduate study?

At the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be available to provide you with all the information you need to kick-start your postgraduate journey at the University of Strathclyde. Register for upcoming events below:

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What you’ll study

You'll study a range of compulsory and elective classes which will give you an advanced understanding of the study of politics. You'll learn about the design and implementation of advanced research projects in political science and about social sciences more generally.

Work placement

You may apply to do a client-based project as part of your dissertation research. Following a career workshop session, and on the advice of the Department, you can contact host organisations including local, city, and national governmental organisations to arrange a work-based MSc dissertation. These projects will normally be unpaid and may need to be developed further to meet the requirements of an MSc dissertation.

Course content

Compulsory classes

Principles of Research Design

This class covers key research design issues and enables you to evaluate alternative research designs and create appropriate research proposals. The class is designed to help you decide a research topic and a design that you will use for your dissertation. Topics covered include formulating research questions, developing concepts, and how to select cases to study.

Choose one of the following:

Quantitative Methods 1

Qualitative Methods

Elective classes

These options are subject to change year on year, but are likely to include most of the following.

Choose four from the following:

Contemporary International Relations

Debating International Relations Theory

International Institutions and Regimes

Feminism and International Relations

Politics of Non-democratic Regimes

Around 67 percent of the world’s population live in a 'partly free' or 'not free' country, according to Freedom House, and politics in these 'hybrid' and non-democratic regimes seems quite volatile and opaque.

This module introduces you to the field of the politics of semi-democratic or authoritarian countries. It covers the major areas of political science research on non-democratic politics while simultaneously building empirical knowledge about the politics of particular authoritarian regimes. Examples are drawn from countries or regions across the world such as the Middle East, China, Russia, Africa, and Latin America as well as historical cases like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

Policy Analysis

Public policy is the study of how governments and other agencies acting in the name of the general public deliberate on and enact policy.

The class examines the theoretical, empirical and practical issues involved in conducting policy analysis. Included are discussions of major concepts, processes, and types of policy issues, all studied in a comparative manner. Major classics in the field will be read.

Comparative Public Policy

Quantitative Methods 2

This class trains participants in the design, application, presentation, and critical evaluation of quantitative political research using relevant software packages for statistical analysis.

European Governance

This class seeks to examine the EU system of governance through the lenses of democracy, legitimacy and efficiency. Examining key processes, policy areas and proposals for reform, participants will be encouraged to consider the role of the EU and the nature of its relationship with its public.

Comparative Political Economy

This class revolves around the different aims for conducting comparative policy analysis such as explaining the variation of policy output and outcome across different institutional, economic, social and cultural settings, generalising a given theory of policy process in different geographical contexts and by taking time into consideration, as well as capturing the interdependence of countries. Units of analysis include countries, states/regions, local governments, and international organisations.

Political Behaviour

This Masters level post-graduate seminar provides an introduction to the social scientific study of mass political behaviour. It consists of weekly seminars that focus on quantitative (largely survey-based) research on various forms of political behaviour and underlying attitudes, such as voting, participation, political culture, values, intolerance racism, xenophobia or socialisation. The focus will be on the questions political scientists ask, the data they collect, the research designs they use, and the implications of their results.

University of Strathclyde prides itself in being the place of useful learning and to that end we offer a range of MSc programmes combining methods training with subject-specific knowledge so that our students can equip themselves with skills to make a real-world difference.

Learning & teaching

All classes are taught in seminars, which combine theoretical discussion and a strong empirical or policy focus, as appropriate. Seminars consist of a variety of teaching techniques; including small-group work, structured debates, presentations and background lectures.

Classes average 20 contact hours with additional computer laboratory sessions for some methods classes.

Methods of assessment include written assignments, blogs, podcasts, practical team projects, presentations, individual projects, and exams. Most modules involve more than one method of assessment to help you realise your potential.

These account for two-thirds of the total assessment. Your dissertation, produced over the summer, accounts for the remaining third.

Guest lectures

Speakers at our weekly seminars include guest lecturers who come to Strathclyde as part of the Erasmus programme. They're also available for individual consultations with you as an MSc student here. Strathclyde’s organised research centres such as the European Policies Research Centre, routinely host their own 'Speaker’s Series' where talks relevant to the content of the course are common. You'll have time for networking with visiting speakers afterwards.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements	First or upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in social science.
English language requirements	Please check our before making your application.

Chat to a student ambassador

If you want to know more about what it’s like to be a Humanities & Social Sciences student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are full-time per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Scotland, England, Wales & Northern Ireland	Full-time: £8,700 Part-time: £4,350 Year 2 fee will be subject to an increase
International	£19,600
Additional costs	International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see for more information. £10
Available scholarships	.

Please note: The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees .

How can I fund my course?

Students from Scotland

Scottish postgraduate students

Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply .

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

Students from England

Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply .

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding .

Students from Wales

Students coming from Wales

Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply .

Students from Northern Ireland

Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply .

We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding .

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Scholarships

EU Engagement Scholarships are available to EU applicants who would have previously been eligible for Home (Scottish/EU) fee status.
EU and International 50% Merit Scholarships available to self-funded, international fee-paying offer-holders (includes those classed as EU fee group). The scholarship entitles the recipient to a discount of 50% on tuition fees.

Our MSc in Politics provides excellent preparation for those who wish to work in the public and tertiary sectors either in the UK or abroad.

The course will provide those with experience of working in policy or in government, with fresh and updated insights into contemporary issues facing political life in the second decade of the 21 st century. In addition, the course provides a foundation in advanced research design and methodological skills, which are valued by employers.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

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Politics and International Relations

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Study Information

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Democracy and Representation

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Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

Politics & International Relations PhD

Comparative Politics

Topics for supervision

Study options

Entry requirements

Research proposal

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

Common equivalent English language qualifications

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

Pearsons PTE Academic

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

Oxford English Test

Trinity College Tests

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Alternatives to English Language qualification

Fees and funding

Alumni discount

Possible additional fees

How to apply

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