Politics and international relations Research (MPhil/PhD)
Conduct impactful politics and IR research that informs policy, security and global change.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
- Take your expertise in Politics and International Relations into a postgraduate research degree focused on today’s most pressing political challenges.
- Investigate how insecurity, conflict and political exclusion emerge across regions, and what drives change at local, national and transnational levels.
- Contribute to research seeking to reduce the impact of war and support a safer, more peaceful world.
- Turn insight into action and work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research culture that connects political understanding to practical solutions for improving lives.
Why study a PhD in Politics?
Nandor Revesz shares why he chose to study his PhD in Politics at the University of Portsmouth.
My research is on the use of expertise in politics, specifically in supranational politics.
The research topic is really close to my heart. It has been something I've been working on for years and it has been hugely confirming that I've been able to deliver a coherent, almost book-length piece of professional research, which really is mine and I have seen through from the very beginning to the very end, and that is something I will always be proud of.
Every PhD comes with unique challenges. Many people compare it to running a marathon. And it's so true, I believe, because it's a long process and when you get started, you might have an idea of what it will be at the end, but probably that idea is wrong. It will change so much along the way. But partly, that’s what a PhD is about. So it is worth it to take the marathon.
Everyone has a different journey and through you being here at Portsmouth, I think you will be able to identify the best way that will get you there.
One of the things I have found is the best pieces of research come when you kind of push beyond your boundaries that you think your subject or your specific interest is about. When you go out to other disciplines and integrate elements of their approaches into your work, it’s really transformative and really helps to make your research unique.
By the time you finish your PhD, you will hopefully still be interested in what the PhD was about. But you will also have a range of ideas about where you could take this, or completely new grounds to look at, consider, and research.
I love teaching. I also love researching. And I am happy to say that I've just been accepted for a position as a full-time lecturer here at the University of Portsmouth. So this is truly a dream come true in many ways, because I will be able to continue my research, work with the researchers who I’ve been working with during the past few years and develop joint projects, but also to teach. I love teaching, to engage young people who have just entered academia, to help them become professionals, to realise their research interests, and I'm really glad that I am in a position as a lecturer to deliver on these.
I would say, especially if you have a strong research interest, if you really want to expand your horizons, if you want to become a true researcher and also a teaching professional, a PhD is an unparalleled way to approach this. So I would think that you should really go for this opportunity if it's available to you.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Politics and international relations at Portsmouth for research?
Collaborative, multidisciplinary research
You’ll be part of a research environment that brings together different perspectives to tackle complex political questions.
Supportive, research-active environment
You’ll be backed by the Doctoral College alongside your supervisory team, helping you make the most of training, workshops and the wider research community.
Connections beyond the University
You’ll engage with a culture of research that works with organisations, governments and individuals to develop and share solutions.
What our PhD students say
"My PhD was about gender-based violence and terrorism.
I really enjoyed my time here, because I’ve got all the support, help and guidance here with my colleagues, especially from my first supervisor.
He supported me all the way, because I have had many challenges throughout my PhD, but he has supported me a lot and I enjoyed my time here. Then I secured a position here, in a different department, as a lecturer in terrorism studies."
Research areas in Politics and international relations
Explore the work we're doing across the four areas of expertise in our Politics and international relations research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
Citizenship and civil society
We're exploring aspects of citizenship, including identity politics, questions of sovereignty, and how they impact individuals.
Politics of states and regions
We're working to foster citizen engagement in politics, improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of public institutions as well as the educational experience of students. Explore our politics of states and regions research.
Global governance
We're addressing the political challenges of the modern world, by analysing how insecurity, conflict and political exclusion form in different regions – and what impacts they make.
Security and defence
We're exploring how we can reduce the impact of war, encourage peace, improve the lives of citizens around the world and create a safer, more peaceful world.
Research degree options in Politics and international relations
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Politics and international relations, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
There are currently no funded PhD projects available in this area — for more information on funding your own research project, visit our pages on funding your research degree.
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £17,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,006
- Members of staff: £2,000
All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: £5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: £17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: £5,238
- Members of staff: £2,100
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the Doctoral Development Programme, offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You’ll graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Politics and International Relations by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our “Find a Supervisor” tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about Portsmouth's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study — get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
