Politics PhD Level: Postgraduate research Subject: Politics Year of entry: 2027 Study options Part-time PhD | 6 years | Start date: September 2027 Full-time PhD | 3 years | Start date: September 2027 Key facts School School of Social and Political Science College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Programme website Politics and International Relations (PIR) School location Central Area Apply now 17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Browse sessions and register Overview About the degree programme The PhD in Politics is a research programme which enables you to develop an extended project on a topic that interests you with the aim of making an original contribution to knowledge.You will work with a supervisory team whose expertise is relevant to your project, and receive individualised supervision, mentoring and support throughout the programme.Doctoral researchers are vital members of our intellectual community. They regularly participate in research groups, organise conferences, present work-in-progress, and collaborate with others outside the University. Many also publish academic articles arising from their research. Study options The PhD programme is based on three to four years of full-time research. Each student follows an individual training programme designed in discussion with their supervisor and a Postgraduate Advisor. Applying How to apply 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. You can review the School of Social and Political Science staff list to identify areas of expertise relevant to your interests.School of Social and Political Science: People Politics PhD application stepsIdentify potential supervisors with expertise related to your topic of interestWrite a draft research proposal and prepare a CVContact potential supervisors with your research proposal and CVOnce you have secured the agreement of a full supervisory team who are available to supervise your project, complete and submit your applicationSubmitting your application online You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply Programme start date Application deadline 13 September 2027 29 June 2027 We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have sufficient time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand. For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. We aim to issue decisions within 6-8 weeks of receiving your completed application. During peak times it may take us slightly longer to issue your decision but please be assured we will confirm a decision as soon as we can. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementrelevant knowledge/training skillsand, if applicable:your research topicdetails of any published workYou will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:a research proposalname of supervisor (if known)research project (if applying to an advertised project)copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. ReferencesYou must submit two references with your application.Research proposalYou must submit a research proposal demonstrating your knowledge of your field of research, which will be closely evaluated 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. Please ensure you have included a title in your research proposal. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme - PhD Politics (6 years) PhD Politics (3 years) Funding, fees and costs Funding Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Featured fundingSchool of Social and Political Science ScholarshipsUK Research Council AwardsFor 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 Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Part-time PhD Politics (6 years) tuition fees Full-time PhD Politics (3 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Costs Accommodation and living costs You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.Living costs: estimates explained Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. Qualifications 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 equivalent qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong-SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau-SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands, The New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam West Indies and Caribbean Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe My country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language test (restrictions apply)a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)certain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: 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) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.0 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. Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Oxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We 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 countriesWe 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-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details Research profile The Politics and International Relations (PIR) subject area has an outstanding international reputation for its research, bringing together scholars working in comparative politics, political theory, public policy, international relations, political economy, and several other areas. Our research examines political institutions, actors, ideas, and practices in Scotland, the UK, Europe, and the wider world. Academic staff draw on a range of methods and traditions of enquiry in supporting doctoral research on many different political topics.PIR has a strong tradition of engagement beyond the university. Our researchers work with governments, international organisations, and civil society groups, contributing to public debate and policy discussions at national, regional, and international levels. The subject area is also home to a substantial community of political theorists, investigating historical, conceptual, and normative themes in political life. We have also been expanding our expertise in the Middle East, international political economy, and environmental politics.Politics and International Relations (PIR) at SPSInterdisciplinary research focusPIR works closely with interdisciplinary centres and institutes across the University, with several based in the subject area itself.Major areas of research include:British and comparative territorial politics (including Scottish politics, devolution, nationalism, federalism, and European integration)gender and politics (including feminist approaches to institutions, political economy, and foreign policy)political theory (including the history of political thought, environmental political theory, and anticolonial thought)elections, political parties, public opinion, and political behaviourpublic policy and democratic institutions (including parliaments, participation, political communication, and digital politics)comparative and international political economyinternational relations and regional politics (including foreign policy, global governance, security, conflict, human rights, and international law)environment, climate, and energy politics Our research community Politics and International Relations is a part of the School of Social and Political Science and the University’s wider research community. Doctoral researchers regularly participate in seminars, workshops, and events across the social sciences and humanities, as well as contributing to PIR’s own core research groups.We direct a number of active research institutes and centres, including:The Edinburgh Europa InstituteCentre on Constitutional ChangeCentre for Science, Knowledge and Policy (SKAPE)Centre for Security Research (CeSeR)Centre for Ethics and Critical Thought (CRITIQUE)Doctoral researchers are also encouraged to join one or more of our relevant research groups, where they can learn from and contribute to the wider research culture of the subject area.Our dedication to studentsWe support our doctoral researchers through every stage of their projects. Each researcher works with a supervisory team whose expertise is relevant to the project. Through regular meetings, supervisors provide guidance on research design, the development of the doctoral thesis, and wider academic and professional goals. Progress and training needs are considered regularly, with additional advice and support from our Graduate School. Programme structure The full-time PhD normally involves three to four years of research. At the outset, you will agree a programme of research and training with your supervisory team, tailored to the requirements of your project. Progress is assessed through an annual review, which also provides an opportunity to identify further training needs and plan the next stage of the research.During the first year, you will refine your research question, establish an appropriate theoretical and methodological approach, and begin the substantive research. Subsequent years are devoted to completing that research, developing your argument, and writing the thesis.The programme culminates in a written doctoral thesis intended to make an original contribution to Politics and International Relations. The thesis is assessed by two examiners—normally one internal to the University and another external—and defended in an oral examination (the viva voce). Find out the aims and structure for each year of study on this programme. Part-time PhD Politics (6 years) (2026-2027) Full-time PhD Politics (3 years) (2026-2027) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Support The programme equips you with professional training to a high standard.You will follow a programme of research training, drawn from both:the School of Social and Political Science's MSc by Research coursesPolitics and International Relations-specific training courses Postgraduate researchers also have access to the University and College-wide programme of training in transferable skills and other aspects of professional development, including specialist careers advice. The School of Social and Political Science provides research training courses recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). You can participate in core, intermediate and advanced research training courses tailored to the needs of your project. We may also encourage you to attend courses in other schools across the University or at other institutions, if this benefits your project or professional development. Facilities As a research student at the School of Social and Political Science, you will have full access to a number of dedicated facilities in the Chrystal Macmillan Building, such as desk areas for quiet and collaborative study. You will also have access to the University’s outstanding research libraries and archive facilities, including the Main Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the world with more than 2,300 study spaces.Other research facilities in the city centre include the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Records Office.Proximity to the Scottish Parliament and other institutions of national government provides further research opportunities. Careers Career opportunities Politics and International Relations helps you gain a range of transferable skills above and beyond those required by your specific projects, such as: organising seminars and conferences learning how to apply for research jobs in and out of academia learning how to deliver professional seminar presentations learning how to build professional networksAfter graduating you can expect to be a strong candidate for careers in a wide variety of contexts, including:academiathe mediaprivate sector organisationspublic services Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Life at Edinburgh Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Postgraduate Admissions TeamGraduate School of Social & Political ScienceChrystal Macmillan Building15A George SquareCentral CampusEdinburghEH8 9LD futurestudents@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 650 4086 Academic contact Dr Tom O'Shea Programme Advisor School of Social and Political Science College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: tom.oshea@ed.ac.uk
