The International Relations and European Studies PhD at the University of Nicosia is designed for candidates who want to conduct original research and contribute new insights to the study of international relations and European affairs.
The programme develops advanced research, critical analysis, and policy evaluation skills for academic, research, and policy-focused careers.
Duration: Typically 3–4 years (doctoral duration may vary by candidate and research progress)
Credits: Doctoral programmes are commonly assessed through research milestones rather than a fixed taught-credit structure (confirm with the programme for the exact credit model)
Delivery format: On-campus / blended doctoral supervision (confirm current delivery mode with the university)
Language of instruction: English (confirm for your intake)
English language requirements: IELTS Academic 6.5 (or TOEFL iBT 79)
Application: Submit an application through the University of Nicosia admissions process (confirm required documents and intake dates)
Start dates: Check the programme website for the next available intake
The PhD is structured around doctoral training and supervised research. While the exact module list can vary by candidate and supervisory arrangements, the programme typically includes:
1) Doctoral research training
- Research design, case-study and comparative approaches
- Academic writing, literature review, and scholarly argumentation
- Methods for analysing international relations and European policy issues
2) Supervised research and milestones
- Proposal development and approval
- Data collection and analysis (as applicable to the research design)
- Regular supervision meetings and progress reviews
3) Dissertation / thesis requirement
- Completion of an original doctoral thesis that demonstrates contribution to knowledge in International Relations and European Studies
- Final assessment through the university’s doctoral examination process
Candidates may also engage in seminars, reading groups, and academic events to strengthen subject knowledge and research practice. For the most up-to-date curriculum and any elective options, review the programme website.
Academic requirements
Applicants are generally expected to hold a relevant Master’s degree (or an equivalent postgraduate qualification) in International Relations, European Studies, Political Science, or a closely related discipline. Final eligibility is determined by the admissions committee based on academic background and the proposed research area.
There are no stated GRE/GMAT requirements for this programme. Specific GPA thresholds are not listed; selection is based on overall academic merit and fit with doctoral research.
English requirements
TOEFL® IBT TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30. Schedule TOEFL®
IELTS The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).
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Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants should be ready to discuss their proposed research topic and demonstrate academic readiness for doctoral-level study.
- To obtain additional information about the program, we recommend reviewing the programme website for the latest application guidance, required documents, and intake details.
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Graduates of a doctoral programme in Cyprus may be eligible to apply for a post-study residence permit/work authorisation, subject to meeting the relevant immigration and employment criteria set by the Cyprus authorities.
- Typical eligibility: completion of your degree at an accredited institution in Cyprus and a valid residence status at the time of application.
- Purpose: to allow graduates to seek employment or start work in Cyprus after finishing their studies.
- Duration: the permitted period is determined by the applicable post-study scheme and the conditions of your application at the time of approval.
- Key conditions: you may be required to provide proof of graduation, a valid passport, and any additional documents requested by the immigration office (and, in some cases, evidence of job search or employment).
Important: Immigration rules can change. Always check the latest guidance from the Cyprus Department of Civil Registry and Migration and confirm your specific pathway with the university’s international office.
