University of Warwick

What you'll study

The PhD is a research-led programme focused on the completion of an original doctoral thesis under the guidance of expert supervisors. Research areas supported in the department include international relations, comparative politics, political theory, international political economy, security studies, global governance, European politics and public policy. Candidates are expected to develop a clearly defined research question, situate it within relevant literatures, and employ appropriate qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods to answer it.

Early in the degree students normally undertake formal research training and may attend workshops and methods modules offered by the department and the university’s doctoral training programmes. Typical training covers research design, qualitative methods (e.g. case-study design, process tracing, interview-based research, discourse analysis), quantitative methods (e.g. statistical analysis, survey design), and specialised techniques such as archival research or fieldwork preparation. Regular participation in departmental seminars, research groups and postgraduate conferences is expected.

Progress is monitored through supervised research meetings and formal milestones (for example an initial upgrade from probationary registration and subsequent progress reviews) leading to submission of a thesis and a viva voce examination. Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, and students often draw on resources and expertise from cognate disciplines across the university.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant postgraduate degree (for example an MA, MSc or MPhil) with strong academic performance, or an undergraduate degree with first-class honours and demonstrated potential for doctoral study. A clear and feasible research proposal, evidence of prior research experience (such as a dissertation or published work), and strong academic references are required.

Applications must include a CV and a writing sample (usually a chapter or an extended essay). Candidates whose first language is not English will need to meet the university’s English language requirements; prospective students should consult the university for accepted qualifications and minimum scores. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate intellectual coherence between their proposal and the department’s research strengths, and identify potential supervisors in their application.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in Politics and International Studies pursue a wide range of careers. Many continue in academia and research, taking up postdoctoral positions, lectureships and research posts. Others move into policy and analysis roles in government departments, international organisations, think tanks and non-governmental organisations. Additional common career paths include roles in diplomacy, political consultancy, public affairs, journalism, and data and research teams in the private sector.

The programme’s combination of theoretical knowledge and methodological training also prepares graduates for careers requiring advanced analytical, writing and project-management skills across the public, private and third sectors.

Why study at University of Warwick

The Department of Politics and International Studies at Warwick is known for its breadth of expertise and its emphasis on rigorous research training. Doctoral students benefit from close supervision by scholars active in a wide range of subfields, regular seminar series and reading groups, and connections with research centres and interdisciplinary initiatives across the university.

Warwick provides structured doctoral support through its doctoral college and research training programmes, including access to methodological workshops, funding opportunities for fieldwork, and training in public engagement and research impact. The department’s vibrant postgraduate community and its links to policy-makers and international networks create additional opportunities for collaboration, conference participation and career development.