PhD Degree: Politics and International Studies

Program Overview

The PhD in Politics and International Studies at SOAS is a rigorous program that trains students to conduct independent research and write a successful doctoral thesis. Ranked highly in global rankings, the program offers a focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with opportunities for fieldwork and research in diverse regions. Graduates pursue careers in academia, government, NGOs, and research institutions, leveraging the program's emphasis on individual supervision, research training, and career development.

Program Outline

PhD Degree: Politics and International Studies at SOAS

Degree Overview:

The PhD program in Politics and International Studies at SOAS aims to train students to design, research, and write a successful doctoral thesis. The program focuses on equipping graduates with expertise in their chosen field and a strong understanding of the conceptual and methodological aspects of political research.

Key Highlights:

• Ranked 5th in the UK and 17th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2023).
• Ranked 3rd globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2022).
• Offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum with a focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Provides opportunities for fieldwork and research in diverse regions.
• Encourages student participation in workshops, conferences, and seminars.
• Offers Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) opportunities for advanced students.

Outline:

The program follows a three-year model with the possibility of extending to a fourth year.

Year 1:

• Research training through the Department's training program, including the Politics MPhil Methods course, an Upgrade Paper Workshop, and participation in the MPhil Research Projects Conference.
• Optional additional course in quantitative methods.
• Access to the SOAS Doctoral School's Research Project Management and Technology-Enhanced Research courses.

Years 2-3:

• Primary research and fieldwork (typically in the second year).
• Writing and submission of the thesis (submission deadline at the end of the third year, fourth year at the latest).

Year 4 (Optional):

• Extension for completion of the thesis if needed.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through coursework, research projects, and presentations.
• Thesis defense and examination.

Teaching:

• Strong emphasis on individual supervision with a dedicated supervisor and associate supervisor.
• Access to seminars, lectures, and workshops by renowned scholars.
• Opportunities to participate in departmental research projects.
• Encouragement for attending external conferences and workshops.

Careers:

• Successful graduates pursue careers in academia, government, NGOs, and research institutions.
• Alumni hold positions in prestigious universities and organizations worldwide.
• Language training support is provided for students to develop or improve research-relevant language skills.
• The program emphasizes fieldwork and research opportunities in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Admissions requirements and application process are not covered in this context.

Home student fees (full-time): £4,860 per year Home student fees (part-time): £2,430 per year Overseas student fees (full-time): £22,490 per year Overseas student fees (part-time): £11,245 per year Please note that fees go up each year.