Program Overview
This four-year PhD program trains students for professional careers in political science, combining advanced research methods with specialized training in subfields. Students can exit after the taught component with a Graduate Diploma or Master's degree. The department encourages research in areas of departmental strength, such as Comparative Politics and International Relations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Structured PhD in Politics is a four-year, full-time program designed to train students to become professional political scientists. It combines advanced training in political science research methods with specialized training in at least one disciplinary subfield and the completion of an original thesis.
Outline:
The taught component of the program is largely concentrated in the first year of study. Requirements include core modules in Research Methods, Comparative Politics, and Contemporary Political Theory, as well as specialized modules tailored to students' disciplinary interests and needs as developing researchers. Students may exit the program after the taught component with a Graduate Diploma in Politics or (after completing a dissertation) with a Master's in Politics. Following the taught component, students will complete a substantial and original piece of research under the supervision of one or more faculty members. The Department of Politics and Public Administration is particularly eager to welcome students who wish to conduct research in areas in which the Department has research strengths, such as:
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- European Politics
- Peace and Development Studies
- Public Policy and Administration
- Irish Politics
Other:
- Students may exit the program after the taught component with a Graduate Diploma in Politics or (after completing a dissertation) with a Master's in Politics.
- The Department of Politics and Public Administration is particularly eager to welcome students who wish to conduct research in areas in which the Department has research strengths.
