At a glance
36 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Ranked 14th in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).Research Quality
- Ranked 17th in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022).International Outlook
- Ranked in the top 140 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020).Graduate Prospects
- Opportunities for co-supervised doctoral work with staff across several universities in Northern Ireland and the North East of England through the NINE DTP and Northern Bridge Consortium.Industry Links & Collaboration
- Strong focus on career development, equipping students with critical thinking skills for diverse career paths.Career Development
- Thriving research culture with numerous research centres, including The Democracy Group and The Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice.Research Environment
Engage in critical and innovative research within the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics. This PhD program aims to produce independent researchers equipped to contribute to scholarly discourse through publications and conference presentations. The program emphasizes a global outlook, fostering connections with international partners and a diverse student body. Research within the school is structured around several key strengths, including political parties, elections, and deliberative democracy; governance and public policy (with a focus on EU politics, international political economy, and gender studies); contemporary Irish political history; international relations; security, terrorism, and international relations; and political theory. Students benefit from a vibrant research culture, featuring weekly research workshops and seminar series, and join a diverse postgraduate community.
Curriculum
The PhD program culminates in the submission of an 80,000-word dissertation. The program is structured around areas of specialist research strength within the School, encouraging students to disseminate their work through seminars, conferences, and publications.
- Year 1-3 (Full-time)
Careers
Graduates from the Politics PhD program are highly sought after for their critical thinking and analytical skills. The university provides comprehensive career development support, aiming to equip students for success in the competitive graduate job market. Alumni have secured positions in various fields, including journalism, PR, marketing, policy research, social work, teaching, civil service, and government.
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Policy Research
- Social Work
- Teaching
- Civil Service
- Government Posts
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD Politics program?
- You are required to have a 2.1 degree classification. For detailed entry requirements, please refer to the specific program details or contact the admissions office.
- How do I apply for the PhD Politics program?
- Applications are submitted online via the Queen's Portal. It is advisable to register your interest first and then gather necessary documents like transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references before submitting your online application.
- When is the application deadline for the PhD Politics program?
- The application period for the Academic Year 2026/27 is currently open. Specific deadlines are not listed, but applications are encouraged well in advance of the start date.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees for international students can vary. Please refer to the University's fees and funding pages for current tuition fee information.
- What are the career prospects after completing the PhD Politics program?
- Graduates are sought after for their analytical skills and have secured positions in journalism, public relations, marketing, policy research, civil service, and government posts, among other fields.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available for this program?
- Yes, funding opportunities include the NINE DTP, Northern Bridge DTP, DfE Studentship, and the LINAS Doctoral Training Programme. You should apply through the respective websites for these opportunities.
Entry requirements
Previous DegreeA 2.1 degree classification is required.
For detailed entry requirements, please refer to the specific program details or contact the admissions office.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University's fees and funding pages for current tuition fees.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University's fees and funding pages for current tuition fees.
LivingInformation regarding the cost of living and financial support is available on the 'Cost of Living' pages.
Tuition fees and living costs can vary. International students should check the specific fee status and estimated living expenses.
How to apply
1. Register Your InterestComplete the 'Register your interest' form on the Queen's University Belfast website.
2. Prepare Your ApplicationGather all necessary documents and information for your application.
3. Submit Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the Queen's Portal for postgraduate admissions.
4. Await DecisionThe admissions team will review your application and contact you with a decision.
Scholarships
NINE DTP – Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training PartnershipVariable
Northern Bridge DTP – Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training PartnershipVariable
DfE Studentship – Department for the Economy Postgraduate Studentship schemeVariable
LINAS Doctoral Training ProgrammeVariable
Accreditation
Not specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD Politics program?
+
You are required to have a 2.1 degree classification. For detailed entry requirements, please refer to the specific program details or contact the admissions office.
How do I apply for the PhD Politics program?
+
Applications are submitted online via the Queen's Portal. It is advisable to register your interest first and then gather necessary documents like transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references before submitting your online application.
When is the application deadline for the PhD Politics program?
+
The application period for the Academic Year 2026/27 is currently open. Specific deadlines are not listed, but applications are encouraged well in advance of the start date.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees for international students can vary. Please refer to the University's fees and funding pages for current tuition fee information.
What are the career prospects after completing the PhD Politics program?
+
Graduates are sought after for their analytical skills and have secured positions in journalism, public relations, marketing, policy research, civil service, and government posts, among other fields.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available for this program?
+
Yes, funding opportunities include the NINE DTP, Northern Bridge DTP, DfE Studentship, and the LINAS Doctoral Training Programme. You should apply through the respective websites for these opportunities.