PhD Degree: Politics and International Studies
SOAS University of London
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2 options available
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

SOAS, University of London

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

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Politics
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Course info

The primary aim of the PhD programme is to train students to design, research and write a successful doctoral thesis.Those who have completed the doctorate will be familiar with the conceptual and methodological aspects of political research and qualified as experts in their field.To be considered for entry into the PhD programme, applicants must possess a good advanced degree in Politics equivalent in level and content to the Departments MSc, although applications from individuals with related ...Read more

The primary aim of the PhD programme is to train students to design, research and write a successful doctoral thesis.

Those who have completed the doctorate will be familiar with the conceptual and methodological aspects of political research and qualified as experts in their field.

To be considered for entry into the PhD programme, applicants must possess a good advanced degree in Politics equivalent in level and content to the Department's MSc, although applications from individuals with related degrees in cognate disciplines will also be considered.

Why study PhD Degree Politics and International Studies at SOAS?

  • We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 17th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2023).
  • We're ranked 3rd globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2022).

The PhD programme at SOAS follows a three-year model, with the possibility to extend into a fourth year. The programme consists of research training and coursework in the first year, after which Doctoral Researchers must pass an upgrade from MPhil to PhD status through submission of an ‘Upgrade Paper’, examined by a viva exam.

This is followed by primary research/fieldwork undertaken in the second year, and the writing up of their thesis in the subsequent year. Doctoral Researchers should aim to be ready for submission by the end of the third year and must submit by the end of the fourth year at the latest.

The primary building block of the PhD programme is the relationship between student and supervisor. Students are admitted on the basis of the expressed willingness of at least one member of staff to serve as the main supervisor for the student's project.

From the student's entry in the programme, the supervisor assumes primary responsibility for monitoring and supporting the student’s progress towards the completion of the degree. Every research student also has an associate supervisor, another member of staff with a close interest in the student’s region and/or sub-field of the discipline. The Department’s research tutor oversees the PhD programme and is available for discussing general problems.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
26th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
71st
What students say
S
Samia
02 Nov 23

Best experience is the welcoming feeling and help everyone gives Worst experience is probably the difficulty in..Read more

C
Chandra
02 Nov 23

The campus location is brilliant cause everything is so close by. However, it would be nice to have faster lifts and a gym at uni...Read more

Entry requirements

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) plus a Masters degree in appropriate subject area plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,860 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Please note that fees go up each year.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest International Studies reviews

International Studies
International Studies
International Politics
S
Samia
02 Nov 23
Certificate in Politics and International Studies
Best experience is the welcoming feeling and help everyone gives Worst experience is probably the difficulty in...
Read more
C
Chandra
02 Nov 23
Certificate in Politics and International Studies
The campus location is brilliant cause everything is so close by. However, it would be nice to have faster lifts and a gym at uni....
Read more
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How International Studies students rated:

Student rating
( 3.8) 10 reviews
5 star
30%
4 stars
40%
3 stars
20%
2 stars
0%
1 star
10%

How all students rated:

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( 4.1) 731 reviews
5 star
32%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
15%
2 stars
2%
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1%
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Uni info

SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London , Camden

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

Student rating
( 4.1) View reviews
CUG ranking
71st
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
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