Politics and International Relations, PhD
Swansea University
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

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Different course options
6 options available
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Singleton Park Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

JAN

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Singleton Park Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JUL-25

Duration

3 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Singleton Park Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

3 years

SELECTED

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Singleton Park Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

APR-25

Duration

3 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Singleton Park Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JAN

Duration

6 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Singleton Park Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

JUL-25

Duration

6 years

SELECT

Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Singleton Park Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

APR-25

Duration

6 years

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Politics
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Course info

COURSE OVERVIEWA PhD in Politics and International Relations at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.You submit a thesis of ...Read more

COURSE OVERVIEW

A PhD in Politics and International Relations at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.

It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject area. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).

Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise.

We have a wide spread of relevant research expertise which can be divided into the following categories: the empirical study of politics, international relations and development studies, and the history of political thought, political philosophy and political theory.

This programme develops research skills needed for high-level work in any field of politics and international relations and you will be supported by a range of skills and training programmes available on campus.

As a research student, you will be required to attend skills and training courses. You deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the College of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate conference.

You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
40/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
34th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
37th
What students say
S
sumayo
06 Dec 23

the support is good nothing bad..Read more

E
Ella
14 Nov 23

The campus overlooks the beach and there are some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK just a short distance away! The student union are very active and are constantly putting..Read more

Entry requirements

Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,712 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)

Jan, Apr or Jul 2024: £4,712; Oct 2024 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2025: £4,800. Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

£18,300 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.

Jan, Apr or Jul 2024: £18,300; Oct 2024 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2025: £19,200. Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

£18,300 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.

Jan, Apr or Jul 2024: £18,300; Oct 2024 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2025: £19,200. Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest International Relations reviews

International Relations
International Relations
Politics
S
sumayo
06 Dec 23
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
the support is good nothing bad...
Read more
E
Ella
14 Nov 23
Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
The campus overlooks the beach and there are some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK just a short distance away! The student union are very active and are constantly putting...
Read more
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How International Relations students rated:

Student rating
( 4.5) 25 reviews
5 star
64%
4 stars
24%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 3,760 reviews
5 star
53%
4 stars
36%
3 stars
10%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

Swansea University
Swansea University , Swansea

Located on the stunning Swansea Bay coastline, this Welsh university provides easy access to the city centre, as well as to the beaches...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
37th
Swansea University
Singleton Park Swansea SA2 8PP United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Swansea  1.2 miles away

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