Research degrees in Politics and International Relations
About the PhD programme
The Department of Sociology, Politics & International Studies is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive departments. We’ve expanded considerably over the past decade and are now in the UK’s top 10 for the excellence of our published work and research intensity.
The work of our researchers informs and enhances national and international policymaking, stimulates informed public and political debate, analyses and solves problems in local communities, and improves public understanding of contemporary political challenges. The Department ranked 7th overall in the UK 2021 Research Excellence Framework – Queen Mary University of London (REF) which means its research was considered world-leading and internationally excellent.
The Department also boasts a vibrant research student culture and is part of the prestigious London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP), funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run jointly by QMUL, King’s College London and Imperial College London.
Learn more about our researchers based in the Department of Sociology, Politics & International Relations , their areas of expertise, and how to get in touch.
Research Areas
The Department of Sociology, Politics and International Relations is home to several Research centres and Research groups, representing our areas of expertise.
Research Centres
Centre for Governance and Democracy: Dedicated to the study and analysis of political systems, governance and democratic processes
Centre for the Study of Race, Class and Empire: Addresses key questions across the Humanities and Social Sciences relating to the production of racism and other forms of marginalisation in politics, society, arts, culture and everyday practice.
Mile End Institute: Primary centre for the study and public discussion of the major challenges facing British politics, policymaking, and public life.
Research Groups
Gender Research Group: Home for scholarship, public engagement and policy expertise on gender. Its collective approach to gender is expansive, interdisciplinary and global.
Pedagogy and Critical Scholarship Group: A forum for developing a community of practice, focused on contemporary issues impacting the relationship between pedagogy and scholarship.
Research Group on International Political Sociology: Explores international, political and social phenomena through a transdisciplinary lens.
Theory Lab A space for creative and critical thinking about politics and society, where theory-focused work-in-progress is discussed and offered feedback.
The application process
Before making a formal application to our PhD programme you must identify and contact an academic with research interests related to your proposed area of research to discuss your proposal and gain their agreement to act as your doctoral supervisor. Details of staff and their research expertise may be found at the Dept of Sociology, Politics & International Relations web-page. Your application must be accompanied by a research proposal outlining the aims and academic context of the research. For information on the PhD programme and Research areas, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies.
PhD students normally begin their studies in September/October to take advantage of the research training programmes the Dept offers. However, if you are applying for a funded place you will need to submit by the funding deadline - please see the further information section below for information about our funding awards and their deadlines. Full- and part-time study is available. Please select the entry point below for either full-time or part-time study to access the on-line PhD application system. Please check the information on the funding award before applying.
Contact
For more information, please get in touch with the Postgraduate Research Programmes Officer, at sse-pgr@qmul.ac.uk
Further information
Applicants are advised that, prior to making their application, they should view the information provided about the Dept of Sociology, Politics & International Relations PhD programme and its applications process, entry requirements and the application documentation required for entry on the Department of Sociology, Politics & International Relations PhD web-page
Applicants are also welcome to visit the Department’s PhD funding information web-page. To be considered for funding, applicants must have organised supervision and submitted their formal application (with supporting documents) by the time of the funding deadline date.