Politics and International Studies

Study for an MA by Research (MRes) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and become a key member of our impactful academic research community. In the School of Politics and International Studies, you'll experience a supportive, stimulating and challenging research environment which will enable you to pursue your interests and achieve your academic aspirations.

<h3>Researching with us</h3> <p>We welcome research proposals from anyone wishing to pursue a particular area of interest within the broader fields of politics, international development and international relations.</p> <p>Our academic expertise ranges across globalisation, conflict, new security and terrorism, feminism, institutional analysis, international development, civil society and democratisation, knowledge and power, political theory, nationalism, British politics, the European Union, and more.</p> <p>The exciting, multidisciplinary environment we offer our postgraduate researchers is reflected in an active research culture of seminars, research cluster activities and conferences. We strongly encourage researchers to attend conferences, and we have an excellent record of thesis completion. Each of our postgraduate researchers has two supervisors and we have a tradition of close and involved personal supervision, with supervision meetings usually held every month.</p> <h3>Your career and development</h3> <p>A postgraduate research degree is your opportunity to develop skills in preparation for a fruitful career, as well as contributing to a research area you’re passionate about. Which research pathway you choose often depends on your motivation for undertaking a postgraduate research programme and the amount of time you can dedicate to your research. We offer two pathways for postgraduate researchers:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/politics-research-degrees/doc/doctor-philosophy-phd-3" target="_blank" title="Web pages for PhD research degree information">Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)</a></li> <li><a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/politics-research-degrees/doc/ma-research-2" target="_blank" title="Web pages for MA by Research degree information">MA by Research (MRes)</a></li> </ul> <p>Find out more about your <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/politics-research-degrees/doc/career-development-6" target="_blank">career and development opportunities</a>.</p> <h3>Training and support</h3> <p>Whichever route you choose to pursue your research passion, you will have a range of support services and opportunities available to you which will enhance your studies and your career prospects. Whether you are unsure how to plan your next steps, want to network with fellow researchers or you’re looking to brush up your presentation skills, our research community and extensive resources can help.</p> <p>Find out more about our <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/politics-research-degrees/doc/researching-3" target="_blank">research training and support</a>.</p> <h3>Our research and expertise</h3> <p>In the School of Politics and International Studies, our research activity is driven by six interconnected centres of excellence across our core areas of expertise:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://cde.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Centre for Democratic Engagement</a></li> <li><a href="https://cgd.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" title="Global Development and Justice research at the School of Politics and International Studies">Centre for Global Development</a></li> <li><a href="https://ecr2p.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank">European Centre for Responsibility to Protect</a></li> <li><a href="https://css.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Centre for Global Security Challenges</a></li> <li><a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/contemporary-political-theory">Centre for Contemporary Political Theory</a></li> <li><a href="https://ctis.leeds.ac.uk/">Centre for Teaching Innovation and Scholarship</a></li> </ul> <p>The interdisciplinary nature of our research means we also have close links to research centres from across the University, including the <a href="https://lucas.leeds.ac.uk/">Centre for African Studies</a> and <a href="https://lida.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Leeds Institute for Data Analytics</a>.</p> <p>Find out more about <a href="https://essl.leeds.ac.uk/politics-research-expertise" target="_blank">our research and expertise</a>.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees" target="_blank">online</a>. When applying, please clearly state the research area you are interested in.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Graduate School admissions office:<br /> <br /> e: <a href="mailto:applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk">applypgr.socialsciences@leeds.ac.uk</a><br /> t: +44 (0)113 343 8056</p>