Politics PhD

The Department of Politics at the University of Surrey is a thriving space for cutting-edge research and advanced training in a range of political areas. The department has an active PhD community pursuing leading research around several major political themes. Our students have the opportunity to work closely with their supervisors and other members of the academic community, in an active research environment.

Our department has two well-established research centres bringing together our students, members of staff and visiting researchers:

• Centre for Britain and Europe
• Centre for International Intervention.

The Department of Politics is particularly interested in promoting a lively and active community between doctoral students and members of staff, and we hold regular social events. Here at Surrey, you’ll join a cosmopolitan, multilingual and multicultural community of students and scholars. We consider doctoral students to be junior academics or researchers, and an integral part of the Department.

We belong to TECHNE, an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded doctoral training partnership, which provides access to comprehensive academic and professional training programmes, as well as the possibility of funding for your studies.

The University of Surrey is 33rd in the UK rankings for overall research quality by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Eighty-three per cent of the research submitted by the Department of Politics is now rated as being world-leading or of internationally excellent quality, with 100% of our impact case studies being considered by REF as having outstanding and very considerable impact in terms of their reach and significance.

Exactly what you'll study will depend on the topic of your PhD. We can supervise a wide range of areas relating to European politics, government and opposition, security and conflict – please see the ‘themes and facilities’ tab for a full list.

During your first year you will undertake two modules in quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will also attend a series of seminars providing training and advice on research and professional development, as well as becoming a member of one of our research centres.

Our PhD students undertake research in the following areas:

• Comparative politics
• British politics
• International relations
• EU studies
• Political conflicts and interventions
• Parties and elections
• Public policy
• American politics
• Public opinion
• Area studies.

Personal and professional development

We have a package of development opportunities that will boost your research and teaching skills and put you in the best position to secure employment at the end of your course.

In addition to our Researcher Development Programme, which is provided to all PhD students at the University, we also offer a number of other professional development opportunities:

Research assistant opportunities

During your PhD, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside your research supervisor and other members of staff as a paid research assistant. You will be involved in activities such as: conducting literature reviews, helping with data analysis and interpretation for current research projects. You will play an active role in the research community of the Department and research centres.

Teaching opportunities

During your PhD you will be offered the opportunity to take on a range of paid teaching activities, fully supported by your academic colleagues. These teaching opportunities will further reinforce your personal and academic skills and help to enhance your understanding of your subject area as well as enhancing your CV significantly.

Graduate Certificate of Higher Education

In the first year of your PhD, you will have the opportunity to enrol on the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education programme offered at Surrey by our own highly regarded Surrey Institute of Education. You will learn about pedagogy, practise your teaching skills and receive an internationally recognised teaching qualification that will allow you to become a fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.