Politics PhD

The Department of Politics at the University of Surrey is a thriving space for cutting-edge research and advanced training on 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 supervisor and other members of the academic community, in an active research environment.

The University of Surrey is 33rd in the UK rankings for overall research quality by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. The University is now ranked in the top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs – research papers and other published works. Forty-one per cent of Surrey’s research is rated as world-leading, the highest possible rating, up from 22% when REF last took place in 2014. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Research assistant opportunities 

During your PhD, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside your research supervisor and other members of staff as a 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 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 Graduate Certificate of Higher Education programme offered at Surrey by our own highly regarded Department of Higher Education. You will learn about pedagogy, practice your teaching skills and receive an internationally recognised teaching qualification that will allow you to become a member 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 Department of Politics actively encourages visiting PhD students from other universities around the world.  If you are interested in coming to Surrey as a visiting PhD student you may submit your application via the Doctoral College.

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.