Overview
The only attendance requirements are that the student visits the university for two weeks each year for an organized programme of research training and/or supervision and is also present on campus for their final viva examination. Travel and accommodation costs for these visits must be borne by the student.
Distance learning does present challenges and applicants need to have a high capacity to work independently and in a disciplined fashion to pursue their research goals. However, supervisory teams are there to assist students, drawing up individual training plans to support students in acquiring the skills and knowledge to complete a thesis.
The School of Government brings together academic staff, research fellows and doctoral researchers across the Social Sciences. The School is one of the leading UK and international centres for Politics, International Relations, International Development, International Security and European Studies.
The Department offers supervision leading to the research degrees of PhD (minimum registration three years) allowing participants to complete an 80,000-word thesis constituting a major piece of original research work. These can be studied on a full or part time basis.
Career
If I gain a postgraduate research degree in this area, what are my career prospects?
Graduates of the Political Science and International Studies by Distance Learning programme from University of Birmingham develop transferable skills that are useful in many occupations. These include familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large and diverse quantities of information; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; judging and evaluating complex information; and making reasoned arguments, both orally, in tutorials and presentations, and in written work. There are many careers where a political science and international studies degree is useful and past graduates have entered areas including commercial management, finance, administration, politics, and even the armed forces. Some of our PhD graduates also continue onto successful careers in academic research and teaching.
Programme Structure
In broad terms, our research work is focused around eight research groups:
- Area Studies
- Diplomatic Studies
- European Politics
- Political Economy
- Political Theory
- Security Studies
- International Relations Theory
- Political Sociology
Key information
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApplication deadline not specified.
Language
Delivered
Disciplines
International Relations Political Science View 4 other PhDs in International Relations in United KingdomAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants for the distance learning PhD must provide evidence of prior research experience and/or training suitable for their intended programme of study. When they apply, they are expected to consult with their supervisor who can assess their skills, background and capacity to undertake independent study at a distance.
- Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate for either degree is the quality of his or her research proposal and its relevance to our own interests. Successful completion of a research thesis demands a high level of self-discipline, motivation and commitment to the subject of research. Great importance is placed on work experience, when relevant. Please contact the Department for more details.
Tuition Fee
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International
18450 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 18450 GBP per year -
National
4500 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4500 GBP per year
- £2,250 PT (Home students)
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.