university of aberdeen phd politics

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Politics and International Relations at the University of Aberdeen

Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen, a unique combination in Scotland, focuses on the role of politics, power, states, and governments in an ever-changing global context.

Politics is ranked 8th in the UK

Politics at Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK for by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

International Relations is ranked 4th in the UK

International Relations at Aberdeen is ranked 4th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Politics & International Relations focuses on the role of power, states, and governments in historical and contemporary human affairs.  Aberdeen is noted for its comparative and multidisciplinary approach to such questions, involving both advanced democracies and less-developed countries. Specific areas of excellence include political organisation/participation, comparative politics, conflict/security, energy/environment, and international relations theory.

Along with the Departments of Anthropology and Sociology, the Department of Politics & International Relations forms part of the School of Social Science. The Department currently has 22 members of staff and more than fifty postgraduate students. Over the course of five decades it has developed an international reputation as a centre of academic excellence for political research.

For students, our commitment is to provide a core curriculum along with unique options that represent the research interests among staff. These interests include international political economy and globalisation, democracy and democratization, public policy and public opinion, power and security, interest groups, political parties, social movements, institutions and many more. Likewise, we offer expertise in the Middle-East, Latin America, North and South Asia, the Nordic Countries, Central and Eastern Europe as well as Scotland, the UK and the EU.

With a population of 230 000, Aberdeen is a city which captures the charm and comfort of a smaller municipality but simultaneously offers the amenities of a large metropolitan city. The beach promenade and surrounding natural areas are excellent for long walks and hikes. The bustling city centre meets the cultural, culinary, and shopping needs of tourist and residents. The airport offers 44 destinations and more than 10 flights a day to London.

Fully completed in 2014, Aberdeen Sports Village offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, a 25 metre diving pool, a full-size indoor football pitch and a gym.

Sir Duncan Rice Library was designed by Danish architects Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen and opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabth II in 2012. 

The address of the University of Aberdeen School of Social Science is:

School of Social Science University of Aberdeen Edward Wright Building Dunbar Street Aberdeen AB24 3QY

Telephone: +44 (0)1224 272726

Email: [email protected]     

Please see the People section for specific contacts.

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Politics and International Relations PhD

University of aberdeen, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, similar courses at different universities, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

International Relations International Politics

Course type

The Department of Politics and International Relations offers internationally-recognised expertise and postgraduate supervision across the various fields of our discipline.

We are a medium-sized Department of Politics and International Relations (PIR) with 18 members of staff who investigate some of the world’s most pressing political problems at several levels of analysis: sub-state, state, regional and international. Often adopting an interdisciplinary perspective across the social sciences, the department’s research can be grouped into four key themes: Democracy and Representation; Conflict and Security; Comparative Politics and Policy; and Political and International Relations Theory. PhD study can be undertaken either on campus or at a distance.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants to the PhD must provide a detailed research proposal and two academic references from their most recent academic institution.

MA International Relations, Conflict and Security

Northumbria university, newcastle, international relations, conflict and security (28 months) ma, international relations, conflict and security (18 months) ma, human rights and global ethics ma, pgdip, pgcert, by distance learning, university of leicester, international relations ma.

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Politics and International Relations PhD University of Aberdeen

Course options

Qualification.

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

The Department of Politics and International Relations offers internationally-recognised expertise and postgraduate supervision across the various fields of our discipline.

We are a medium-sized Department of Politics and International Relations (PIR) with 18 members of staff who investigate some of the world’s most pressing political problems at several levels of analysis: sub-state, state, regional and international. Often adopting an interdisciplinary perspective across the social sciences, the department’s research can be grouped into four key themes: Democracy and Representation; Conflict and Security; Comparative Politics and Policy; and Political and International Relations Theory. PhD study can be undertaken either on campus or at a distance.

Tuition fees

• Afghanistan
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo (Democratic Republic)
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Ivory Coast
• Korea DPR (North Korea)
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
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• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• Switzerland
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City
• Western Samoa

£ 21,700 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University League Table

Campus address.

University of Aberdeen, Directorate of External Relations, King's College, Aberdeen, Aberdeen, City Of, AB24 3FX, Scotland

Subject rankings

Subject ranking.

33rd out of 79 1

Entry standards

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Study options.

• International

What will I learn?

The Department of Politics and International Relations offers internationally-recognised expertise and postgraduate supervision across the various fields of our discipline.

We are a medium-sized Department of Politics and International Relations (PIR) with 18 members of staff who investigate some of the world’s most pressing political problems at several levels of analysis: sub-state, state, regional and international. Often adopting an interdisciplinary perspective across the social sciences, the department’s research can be grouped into four key themes: Democracy and Representation; Conflict and Security; Comparative Politics and Policy; and Political and International Relations Theory. PhD study can be undertaken either on campus or at a distance.

Which department am I in?

Full time (3 years).

Please check with institution

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

23 September 2024

Directorate of External Relations,

King's College,

Aberdeen, City Of,

AB24 3FX, Scotland

Entry requirements

For international students.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

About University of Aberdeen 13 Reviews

The University of Aberdeen ranks in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023).

• Excellent graduate outcomes and employment prospects
• Fifth oldest university in the UK
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• Olympic-standard Aberdeen Sports Village and Aquatic Centre

Politics and International Relations

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• University of Aberdeen

PhD Politics and International Relations

At university of aberdeen.

Qualification

Next intake

23 September 2024

Entry Score

About the course

The Department of Politics and International Relations offers internationally-recognised expertise and postgraduate supervision across the various fields of our discipline.We are a medium-sized Department of Politics and International Relations (PIR) with 18 members of staff who investigate some of the world's most pressing political problems at several levels of analysis: sub-state, state, regional and international. Often adopting an interdisciplinary perspective across the social sciences, the department's research can be grouped into four key themes: Democracy and Representation, Conflict and Security, Comparative Politics and Policy, and Political and International Relations Theory. Often adopting an interdisciplinary perspective across the social sciences, the department's research can be grouped into four key themes: Democracy and Representation Conflict and Security Comparative Politics and Policy Political and International Relations Theory

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Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. to get an accurate price.

Duration: 3 Year (s)

Fees: GBP 21700

How to apply

Entry requirements for university of aberdeen, application deadline.

The application deadline isn't available Speak to an IDP counsellor for more detailed information

Further information

If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might ant to explore pathway options at University of Aberdeen . If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.

Career outcomes

Pathway options to study at this institution

Reviews and rankings

The world ranking.

201 st / 1250

35 th / 130

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