phd of international relations

Offered by the School of International Service   , the International Relations (PhD) program enables students to produce knowledge for careers in university teaching and research, government, and non-governmental organizations both in the United States and internationally. The curriculum provides training in international relations that is both multi-disciplinary and policy-relevant. The core courses in international relations, comparative politics, social theory, and methodology provide a foundation that allows students considerable flexibility to pursue additional coursework, research, and writing in international affairs. Major emphasis is placed on research and all students are required to successfully defend an original dissertation of their own design that makes a contribution to knowledge in their chosen area. In addition to completing the dissertation, students are encouraged to present conference papers, engage in collaborative work with faculty members, and submit articles to refereed journals.

Admission to the Program

Applicants for the PhD degree program must hold an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree, or its equivalent, in a field related to international relations. Applicants must have a prior cumulative grade point average that is substantially above B (3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale) for coursework relevant to international relations.

The program is designed for study on a full-time basis. Applicants for the PhD degree are considered and admitted only for the fall semester each year. The school does not permit students to begin their doctoral work in the spring. Deferral of matriculation in the PhD program is not permitted. In order to be considered for fall admission, applications and all supporting materials must reach the SIS Graduate Admissions Office no later than December 15.

All applicants are required to submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Non-native English speakers are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they hold a degree from a US-accredited institution before enrollment at SIS. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test (PBT). The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. Applicants should plan to take the appropriate test well in advance of the December 15 deadline.

All applicants must submit at least three letters of reference which evaluate their suitability for undertaking doctoral study in international relations. At least one of those letters must assess their academic performance. Cultural factors are considered in making admissions decisions and in evaluating transcripts and examination results.

Doctoral students may transfer up to 6 credit hours of previous graduate coursework earned at accredited institutions with a minimum grade of B in each course. Such credits must have been earned within five years of admission and must be relevant to a student’s program of study. Requests for transfer of graduate credit are considered during the student’s first term.

Degree Requirements

• 39 credit hours of approved graduate work
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in all graduate work is required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another modern foreign language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified
• The first or qualifying examination is normally taken at the end of the first year. The qualifying exam requires the demonstration of competency in theoretical, epistemological, and methodological literature and issues in international relations, comparative politics, and  social theory. These areas are addressed in the core seminars that students normally complete during their first year of residence, although the scope of the examination is not limited to topics covered in the seminars
• A second examination, the Field Comprehensive Examination, is in a student’s chosen field of specialization. This Comprehensive Field Examination is a scholarly paper in which students must demonstrate knowledge of the scholarly literature related to a research question approved by their Department’s PhD Point of Contact. With the permission of the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the advice of at least three qualified scholars, the student may also construct a special field
• The SIS Director of Doctoral Studies chairs the prospectus defense. The examiners also include the student’s dissertation committee, which is comprised of a minimum of three members, one of whom serves as chair and as the primary supervisor of the dissertation research. It is the responsibility of the student to secure the agreement of a full-time tenured member of the School of International Service faculty to serve as the chair of his or her dissertation committee. At least two members of the dissertation committee must be full-time, tenure-line members of the American University faculty. The members of the committee must be approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the American University Doctoral Council
• Students are normally expected to complete their prospectus defense no later than the end of the sixth semester after entering the program. For details on scheduling comprehensive examinations and examination procedures, consult the director of the PhD program or the SIS Graduate Office
• Advancement to candidacy: To be advanced to candidacy, students must remedy any deficiencies specified at the time of admission, complete all graduate work, be certified as proficient in a modern foreign language in addition to English, have passed their written and oral examinations, have submitted certification of completion of Responsible Conduct of Research training, and have successfully defended their dissertation prospectus
• Students must present a completed draft of their dissertation for defense. They are responsible for ensuring that the final draft of their dissertation meet university style requirements. Dissertations must be approved by the dean of the School of International Service
• Statute of limitations: American University’s academic regulations provide that all graduate work for the doctorate must be completed in no more than nine years after the date of first enrollment as doctoral student. Prior to the expiration of that time limit, a student may petition for an extension of candidacy. Under compelling circumstances, students may apply for one-year extensions beyond the expected time to degree, with a maximum of three extensions. Students must petition the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies for each one-year extension; each extension must also be approved by the SIS Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Education and the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research

Course Requirements

Core theory (12 credit hours).

• SIS-801 Schools of Thought in International Relations (3)
• SIS-802 Comparative and Regional Studies (3)
• SIS-803 Advanced Seminar in International Relations (3)
• SIS-804 Social Theory in Comparative and International Perspective (3)

Social Science Research Methodology (15 credit hours)

• SIS-806 Quantitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-807 Qualitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-808 Politics and Policy Making in International Relations (3)
• SIS-810 Research Design (3)
• SIS-811 Dissertation Development Workshop (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)

• 9 credit hours in a major field of concentration determined in consultation with the PhD Point of Contact from one of the SIS Departments

Electives (3 credit hours)

• 3 credit hours from coursework relevant to a student’s program of study and approved by the PhD Point of Contact from one of the SIS Departments

Research and Writing Requirement

• A student is required to maintain full-time status until they successfully defend a dissertation. Upon advance to candidacy, a student maintains enrollment status by registering for SIS-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9)   . For each semester, up to 9 credit hours of SIS-899    is priced at the equivalent of one graduate credit hour

Degree Requirements

You are here: american university school of international service phd degree requirements.

[email protected]

School of International Service on a map

Back to top

Requirements at a Glance

Please note: the SIS PhD program does not allow shared or transferred credits. For more information on program-specific regulations, please reference the SIS PhD handbook .

• SIS Graduate Admissions
• SIS Graduate Advising
• AU Graduate Academic Regulations

Ph.D. in International Affairs, Science, and Technology

The Nunn School International Affair's Ph.D. program provides an unparalleled opportunity for students with backgrounds in either politics or science and technology to deepen their understanding of international affairs through the advanced study of sub-fields such as international relations theory, international security, international political economy, comparative politics, and methods for social scientific research.

The Ph.D. program is a four to six-year program designed to adapt to the interests and needs of students who intend to enter professional careers requiring or who plan to work in academia. The program emphasizes both traditional theoretical knowledge of international relations and strategic planning and analysis. The program includes 21 semester hours of required core seminars in:

• Empirical research methods
• International Relations theory
• International Security policy
• Comparative Politics
• International Political Economy
• Ph.D. Proseminar
• Science, Technology, and International Affairs I and II

Students are also required to complete the Institute-mandated 9-credit hour minor concentration outside of the field.

As part of the coursework, students are required to demonstrate foreign language familiarity through two years of coursework during undergraduate or graduate studies and passing a translation exercise. Students can either opt to have a third year of language or take a year of advanced methods. Students are required to pass two qualification exams and successfully defend a paper related to a science and technology topic before they can advance to candidacy.

Ph.D. students may also complete elective coursework through cross-registration at any of the nineteen public and private colleges, universities, and other higher learning institutions that comprise the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE). This opportunity provides considerable flexibility in tailoring individual studies to achieve specific career objectives.

Program Benefits

Flexibility

The doctoral program prepares students not only for academia but also in the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. Our alums now work at the National Nuclear Security Administration, Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy, and as professors.

Interdisciplinary

The program's interdisciplinary nature allows students to take courses in science, technology, engineering, business, and design to meet post-graduation plans. Related courses taken in these disciplines can be counted towards the required 9-credit hour minor.

Admissions Questions?

Please visit our frequently asked questions page or contact us below.

Email:  [email protected] | Phone: 404-894-8352

Habersham Building 781 Marietta St. NW Atlanta, GA 30332-0610

Related Links

Degree Requirements

Student Handbook

Admissions Instructions

Admissions FAQ

Meet Our Alumni

Graduate School

Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

General information, program offerings:.

• Joint Degree

Director of Graduate Studies:

Graduate program administrator:.

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a distinctive curriculum that strikes a careful balance between theory and practice. Graduate students spend time developing analytical skills and acquiring a substantive knowledge about the world's most important domestic and international issues.

The School has a diverse faculty representing a wide range of disciplines and expertise, with 20 affiliated research centers and programs.

The School's resources enable students to earn graduate degrees without incurring indebtedness, thereby making it more feasible to pursue careers of public service in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Graduate Programs

The principal graduate program of the school is a two-year curriculum leading to the degree of Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.). Students can earn a dual degree in public affairs and law (M.P.A./J.D.) after four years of study at SPIA  and a collaborating law school. The School also offers a dual degree in business (M.P.A./M.B.A) with the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. 

The School also has a graduate program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in public and international affairs, as well as a one-year Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) for mid-career professionals.

Additional departmental requirements

Ph.D. – Sample of written work, 25 page maximum. Applicants are required to select an academic subplan when applying.

*M.P.A. – Course list. 4 page policy memo. Applicants are required to select a field when applying.

M.P.A. – J.D. – Course list. 4 page policy memo. 2 page joint degree statement. Applicants are required to select a field when applying.

M.P.A. – M.B.A – Course list. 4 page policy memo. 2 page joint degree statement. Applicants are required to select a field when applying.

M.P.P. – 4 page policy memo. Applicants are required to select a field when applying. Mid-career professionals are required to have a minimum of 7 years’ experience.

M.P.A. and M.P.P. – Must have 3 letters of recommendation: preference for 1 professional letter, 1 academic reference letter, and 1 letter from a faculty member, administrator, or professional who can comment on the applicant's commitment to public service.

*For applicants interested in the SINSI program, you will also be required to submit a 1-page SINSI statement in addition to the standard M.P.A. requirements. 

Program Offerings

Program offering: ph.d., program description.

The purpose of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs' doctoral program is to train top-quality researchers in critical areas of public policy.  It offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs in two research clusters: Security Studies; and Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (STEP).  The goal is to enroll eight students per year in the program, with four in each research cluster.

Core courses and individual requirements are determined by the faculty in each cluster. Both clusters require advanced politics and econometrics training for social science research.  A student in the STEP cluster must take at least eight courses in the first two years, and a minimum of three courses must come from within SPIA or from science or engineering departments, selected with approval of the primary adviser and the faculty coordinator of the STEP Ph.D. cluster.  A student in the Security cluster takes 12 courses during the first two years.  All students are required to maintain an overall grade average of 85 (B) or higher to remain in the Ph.D. program.  Full requirements are available on the SPIA website.

Additional pre-generals requirements

Writing Requirement

Students are required to complete an original research paper of publishable quality.

General exam

The examination covers two fields identified by the student in consultation with a faculty committee and includes two written components.  Students in both clusters may be required to complete an oral examination, depending on their performance on the written components. Students are expected to complete all parts of the general examination by the end of the second year.

Qualifying for the M.A.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully completes all coursework and the general examination.  It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that the M.A. requirements have been met.

A six-hour teaching assignment (precepting), usually following the general examination, is required.

Post-Generals requirements

A written research prospectus is required.

Dissertation and FPO

After a candidate successfully completes the general examination and defends the written prospectus, the Ph.D. program committee approves entry into the dissertation phase of the program.  

The student prepares a dissertation for review by the faculty. Departmental acceptance of the dissertation qualifies the candidate for the final public oral examination.  The Final Public Oral (FPO) examination is required by University regulations, and is conducted after the dissertation has been recommended for acceptance by the School.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the FPO examination completed.

Program Offering: M.P.A.

The Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) offers rigorous preparation for international and domestic policy careers.

This two-year, full-time residential program cultivates among its students and graduates a lasting commitment to public service.

Through its core curriculum and a wide variety of elective courses, students learn analytical skills that address the political, economic, quantitative, behavioral and normative aspects of complex policy problems. 

Each M.P.A. candidate selects a policy field in which to specialize from the school’s four fields of concentration: international relations, international development, domestic policy, and economics and public policy. Students may also earn a joint degree in public affairs and law (M.P.A./J.D.), or in public affairs and business (M.P.A./M.B.A.). Certificate programs offer additional areas of specialization in fields such as health policy; science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP); and urban policy.

Significant financial aid resources are dedicated to enable SPIA students the opportunity to receive graduate degrees without incurring loan indebtedness and to launch them into public service careers in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Students must complete 16 full-term courses in an approved plan of study, attaining an overall average in the 16 courses of 80 or better. The overall average includes actual grades in courses taken Pass/D/Fail. The curriculum of the M.P.A. program includes seven required core courses that address skills and techniques needed for the systematic study of public policy problems. The courses cover political analysis, quantitative methods, and economic and behavioral analysis. 

Additional requirements

Policy Workshops Graduate policy workshops are a unique part of the SPIA graduate curriculum.

Policy workshops provide students with an opportunity to use the analytical skills they have acquired in the first year in the program to analyze complex and challenging policy issues, usually for real clients. Each workshop consists of about 10 students who work in teams to evaluate a policy challenge.

The workshops emphasize policy implementation, and it is this emphasis that distinguishes them from regular courses. The goal of the workshops is to understand a policy issue in great depth and to make policy recommendations that are both creative and realistic, given the relevant institutional and political constraints.

Policymaking in Diverse Societies half-term course All students must take at least one half-term course that focuses on policymaking in diverse societies during the two-year course of study.  A list of pre-approved courses will be made available to students each academic year.

Required summer course in Race, Power and Inequality  All students must take a summer course (SPI 500) Race, Power and Inequality which precedes all other core courses and is integrated into the four-week summer program. This is a for-credit half-term course, with mandatory PDF grading.

Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE) In late January, before spring semester courses begin, first-year M.P.A. students are required to take part in a policy project called the Integrated Policy Exercise, or IPE.

The IPE requires students to apply the skills they acquired in the fall term core courses. They are given briefing materials to review in advance and are then required to submit a comprehensive memo in response to a set of specific policy questions. The IPE is a trial run for the first-year qualifying examination (QE1).

Qualifying Examination 1 (QE1) In early May, at the end of the second semester, students are required to take the QE1, a graded exercise that closely parallels the IPE.

The QE1 requires an integrated use of all the analytical skills acquired in the first-year core curriculum.

Qualifying Examination 2 (QE2) Second-year students are required to take and pass a second qualifying exam (QE2) in their chosen field of concentration at the end of the second year.

Internship  Students must successfully complete an internship approved by the Internship Committee.

Program Offering: M.P.P.

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs offers a one-year Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) degree for mid-career professionals who are rising leaders in international and domestic public policy.  This residential program is designed for mid-career professionals with seven or more years of public service experience in government agencies or nonprofit organizations in the United States and abroad.

The M.P.P. program provides rigorous training in economic, behavioral, political, and organizational analysis. Students may also choose to specialize and earn a certificate in one of the following: health and health policy (HHP); science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP); or urban policy (UP).

To qualify for the degree, M.P.P. candidates must successfully complete eight courses.

A typical M.P.P. program of study will include a specialization in one of the school’s four fields of concentration:

• International Relations
• International Development
• Domestic Policy
• Economics and Public Policy

All M.P.P. students begin with a six-week summer program that includes intensive courses in microeconomics and statistics, and a policy analysis and leadership seminar.

The summer program is designed to enhance students’ preparation for graduate-level courses. The seminar aims to introduce them to the approaches they will encounter in SPIA courses during the academic year, while also helping them get to know their peers and refine their learning objectives for the year.

Program Offering: Joint Degree

Some students may wish to combine the School's program in public affairs with study for a degree in a related professional field.

A joint M.P.A.-J.D. degree program that combines public affairs with the study of law is offered in cooperation with the law schools of New York University, Columbia, Stanford, and Yale. On occasion, joint programs with other law schools have been approved by the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and the cooperating law school.

The joint program shortens the time involved in obtaining the two degrees and makes possible an effective combination of the several disciplines involved in public policy analysis. Participating students spend five semesters at the cooperating law school and three semesters at SPIA, thus reducing by two semesters the normal time required to earn the two degrees. Enrollment in the joint program requires a separate application and admission to each school.

For a small number of exceptionally strong candidates, the School will accept applications for a joint program that combines public and international affairs with the study of business administration. Proposals giving a detailed rationale for such a joint program must be submitted at the time of application. At this time, Stanford’s Graduate School of Business is the only cooperating business school. A joint degree programs will normally shorten by one semester the length of time required to complete each of the individual programs.

• Amaney A. Jamal
• David S. Wilcove

Director of Graduate Studies

• Elke U. Weber

Director of Undergraduate Studies

• Susan L. Marquis
• Gary J. Bass
• Roland J. Benabou
• Alan S. Blinder
• Carles Boix
• Charles M. Cameron
• Miguel A. Centeno
• Christopher F. Chyba
• Alin I. Coman
• Janet M. Currie
• Rafaela M. Dancygier
• Navroz K. Dubash
• Pascaline Dupas
• Kathryn J. Edin
• Christopher L. Eisgruber
• Aaron L. Friedberg
• Filiz Garip
• Noreen Goldman
• Bryan T. Grenfell
• Gene M. Grossman
• G. John Ikenberry
• Harold James
• Seema Jayachandran
• Jennifer L. Jennings
• Henrik J. Kleven
• Ilyana Kuziemko
• David S. Lee
• Frances E. Lee
• John B. Londregan
• Denise L. Mauzerall
• Nolan McCarty
• C. Jessica E. Metcalf
• Atif R. Mian
• Helen V. Milner
• Sanyu A. Mojola
• Eduardo Morales
• Andrew Moravcsik
• Layna Mosley
• Michael Oppenheimer
• Pietro Ortoleva
• Elizabeth L. Paluck
• Grigore Pop-Eleches
• Deborah A. Prentice
• Markus Prior
• Emily Pronin
• Laurence Ralph
• Stephen J. Redding
• Richard Rogerson
• Cecilia E. Rouse
• Aysegül Sahin
• Kim Lane Scheppele
• Eldar Shafir
• Jacob N. Shapiro
• Patrick T. Sharkey
• Stacey A. Sinclair
• Paul E. Starr
• Florencia Torche
• Zeynep Tufekci
• James Raymond Vreeland
• Keith A. Wailoo
• Leonard Wantchekon
• Mark W. Watson
• Ismail K. White
• Jennifer A. Widner
• Deborah J. Yashar
• Julian E. Zelizer
• Owen M. Zidar

Associate Professor

• Elizabeth M. Armstrong
• Thomas Fujiwara
• Alexander Glaser
• Adam M. Goldstein
• Jonathan Mayer
• Jonathan F. Mummolo
• Anuj K. Shah
• Hye Young You

Assistant Professor

• Benjamin H. Bradlow
• Pauline Carry
• Amelia M. Frank-Vitale
• Tanushree Goyal
• Naima N. Green-Riley
• John R. Grigsby
• Saad A. Gulzar
• Peter Henderson
• Aleksandra Korolova
• Karthik A. Sastry
• Maria Micaela Sviatschi
• Guadalupe Tuñón
• Andreas B. Wiedemann

Associated Faculty

• Alison E. Isenberg, History
• Guy J.P. Nordenson, Architecture

Lecturer with Rank of Professor

• Robert L. Hutchings
• Ethan Kapstein
• Stanley N. Katz
• W Bentley MacLeod

Professor of the Practice

• Heather H. Howard
• Alicia Adsera
• Lakshmi N. Balaji
• Frederick D. Barton
• Mark Berlin
• Barbara C. Buckinx
• Andrew Buher
• Devanne Béda-Geuder
• Zack Cooper
• Lauren Davis
• Maya Dimant
• Edward P. Freeland
• Varun Gauri
• Arbel Griner
• Jean B. Grossman
• William G. Guthe
• Kerry M. Healey
• Mehmet Hecan
• Sofie Norma Hiltner
• Thomas D. Howes
• Razia Iqbal
• Gregory B. Jaczko
• Steven A. Kelts
• Daniel C. Kurtzer
• Nicholas J. Lotito
• Tom Malinowski
• Robert Malley
• Elliot J. Mamet
• Anastasia Mann
• Carol L Martin
• Eric Medawar
• Daniel J. Meuse
• Timothy J. Nelson
• Deborah N. Pearlstein
• Sebastien Philippe
• Ransford Pinto
• Juan C. Pinzon
• Kenneth Roth
• Leslie J. Rowley
• Thomas A. Shannon
• Arian M. Sharifi
• Alyssa B. Sharkey
• Tsering Wangyal Shawa
• Sarah L. Staszak
• Hannah B. Waldfogel
• Nathaniel Zbaida
• Sam van Noort

Visiting Professor

• Martin S. Flaherty
• Yoto V. Yotov

Visiting Lecturer

• Eduardo Bhatia
• Brendan F. Boyle
• Martha B. Coven
• Salam Fayyad
• Barton D. Gellman
• Pallavi Gogoi
• Dee L. Mewbourne
• Mark A. Milley
• Teddy Nemeroff
• Steven Strauss

For a full list of faculty members and fellows please visit the department or program website.

Permanent Courses

Courses listed below are graduate-level courses that have been approved by the program’s faculty as well as the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Faculty Committee on the Graduate School as permanent course offerings. Permanent courses may be offered by the department or program on an ongoing basis, depending on curricular needs, scheduling requirements, and student interest. Not listed below are undergraduate courses and one-time-only graduate courses, which may be found for a specific term through the Registrar’s website. Also not listed are graduate-level independent reading and research courses, which may be approved by the Graduate School for individual students.

ENE 549 - Integrated Assessment Modeling for Climate Policy Making (also SPI 583)

Pol 506 - qualitative methods (also spi 595), pop 507 - generalized linear statistical models (also spi 509), spi 500 - race, power, and inequality, spi 501 - the politics of public policy, spi 502 - psychology for policy analysis and implementation, spi 503 - management of non-profit organizations, spi 504 - policy issues and analysis of civil society, non-profits, and philanthropy, spi 505 - financial management in the corporate and public sectors, spi 506 - the sociology of organizations, spi 507b - quantitative analysis for policymakers, spi 507c - quantitative analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 508a - econometrics for policymakers: applications (half-term), spi 508b - econometrics for policymakers (half-term), spi 508c - econometrics for policymakers (advanced), spi 508d - econometrics and public policy (accelerated), spi 511b - microeconomic analysis for policymakers, spi 511c - microeconomic analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 512b - macroeconomic analysis for policymakers, spi 512c - macroeconomic analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 515b - program and policy evaluation, spi 515c - program and policy evaluation: impact evaluation tools, spi 519a - negotiation, persuasion and social influence: theory and practice (also psy 528a), spi 521 - domestic politics, spi 522 - microeconomic analysis of domestic policy, spi 523 - legal and regulatory policy toward markets, spi 524 - the political economy of central banking, spi 525 - public economics and public policy, spi 527a - topics in domestic policy, spi 527b - topics in domestic policy, spi 527c - topics in domestic policy, spi 527d - topics in domestic policy, spi 528a - topics in domestic policy, spi 528b - topics in domestic policy, spi 528c - topics in domestic policy, spi 528d - topics in domestic policy, spi 528f - topics in domestic policy, spi 528g - topics in domestic policy, spi 529 - great leadership in historical perspective, spi 530 - values based leadership, spi 531 - identity, power, and policy, spi 533 - planning theory and process (also arc 535), spi 534 - land use policy and planning, spi 535 - planning methods, spi 537 - urban inequality and social policy (also soc 537), spi 538 - urban economics, spi 539 - urban politics and policymaking, spi 540 - urbanization and development, spi 541 - international politics, spi 542 - international economics, spi 543 - international trade policy, spi 544 - international macroeconomics, spi 547 - the conduct of international diplomacy, spi 548 - weapons of mass destruction and international security, spi 549 - national security policy, spi 550 - phd gateway in security studies, spi 552 - the politics of globalization, spi 555a - topics in ir, spi 555b - topics in ir, spi 555c - topics in ir, spi 555d - topics in ir, spi 555e - topics in ir, spi 555f - topics in ir, spi 556a - topics in ir, spi 556b - topics in ir (also las 566/pol 564), spi 556c - topics in ir, spi 556d - topics in ir (also pol 522), spi 556e - topics in ir, spi 556f - topics in ir, spi 556g - topics in ir, spi 558 - human rights, spi 559 - the rule of law, spi 561 - the comparative political economy of development (also pol 523), spi 562b - economic analysis of development, spi 562c - economic analysis of development (advanced), spi 564 - poverty, inequality and health in the world (also pop 564), spi 565 - social determinants of health (also pop 565/soc 565), spi 566a - topics in health (also pop 566), spi 568 - economics of health in developing countries, spi 571 - topics in development, spi 571a - topics in development, spi 571b - topics in development, spi 571c - topics in development, spi 571d - topics in development, spi 572 - topics in development, spi 572a - topics in development, spi 572b - topics in development, spi 572c - topics in development, spi 574 - making government work, spi 576a - topics in regional and country studies, spi 576b - topics in regional and country studies, spi 581a - topics in economics, spi 581c - topics in economics, spi 582a - topics in economics, spi 582b - topics in economics, spi 582c - topics in economics, spi 582f - topics in economics, spi 585a - topics in step, spi 585b - topics in step, spi 585c - topics in step, spi 586a - topics in step, spi 586b - topics in step (also eeb 516), spi 586d - topics in step, spi 586e - topics in step, spi 586f - topics in step (also cos 586), spi 588 - extramural summer research project, spi 589 - methods in science, technology, and environmental policy, spi 590a - economic perspectives on inequality (half term), spi 590b - politics of inequality and redistribution (half-term) (also pol 598), spi 590c - sociological studies of inequality (half-term) (also soc 571), spi 590d - psychological studies of inequality (half-term) (also psy 590), spi 590s - workshop in social policy, spi 591 - policy workshops, spi 591a - policy workshop, spi 591b - policy workshop, spi 591c - policy workshop, spi 591d - policy workshop, spi 591e - policy workshop, spi 591f - policy workshop, spi 591g - policy workshop, spi 591h - policy workshop, spi 592 - policy workshops, spi 593 - policy analysis: selected topics (half-term), spi 593a - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593b - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593c - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593d - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593e - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also soc 585), spi 593f - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593g - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593h - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593i - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593j - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593k - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593l - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593m - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593n - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593o - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593p - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593q - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593r - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 593r), spi 593s - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593t - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593z - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594 - policy analysis: selected topics (half-term), spi 594a - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594b - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594c - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 594c), spi 594d - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594e - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594f - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594g - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594h - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594i - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594j - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594k - topics in policy analysis (half term), spi 594l - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594m - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594n - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594o - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594p - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594q - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594r - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594s - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594t - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 594t), spi 594u - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594v - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594w - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594x - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594y - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also ene 594), spi 595b - phd seminar: qualitative research design (also pol 509), spi 597 - public policy approaches to health and health care, spi 598 - epidemiology (also pop 508), spi 599 - extramural public policy fellowship.

• ADMITTED STUDENTS
• Request Info
• Make a Gift
• SIT at a Glance
• A Global University
• Career Impact
• Office of the President
• SIT Leadership
• Staff Directory
• Learning Outcomes & Achievement
• Global Education (EdD)
• International Relations (PhD)
• Sustainability (PhD)
• Full-Time Global
• Climate Change & Global Sustainability
• Diplomacy & International Relations
• Humanitarian Assistance & Crisis Management
• International Education
• Sustainable Development Practice
• Certificate in TESOL
• Professional Certification in Education Abroad
• TESOL CENTER
• Application Process
• Tuition & Costs
• Financial Aid
• Contact an Admissions Counselor
• Information Sessions & Webinars
• International Students
• Affiliations
• Contact a Graduate Ambassador
• Academic Resources
• Career Services
• Registrar’s Office
• Accessibility Services
• Safety & Security
• Participant Insurance
• Mental Health & Well-Being
• Sexual Safety
• MEDIA CENTER

Doctorate in International Relations – PhD (Online)*

Career paths, residencies.

• Faculty & Staff

Tuition & Fees

A doctorate for international affairs professionals seeking to analyze, critique, and improve responses to conflict, displacement, and human security.

At a Glance

For the program beginning summer 2025

Residency Locations

Serbia, Jordan

Priority Deadline

November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions

Final Deadline

January 31, 2025

Critical Global Issue of Study

Geopolitics & Power

Program Cost

Why a phd in international relations from sit.

Citizens around the world are witnessing major shifts in world order as new centers of power arise, populist movements grow, and political instability and conflict drive people across national borders. SIT’s PhD in International Relations is a professional doctorate designed for those eager to better understand and tackle these challenges, while also advancing their careers.

This part-time PhD is designed for working professionals in international affairs with an interest in peacebuilding, conflict and refugee response, and humanitarian affairs. Across four years, students critique traditional approaches to geopolitics and offer evidence-based approaches to improved human security.

The program includes two 10-day international residences. During the first-year residency in Serbia, you will examine the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. During the second-year residency in Jordan, you will examine the landscape of conflict and the power of regional and global alliances in shaping foreign affairs. Specialized online courses on forced migration, peace and conflict studies, and global governance and human security complement each residency and provide you with the skills to lead complex projects and influence policy and practice through original research.

Featuring professors, advisors, and diplomats from across the globe, this program draws upon SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide a unique global perspective students can apply, in real-time, to their work contexts as they earn their doctoral degree.

Working professionals who complete this PhD may expect to expand their careers as:

Foreign affairs specialist

Crisis response or operations specialist

Security analyst for intelligence agencies

Policy advisor and consultant

Director of policy for refugees and conflict response agencies

Senior leader in humanitarian and emergency affairs organizations

Risk analyst and early-warning consultant

Crisis operations specialist for international humanitarian agencies

Think tank researcher

University faculty

Read about SIT Graduate Institute alumni careers through the SIT blog and our Career Impact page.

First-Year Residency: Belgrade, Serbia

This 10-day residency focuses on the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. Engage with EU policymakers, local activist organizations, and scholars to learn about the shifting power relations of contemporary Europe in the context of forced migration, war, and shifting European identity.

Second-Year Residency: Amman, Jordan

This 10-day residency focuses on peace and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through visits with academics, government officials, local NGOs, and international organizations in Amman, students will examine the landscape of conflict in the MENA region and the power of regional alliances in shaping foreign affairs.

Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in International Relations, students will be able to:

• Identify, analyze, and critique contrasting approaches to international political order through the lens of foundational theories, both mainstream and critical.
• Contribute professional scholarship related to discourses on international relations, international peace and conflict studies, refugee and forced migration studies, and human security via presentations at professional conferences and publication of academic scholarship.
• Design and conduct original, ethical research informed by relevant literature and grounded in appropriate methodologies and approaches.
• Interpret original and secondary data to produce actionable findings with a capacity to improve the way policymakers approach critical global issues, particularly those related to conflict, refugees, and crisis response.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes .

Students complete 64 credit hours of work across four years (12 semesters) of study in small personalized cohorts. Courses focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Throughout, you will learn from professors and advisors from across the globe. This PhD draws on SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide students with a unique and powerful learning experience.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework upon admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated pathway to complete the degree in 10 semesters. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course descriptions and admissions information.

This is SIT

• We value active togetherness, reciprocity, and respect as the essential ingredients for building a sustainable community .

• With open minds, empathy, and courage, we facilitate intercultural understanding and respect for the commonalities and differences between people.
• We champion social inclusion & justice in all that we are and all that we do, from ensuring our community and our programs amplify the voices, agency, and dignity of all people to deliberately instilling the principles and practices of inclusion in all of our work.
• We are committed to human and environmental well-being through sustainability and contributing to a better world for all living and future generations.

Theories and Polemics of International Relations (3 credits)

This course explores the role theory plays in shaping our understanding of international relations and global affairs. Dominant theories which make up the cannon of the field—such as realism and neorealism, liberalism and neoliberalism, constructivism, and Marxism—are explored, as well as critical theories such as feminism, post-colonialism, and indigenous approaches.

Global Governance and Human Security (3 credits)

This course examines the complex field of global governance, focusing on the theoretical underpinnings, institutional structures, and contemporary challenges of designing systems of international governance without international government. Students will engage with advanced literature, conduct original research on a topic related to global governance of their choosing, and critically analyze issues related to global governance, including perspectives from critical theories, realism, and constructivism.

Forced Migration and Humanitarian Response (3 credits)

Conflict-induced and disaster-induced displacements are impacting hundreds of millions of people around the globe annually. In response, humanitarianism—the promotion of the general welfare of people impacted by conflict, disaster, environmental disruption, famine, and political and economic collapse—has become a dominant feature of international affairs. Unfortunately, the international political system remains a flawed vehicle for satisfying global humanitarian demand. Carefully guarded national sovereignty, the relatively weak power of international institutions and non-governmental organizations, and growing skepticism about a liberal global order now threaten the international humanitarian aid system. This class considers these developments as well as the drivers of forced migration, the history of humanitarian response, and the search for new evidence-based frameworks to improve it.

Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies (3 credits)

This seminar will give students an in-depth understanding of the origins of intra- and inter-state conflicts, the debates over why such conflicts emerge, escalate, and de-escalate, and the pathways and possibilities for sustainable peaceful transformations. Simulations, case studies, and scenario-based exercises are used to give students a realistic understanding of the drivers of violent conflict and the challenges and possibilities of building peace across a variety of settings and contexts. Of particular interest is considering how dominant theories about the nature of conflicts connect to the conflict management strategies adopted by various stakeholders in international politics.

Preliminary Review (0 credits)

At the conclusion of year one of the program, students must pass a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams demonstrate mastery of content covered in core courses and demonstrated progress towards the dissertation research proposal. Upon completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination and begin a prospectus (proposal) for their dissertation research.

Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to statistical concepts and procedures as prerequisites for conducting quantitative and mixed-methods research. Students will learn how to display data distributions using graphs and describe distributions with numbers using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Additionally, students will examine relationships among data and learn how to produce data using various quantitative designs. This course will introduce students to inferential statistics, including simple linear and multiple regression analyses and ANOVA. Students will develop knowledge and skills using and interpreting descriptive and inferential statistical data and will use Stata software to analyze data.

Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to a range of approaches and methods used in qualitative inquiry. Among the approaches covered are process tracing, discourse analysis, ethnographic research, case studies, comparative historical analysis, archival research, interviewing, ethnography, content analysis, ethnographic research, political profiling, and agent-based modeling. Students will deepen their knowledge about these approaches and enhance their data collection skills by conducting surveys, analytical frameworks, designing case studies, and reflecting on each method’s strengths and limitations. Students will also learn how to code data inductively and deductively, develop codes, look for patterns emerging in data, develop overarching themes, and interpret findings.

Research Colloquium (3 credits)

The Research Colloquium gives a platform for doctoral students to present and discuss possible PhD research projects, exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and workshop ways to prepare and improve their dissertation research proposals. Across 10 days, students interact in a conference format, presenting their research ideas, the literature and debates attached to those ideas, and the methods they are considering using in their inquiry process. Students are also expected to critically evaluate the work of their peers, providing constructive criticism to help them advance their research agenda, operationalize their research questions(s), and identify and develop plans for overcoming challenges in the data collection and analysis phases of their research. Prior to the in-person colloquium, students will work with their advisor as needed to develop their presentations.

Electives and Transfer Credits (15 credits)

Students must take 15 credits of elective courses prior to sitting for comprehensive exams. Elective credits can be fulfilled by two means: transferring prior graduate credits earned at SIT or another accredited institution or completing an advisor approved elective offered through one of SIT’s course offerings in the master’s or PhD programs.

Comprehensive Exams (0 credits)

Comprehensive exams confirm the students’ mastery of their chosen field of study and serve as the basis for their doctoral dissertation literature review. After passing the comprehensive examination and prospectus defense, students enter candidacy.

Proposal Defense, IRB approval (3 credits)

The proposal defense is designed to evaluate the feasibility, significance, and originality of each student’s proposed dissertation research project. It serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that the research project is well-structured and has a high likelihood of success. The defense is conducted in front of the student’s three dissertation committee members: their primary advisor and their first and second reader. It consists of a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the questioning, the committee deliberates, then provides feedback to the student regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. The outcome of the defense will be one of the following: 1) Pass: the student may proceed with their research, 2) Conditional Pass: the student is allowed to proceed, but they must address specific issues or complete requested revisions to the proposal before doing so, or 3) Fail: the proposal does not meet the required standards, and the student will be required to revise and redefend it at a later date. *Requires successful completion of comprehensive exams.

Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 1-4 (1 credit each)

The Doctoral and Professional Development Seminars 1-4 seek to build a community of practice of IR PhD students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations. Students meet bi-weekly with each other and their advisors to share their dissertation progress, problem solve, and share drafts of their work for feedback. The seminar will also feature occasional guest speakers who will share their own doctoral dissertation journeys and their professional transitions after receiving their PhD.

Dissertation (20 credits across 4 semesters)

At least 20 credits of the PhD program of study consists of research and dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The culminating experience for the doctoral degree program is publication of the dissertation. The non-coursework portion of the program usually lasts 2 years.

Dissertation Defense (1 credit)

In this course students will prepare for an oral defense working closely with their primary and secondary advisors, and deliver and defend their work. Students will be able to present their dissertation remotely.

Admissions Criteria

Our admissions staff work one-on-one with every applicant to facilitate a highly informed and multidimensional admissions experience: applicants are required to undertake an interview with SIT faculty during the application process.    

As applicants become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education—grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments—they determine for themselves  how  SIT can help them meet their educational and career objectives.  

For the PhD in International Relations, admissions will evaluate candidates to ensure they meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution
• Strong academic writing and scholarly potential, as evidenced by a statement of purpose
• Demonstrated English language proficiency (see details below)
• Intercultural and professional experience
• A minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
• Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
• All applicants are required to interview with program faculty

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• resume or curriculum vitae
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should not exceed 750 words and should demonstrates your interest in the PhD in International Relations at SIT; describe how your prior academic and/or professional experience have prepared you to undertake doctoral studies; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term professional goals; and proposes your research topic and guiding question(s) and their significance to the field. You will be prompted to provide contact information for three references who can attest to your academic and professional achievements. At least one should know you in an academic capacity.

Applicants will be able to transfer up to 15 credits of related graduate coursework toward the PhD program.

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution must demonstrate English language proficiency.

*This new program is pending accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in accordance with the Commission's Policy on Substantive Change. The approval process is anticipated to be finalized in fall 2024.

Faculty & Staff

International relations – phd (online)*.

Discover the Possibilities

SIT’s Student Financial Services Office  provides guidance on all aspects of funding your degree throughout the application process and during your degree program. Tuition costs vary by program and scholarships are available.

University of South Florida

School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

Main Navigation

Graduate programs, phd in politics and international affairs.

The doctoral degree in politics and international affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to teach at the university and college levels and to conduct high-level research in the academic and nonacademic sectors. It combines a broad focus on international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political theory with a critical understanding of institutions, rights, citizenship/identity, governance, global policy, and justice. Students work closely with faculty to frame their dissertation research and to advance their knowledge of their chosen fields of specialization. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to a variety of global issues provides a rich and open-ended opportunity to research current and past problems, movements, and transformations in politics.

We welcome your interest in our doctoral program. The department's deadline for fall admission is January 5. The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies only admits for the fall semester. Students must apply online through the Office of Graduate Admissions . For a listing of the admission requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog . 

*Effective starting with the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, GRE test scores are no longer required for applications to our doctoral program in Politics and International Affairs*

*International students should review the Office of Admissions International Students website for additional information and requirements.

*International students are also encouraged to contact the Office of International Services for information on visas, international travel, etc. 

Program Requirements

For the Doctoral Degree in Politics and International Affairs degree requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog. Students should adhere to the requirements within the Graduate Catalog under which they were admitted.

• Degree Requirements Beginning 2023-2024 Catalog

*Students can elect another catalog following the one they were admitted under. More information on this policy, and other policies, can be found in the Graduate Catalog .

*Students must request approval from the graduate director for any course not pre-approved and listed under the degree in the Graduate Catalog. 

Research Fields

The Doctorate in Politics and International Affairs specializes in the following four fields of research:

International Relations In the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, the International Relations (IR) faculty focuses on four areas of study: international relations theory, global political economy, international security, and human rights. We stress the importance of cutting-edge scholarship in our teaching of the graduate seminars as well as bridging the many emergent gaps in theory and practice in the various subfields that comprise International Relations, including American foreign policy, international ethics, global governance, and international law and organizations. One of our central aims is to advance innovative applications of the central theoretical perspectives (and their variant strands) in International Relations, namely, realism, liberalism, critical theory, constructivism, Marxism, international political theory, and gender. These applications involve in-depth theoretical and empirical analysis of key global issues, such as Asian security, moral accountability, the enforcement of human rights, immigration, and political and economic inequality. The International Relations faculty have published numerous books and peer-reviewed articles on these issue areas. These include monographs on the political tensions on the Korean Peninsula or North Korea’s nuclear arms buildup, the political cosmopolitan character and shifting dynamics of the International Criminal Court (ICC), hegemony and inequality in the global political economy, and China’s rapidly increasing support of intervention in African states. Together our published research emphasizes the production of critical theoretic knowledge, or the advanced methodological analysis of the contradictions and tensions informing the substantive debates in International Relations. This not only requires the particular mastery of concepts, methods, and claims but also an open-ended and historical understanding of the changing social forces shaping the behavior of states and the relations among global and local actors. It is this scholarly approach that we adopt to train our graduate students specializing in international relations, particularly as they advance their dissertation research and empirical knowledge of the global and regional contexts of problems and issues. One of the outcomes we strive for, then, is to encourage our doctoral students to develop rigorous theoretical and contextual analysis from which they can devise solutions and prescriptions to global issues.

Comparative Politics Comparative Politics in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies is committed to theory-driven, empirical research from an interdisciplinary perspective that is situated in a political, historical, cultural, and economic context.  The Comparative Politics faculty employ a variety of methodological approaches from both the social sciences and humanities, which utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods to study the patterns of similarities and differences. In particular, we conduct comparative and case study research to inquire into these patterns and to develop our theoretical propositions. One of our aims is to produce knowledge about the changing social, political, and legal conditions affecting the lives, development, cultural practices, and customs of underrepresented peoples. In meeting this aim, our research focuses on several themes of comparative politics, including social movements, democracy/democratization, citizenship, decolonization, genocide, hegemony, race and identity, development, legal systems and customary law, social justice, and indigenismo or the political ideology focusing on the changing relations of state and local peoples. Much of our published research draws creatively on social, critical, and political theory to advance knowledge of the laws, changing social relations, and attitudes in several countries, which includes Brazil, Ecuador, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Iran. Our research strengths lie in the areas of race and citizenship, social movements theory, human security and law (or legal custom) in Eastern Africa, indigenous rights in various Latin American countries, and security relations in the Middle East. With these thematic foci, we encourage graduate students to create and develop their own research by selecting a region of the world as their emphasis and adopting theoretically informed research and comparative methods that allow them to analyze the changing social and political conditions in the countries of this region.

American Politics The study of American Politics in the doctorate program in politics and international affairs provides a comprehensive overview as well as an in-depth analysis of American politics. Our faculty focus on various aspects of American politics, including theoretical foundations, federalism, institutions (Congress, the executive branch, the bureaucracy, the judiciary), political behavior (political parties, the media, interest groups, social movements, and elections), and public policy (foreign and domestic), and employ a range of methodological approaches such as historical development, legal doctrine, institutional rules, and quantitative analyses of the behavior of political actors and the mass public, to advance the student's research skills.  Our core class, Seminar in American Politics, for instance, surveys the key foundations, institutions, and behavior in American politics, introducing students to both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches for analyzing and testing the changing trends and outcomes in American politics. Special topics courses provide opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge on new research on a range of themes, including political development, the social bases of politics, and the global impact of American politics. The faculty in American politics have made important contributions in the areas of race and ethnicity, the judiciary, the presidency, Florida government, civil liberties, health care, environmental justice, economic inequality, and animal rights. Our strengths lie in economic inequality, animal rights, the Presidency, Judicial Behavior, Race and Ethnicity, and State and Local Government. In these specific areas, we have published several cutting-edge books and articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, which examine the emergence and implementation of nonhuman animals' regime of rights, the changing directions of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank and its impact on world politics, and alternative strategies for natural disasters in the United States. Our scholarship is thus distinctive for the ways in which it addresses American government and politics in a global context. This is how we seek to train our doctoral students on the rapidly changing, nuanced linkages between local, state, federal and global institutional politics.  

Political Theory Political Theory introduces students to the core normative issues in the study of political science. These normative issues provide the bedrock assumptions on which much of the study of political science depends. For example, while nearly everyone agrees that democracy is the best form of government, why do we place such faith in it? In addition, the long tradition of political thought offers multiple versions of democracy, each with its own strengths and limitations. How are we to identify the best version for our needs? Similarly, while we might extol non-violence in politics, is it always the best path for political movements? How are we to justify its alternatives? Clarifying our moral commitments, sharpening our conceptual tools, and outlining pathways for transforming theoretical knowledge into action requires philosophical, historical, and conceptual capabilities. The political theory faculty at the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies trains students to develop these capabilities. To that end, political theory classes not only familiarize students with many of the canonical texts that were read by generations of prominent political thinkers (from Aristotle to Martin Luther King Jr), they also teach students to read these texts critically and with an eye towards contemporary political developments. As such, training in political theory is a critical supplement to graduate work at School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies. The faculty’s expertise in feminist theory, postcolonial theory, the role of emotions in politics, environmental political thought, and Indian political thought complements the terminal degrees offered in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.

Financial Assistance 

Most of our successful applicants qualify for funding offered by the department or the Office of Graduate Studies. Funded doctoral students will receive a graduate assistantship that includes:

• a stipend for the academic year (9 months)
• a tuition waiver (not including school fees)
• the option of health insurance mostly paid by the department (the student only pays a small amount towards insurance).

All applicants for the doctoral degree are considered for a graduate assistantship - they do not need to complete a separate form.

The graduate assistantship is guaranteed for four years but is based on maintaining satisfactory annual academic progress. It requires each student to work 20 hours per week, in which case the student would be first assisting professors of the department with their teaching and class preparations and later, after having passed the doctoral comprehensive exams and completed teacher training seminars, teach a class at the University of South Florida. 

Please visit the graduate assistantships page for further information. The department also provides funding for conference travel or the presentation of research at conferences upon approval.

Information on eligibility for graduate assistantships can be found on the Graduate Assistantships Resource Center website. 

We also strive to fund our students in the fifth year, though this funding is not guaranteed. Depending on additional funds that become available, students may have the opportunity to extend their graduate assistantship to one, possibly two academic semesters. Students in the fifth year are also encouraged to seek external funding. For more information on this, please consult our Graduate Resources Page .

Outstanding candidates may also be nominated by the school’s director and/or graduate committee for prestigious and highly competitive university fellowships, including the Presidential Doctoral Fellowship , the Dorothy Auzenne Fellowship , and the University Graduate Fellowship. There is also the opportunity for minority students to be awarded a McKnight Fellowship, which provides annual tuition up to $5,000 for each of three academic years, plus an annual stipend of $12,000. The program also offers travel grants and other forms of financial support. For additional information on this fellowship opportunity, please visit the McKnight Fellowship's informational page.

• Politics and International Affairs Doctoral Handbook 2022 - 2023
• School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies Graduate Resources
• Independent Study / Directed Research Contract
• Office of Graduate Studies Forms
• Dissertation Proposal Approval Form
• Admission to Doctoral Candidacy Form
• Graduate Student Supervisory Committee Appointment Form
• Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Certificate of Approval Form
• Comprehensive Exam Reading Lists
• Research Conference Travel Award Request
• Dissertation Defense Announcment

Fall 2024 Course Offerings

Recent Placements

For further information or questions about the PhD in Politics and International Affairs, please fill out this form . 

International Relations

Undergraduate

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree is designed for industry professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part time, both on campus and online, without disruption to their employment. Our typical student is over 30, has previously completed one or two years of college, and works full time.

Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in International Relations will gain critical insight into today’s pressing global issues and a deep understanding of the factors influencing relationships between nation-states and supranational organizations.

Graduate Program

• Politics and International Relations Treks
• Second Year Specialization
• BA/MA Program for UChicago Undergraduates

CIR is defined by its commitment to interdisciplinary education and research. Through their coursework and co-curricular opportunities, students are encouraged to develop fluency in the contemporary literatures of international relations as well as attain mastery in a specialization of their choosing. The master’s thesis paper, a piece of rigorous problem-driven research, is the capstone of the program. This academic preparation is complemented by routine engagement with the professional world of international relations, including speaker events through campus partners, curated career treks and symposia, and unparalleled seminar experiences abroad.

A key characteristic of our program is our small cohort size , which distinguishes us from others offering degrees in this field. By admitting a cohort of approximately 70-80 students, we offer primarily seminar classes, with close advising from preceptors and faculty thesis advisors, and a tight-knit student body. With few large lecture classes, CIR students find many opportunities to directly engage with our faculty, who are leaders in their fields. 

We also value flexibility in the path to your degree. While there are required core seminars and an MA thesis workshop, you can pursue a program of study across the social sciences tailored to your particular interests. This fosters the ability for CIR students to combine exploration and specialization in an unusual way. A second-year specialization , available to a small number of excellent students, provides even deeper research opportunities.  

This Website Uses Cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

• Virtual Meet
• Campus Tour

Doctor of International Relations

-Daria-Romana Pop, Threat Intelligence Analyst at Microsoft (BAIR, Class of 2019)

-Robina Alhneiti, (BAIR, Class of 2017)

-Hussein Aboul-Enein, Director, Head of Middle East at Access Partnership (BAIR, Class of 2017)

-Faaiz Kaamil, (MIR, Class of 2011)

-Marco Marcucci, Communication and Press Office Specialist at NHOA Group (MIR, Class of 2016)

-Louisa Djerroud, (BAIR, Class of 2017)

-Hon. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Italy (EMIR, Alumni)

-Jon-Mark Walls, Business Development Manager at Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering (BAIR, Class of 2011)

-Ambassador Matern Lumbanga, (DIR, Class 2007)

-Zoé Ryan, Internal Consultant at OECD Investment Division (BAIR, 2017)

-Schuchita Mehta, (BAIR, Class of 2011)

-Noori Obaid Khan, Constituency Assistant at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (EMIR, Class of 2011)

-Donis Sadushaj, Members and Partners Relations at ITU (BAIR, Class of 2018)

-Juan Pablo Cardenal, (EMIR, Class of 2016)

-David Orre, Innovation and Partnership at ITU (MIR, Class of 2017)

-Mariana Suarez, Policy Adviser at New Zealand Embassy in Bogota (MIR, Class of 2016)

-Dr. Kalliopi Ioannidou, (EMIR, Class of 2016)

-Dr. Preethi Amaresh, External Consultant at Africa 21 (DIR, Class of 2023)

-Mayra Ramirez, Program Officer at The Global Fund (MIR, Class of 2021)

-Marcelo Tenza, Director General of Group Solsegur (EMIR, Class of 2023)

-Renée Sauvé-Lemieux, Sevior level Executive Assistant at CTG (MIR, Class of 2015)

-Rawia Khayal, Researcher and Lecturer (DIR, 2023)

-Michael Hasenmueller, Head, Weapons and Ammunitions at Armasuisse (DIR, 2009)

-Suzanne Rosselet, Professor at the American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (DIR, 2011)

DIR by Research

Dir by dossier, tuition fee.

The Doctorate degree at the Geneva School of Diplomacy is a prestigious, well-rounded programme that offers a unique and exciting intellectual environment for the in-depth and interdisciplinary study of International Relations and Diplomacy.

GSD, Doctor of International Relations and Diplomacy course brings together academic excellence through meticulous independent research and real-world applicability. We confer doctoral degrees on the basis of two distinct modalities:

DOCTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (DIR) BY RESEARCH

(Dissertation of 80,000 – 100.000 words)

DOCTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (DIR) BY DOSSIER

The GSD-DIR research programme offers students the option to pursue their doctoral programme by distance. The duration of the programme is 3 years and results in 240 ECTS.

The GSD-DIR by research programme offers a unique and exciting intellectual environment for the in-depth and interdisciplinary study of International Relations and Diplomacy. The programme has already attracted high skilled and experienced students from across the world. Students have developed and are carrying out research in areas as diverse as traditional and new security issues, diplomacy, international affairs, political economy, human rights, geopolitics, post-colonial studies.

GSD post-graduate students work closely with their assigned supervisor and work intensively to develop at the highest level the potential of each candidate, both from methodological and theoretical points of view.

• A BA degree and a MA in a relevant subject (International relations, politics, law, economics, diplomacy). Equivalent overseas qualifications are acceptable.
• If a candidate has an interdisciplinary Master degree they may be asked to undertake a Pre-DIR course to qualify for the Doctor Programme. Please note qualifying for Doctor degree does not guarantee entry in the Doctor programme.
• A solid research proposal of 4000-5000 words in the GSD template. Please   Click Here  to download the template

*The doctor degree is the highest degree we award similar to that of PhD.

The DIR by Dossier is awarded by GSD to leading authorities in the field of study concerned. This prestigious doctorate recognizes scholarly work of high distinction, impact and originality.

• A statement of 1.000 words where the candidate explains and justifies why she/he meets all the requirements for the Award of the GSD DIR by Dossier.
• A collection of 8 scholarly papers published in top international journals or a solely authored book published by a prestigious publishing house or university press (published a maximum of 3 years in advance to the year of the application).
• A copy of the applicant’s passport

For further details, kindly contact the Academic Office via: [email protected] .

TUITION AND EXPENSES – DIR BY RESEARCH

DIR by Research (three years) / CHF 11’000.- per year (CHF 33’000.- total)

TUITION AND EXPENSES – DIR BY DOSSIER

DIR by Dossier / CHF 9’000.-

Application fee/strong>CHF 500.-

Application fee is non-refundable

These fees do NOT include travel, living accommodation, meals, medical or health insurance and the required study trip.

Financing your studies

If you are going to live and study in Switzerland, please keep in mind that Geneva is amongst the most expensive cities in the world. It is important to establish a realistic and sustainable financial plan for the entire period of studies. Of course obtaining a degree is also an investment in your personal development and in your own future. The financial aspect therefore should not be the only factor when deciding to begin or continue your studies in Geneva.

• Arrange a Visit
• Virtual Call
• Academic Calendar
• Download the Application Guide

Application process

Download the Programme Brochure

Download program brochure.

" * " indicates required fields

Doctor in International Relations by Research

• Intake * February 2025 September 2025 February 2026
• Name (required) * Full Name
• Date of Birth (required) * MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Nationality * select Afghan Albanian Algerian American Andorran Angolan Antiguans Argentinean Armenian Australian Austrian Azerbaijani Bahamian Bahraini Bangladeshi Barbadian Barbudans Batswana Belarusian Belgian Belizean Beninese Bhutanese Bolivian Bosnian Brazilian British Bruneian Bulgarian Burkinabe Burmese Burundian Cambodian Cameroonian Canadian Cape Verdean Central African Chadian Chilean Chinese Colombian Comoran Congolese Costa Rican Croatian Cuban Cypriot Czech Danish Djibouti Dominican Dutch East Timorese Ecuadorean Egyptian Emirian Equatorial Guinean Eritrean Estonian Ethiopian Fijian Filipino Finnish French Gabonese Gambian Georgian German Ghanaian Greek Grenadian Guatemalan Guinea-Bissauan Guinean Guyanese Haitian Herzegovinian Honduran Hungarian I-Kiribati Icelander Indian Indonesian Iranian Iraqi Irish Israeli Italian Ivorian Jamaican Japanese Jordanian Kazakhstani Kenyan Kittian and Nevisian Kuwaiti Kyrgyz Laotian Latvian Lebanese Liberian Libyan Liechtensteiner Lithuanian Luxembourgish Macedonian Malagasy Malawian Malaysian Maldivan Malian Maltese Marshallese Mauritanian Mauritian Mexican Micronesian Moldovan Monacan Mongolian Moroccan Mosotho Motswana Mozambican Namibian Nauruan Nepalese New Zealander Nicaraguan Nigerien Nigerian North Korean Northern Irish Norwegian Omani Pakistani Palauan Palestinian Panamanian Papua New Guinean Paraguayan Peruvian Polish Portuguese Qatari Romanian Russian Rwandan Saint Lucian Salvadoran Samoan San Marinese Sao Tomean Saudi Scottish Senegalese Serbian Seychellois Sierra Leonean Singaporean Slovakian Slovenian Solomon Islander Somali South African South Korean South Sudanese Spanish Sri Lankan Sudanese Surinamer Swazi Swedish Swiss Syrian Taiwanese Tajik Tanzanian Thai Togolese Tongan Trinidadian or Tobagonian Tunisian Turkish Tuvaluan Ugandan Ukrainian Uruguayan Uzbekistani Venezuelan Vietnamese Welsh Yemenite Zambian Zimbabwean
• Email (required) *
• Phone number (required) *
• Address (required) * Street Address Address Line 2 City ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Other Country
• Bachelor Degree Title (required) *
• Master Degree Title (required) *
• Company / Organization
• Masterstudies.com
• Internet - Search engines (Yahoo, Google, Bing, etc.)
• Study Abroad Advisor
• Via a current student/ Alumni at GSD
• Via a Faculty member of GSD
• Via a friend
• Government Embassy or Information Service
• High School Educational Advisor
• College Fair
• Passport (required) * Max. file size: 6 GB.
• CV / Resume (required) * Max. file size: 6 GB.
• Research Proposal (5.000 words) * Max. file size: 6 GB.
• English proficiency certificate (required) Max. file size: 6 GB.
• Diploma and grade Transcripts (required) * Max. file size: 6 GB. Please attach your school & university diplomas and transcripts as one single file
• Recommendation letter (2, academic or professional) Max. file size: 6 GB.
• Additional documents (required) Max. file size: 6 GB.

All documents mentioned above with an asterisk are compulsory.

Upon pressing send we will receive your application, and the applicant will be taken to the payment gateway to make the application fee payment.

If you want to pay by bank transfer, please contact [email protected].

• Application fee Price:
• Account’s holder: Geneva School of Diplomacy & International Relations Address: Château de Penthes, Chemin de l’Impératrice 18, 1292 Pregny /Switzerland Name of the bank: UBS SA Address of the bank: 8098 Zurich / SWITZERLAND Account #: 22855816401Q Swift / BIC: UBSWCHZH80A IBAN: CH460022822855816401Q
• Virtual meeting

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of International Affairs

Admissions events.

Join us for information sessions hosted by our Admissions representatives and current students. Our team will be providing insight on program offerings, the student experience, and financial aid and career opportunities.

• International Relations & Diplomacy Students
• International Relations & Diplomacy Alumni
• Business & Economics Alumni
• Overview of AGS
• Accreditation
• Partnerships
• Job Opportunities
• School News
• Faculty Notes
• Student and Alumni Stories
• Conference 2024
• Conference 2023
• Conference 2022
• Conference 2021
• Conference 2020
• Conference 2019
• Conference 2018
• Conference 2017
• Conference 2016
• Conference 2015
• Conference 2014
• Conferences 2006-2013
• Conference Theme
• Conference Program
• Conference Speakers
• Conference Sponsors
• Featured Book
• Dr Ruchi Anand
• Dr Patrick Bratton
• Patrick Clairzier
• Ambassador Dominique Dreyer
• Ambassador Michael Einik
• Dr Manlio Graziano
• Dr Mariam Habibi
• Larry Kilman
• Dr Anton Koslov
• Bertrand de Largentaye
• Dr Steve McGiffen
• Dr Elizabeth Miloidov
• Dr Douglas A. Yates
• M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Additional Degree Option with American University
• Additional Degree Option with Université Paris-Saclay
• Additional Degree Option with Cergy-Paris Université
• Additional Degree Option with Arcadia University
• Ph.D. in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Graduate Course Catalog
• Current Course Offering
• Internships for Credit
• Optional French Language Courses
• Class Schedule
• Academic Calendar
• Certificates and Single Courses
• For Businesses and International Organizations
• Study Abroad Services
• Career Support
• Supplements and Fees
• Online Resources and Downloads
• Student Notice Board
• Academic Information
• Graduate Student Association
• AGS/Arcadia Academic Journal
• Financial aid overview
• Federal Direct loans
• U.S. Veterans Aid
• Private loans (US and Canada)
• John A. Lee Memorial Scholarship
• Black Lives Matter Scholarship
• Enrollment status
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Leaves of Absence and Withdrawals
• Immigration formalities
• Housing Options
• Housing Subsidy
• Working in France
• Student Health Insurance
• Useful tips
• AGS Alumni Board
• Class Representatives
• Program Description
• Tailored Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Additional Degree Options
• M.A. in International Relations
• Ph.D. Program
• Certificates & Graduate Study Abroad
• Credit Policy
• Grading Scale
• Course Catalog
• Course Offering

For any questions, please email us at [email protected] or use the form below.

Your e-mail

PhD Area: International Relations

Eric parajon.

Three essays on American Climate Attitudes (Cameron Ballard-Rosa (Chair), Christopher Clark, Mark Crescenzi, Marc J. Hetherington, Graeme Robertson) My dissertation focuses on the political economy of the environment, with a particular emphasis on the politics of domestic support for both … Read more

• Postgraduate study
• Postgraduate taught courses
• International Relations

Explore this course:

Applications for 2024 entry closed at 5pm on Friday 6 September. Applications for 2025 entry open on Monday 16 September.

Department of Politics and International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences

Course description

On this course you'll expand your understanding of contemporary international relations. You will investigate how the global order is constituted, the ways in which it functions, and whether it might be under strain.

Throughout your studies you will about key concepts and theories that will help you address the following questions:

• Who are the key actors in international relations and how do they shape the context in which a range of urgent global challenges are identifiable?
• How do states, their people, and global governance bodies influence international politics? 
• Why has the world order evolved in apparently less politically and ecologically stable ways in recent years? 
• Where should we look to try to make sense of global politics, and whose perspectives and interpretations should we privilege? 
• What critical theories and concepts can help us make better sense of a changing world that conventional ones seem increasingly unable to explain?

The MA International Relations degree attracts a hugely diverse student body. Some may have already studied politics and international relations previously, whereas others may have little academic experience in the subject but wish to better understand the evolution of global politics.

Students come from all sorts of different backgrounds, and this really is evident in the classroom. You'll be encouraged to share your knowledge and experience, and the varied perspectives help to produce fruitful and lively discussions in seminars.

An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

You may also be able to pre-book a department/school visit as part of a campus tour. Open days and campus tours

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years part-time

You'll be taught by experts working at the very cutting edge of the field, who will bring their novel and important insights to bear on classroom discussion.

The real-world puzzles and problems that you deal with in class are the same problems that real-world policymakers are grappling with themselves.

The majority of this course will be taught through seminars. Seminars offer an engaging and dynamic learning experience, where you are encouraged to investigate an issue from multiple perspectives, and then develop arguments for which there is no 'correct' answer, just different answers with different implications.

You will then debate these answers with your fellow students and academic tutors, as well as invited guest expert policymakers, to develop your own perspectives on crucial issues of public policy and governance that are grounded in solid evidence and reasoning.

You will be assessed through a variety of assignments, typically including essays and portfolios, and final module exams where applicable.

You will also complete a dissertation based on a topic of your choice, which enables you to put all of the skills and knowledge you've gained throughout your degree into practice. You will undertake research-led inquiry on your chosen topic, and a dedicated dissertation supervisor will support you, offering you one-to-one guidance throughout the dissertation process.

Your career

Politics postgraduate students go on to work in a variety of exciting roles across the globe. The MA International Relations degree will prepare you especially well for working in jobs that value an outward-looking global perspective.

The skills developed on the degree lend themselves particularly well to careers that require advanced analytical skills. This can be in government and the wider public sector, as well as lobbying organisations, charities and private companies.

You'll cover a variety of topics on the degree, from conventional issues like nuclear non-proliferation and state-based conflict, to issues of race and decoloniality, modern slavery and gender-based violence; this means that you can shape your degree in such a way that it also prepares you for working professionally on that issue, too.

You will develop a host of transferable skills that will appeal to a range of employers. Recent graduates have secured employment with: 

• Bank of England
• Home Office
• International Development Research Network
• British Red Cross
• Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy
• Ministry of Justice
• Chulalongkorn University

Department of Politics and International Relations

We're proud to be one of the UK's leading departments for politics and international relations.

We are a research-intensive department, and research lies at the heart of everything we do. The quality of our research environment is rated top nationally, which means that our department is a vibrant, progressive and supportive place to undertake your research.

We offer an inclusive and collegial culture. You'll work closely with leading academic experts whose research is making a significant and global impression, and with students from across the world who share your commitment to the subject.

Everyone is encouraged to work together, hold lively debates and benefit from each other's different perspectives and backgrounds. When you join us, we will ensure that you have many opportunities to immerse yourself in all aspects of academic life in the department. 

Our postgraduate degrees are distinct and reflect our core strengths. Our staff have a wide range of research interests and expertise, which are brought together around four research themes:

• International politics
• Political economy
• Environmental politics
• Political theory
• Governance and public policy

Our community of researchers is diverse and draws upon a wide range of methodologies and approaches to the discipline.

Student profiles

Developing key skills and new perspectives

"The knowledge accumulated in the areas of how the world works has given me the ability to explain complex problems in a more presentable and explainable way. The degree utilises and develops a wide range of key skills employers may be searching for."

Being a part of the University of Sheffield's legacy

Mikhail Menshikov talks about how his master's in the Department helped develop his international career

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.

Subject requirements

We accept degrees in the following subject areas: 

• Anthropology
• Data Science
• Development Studies
• Environmental Science
• Gender and Race Studies
• Human Geography
• Informational Sciences
• Modern Languages and Literatures
• Political Science
• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Research Methods
• Social Policy
• Social Work
• Sustainability

We may consider other Arts and Humanities or Social Science subjects.

IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College . This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department .

Fees and funding

Applications for 2024 entry closed at 5pm on Friday 6 September. Applications for 2025 open on Monday 16 September.

More information

[email protected]