Politics, Security and International Studies research degrees
The length of programme registration will be longer as it includes the maximum writing-up phase. See further details on how research degrees are structured at Hull and thesis submission expectations.
Politics at the University of Hull is recognised globally as contributing to the cutting edge of research.
About our Politics, Security and International Studies research degrees
Our research has impacted on legislation and social issues, including Parliamentary procedures and debates; public policy; professional standards; economic models; public environmental awareness; conservation policy and resource management practices; and professional body test practice.
Our impressive staff includes political scientists, social and political theorists and historians. International and interdisciplinary research projects and collaborations are regularly undertaken and staff members are supported to build upon the existing expertise within the school.
Research is broadly themed around the following research centres and groups: British Politics; European Union Studies; Idealism and the New Liberalism; Legislative Studies; Political Economy; Security Studies; Middle East Study Group; Poetry and Politics; ERCS; and the South Asia Project.
During your PhD, you will research and write a dissertation of 70,000 to 100,000 words on a topic chosen in conjunction with your supervisor.
Research topics
Our experts welcome applications from postgraduate students interested in higher degree research across a broad range of topics.
We welcome proposals related to any of the following research groups.
The Postgraduate Training Scheme
It is now widely recognised by employers, professional bodies and research funding agencies that specialist expertise alone is not sufficient preparation either for research or a subsequent career. With this in mind, we require all our postgraduate research students to follow a research training programme relating both to their particular field of study and to generic skills; for example, information technology and communication skills.
Programme structure
PhD structure
| Full time | Part time |
|---|---|
| 3 years of research, with up to 12 months writing up if required | 6 years of research, with up to 24 months of writing up if required |
Writing up and thesis submission
A standard full-time PhD programme comprised three years of research plus up to 12 months of thesis finalisation (also referred to as “writing-up”). Part-time is six years plus up to 24 months thesis finalisation if needed.
For full-time students, the thesis finalisation phase should take three months but may be extended to one year without further paperwork. For part-time students, thesis finalisation should take six months, but may be extended to two years without further paperwork. The maximum thesis finalisation period is included in your overall programme length, which means that international PGRs will not need to apply for an additional visa to cover this phase.
If you need to move into the thesis finalisation period of your research degree, you must enrol for this phase, and you will be liable to pay a continuation fee.
Thesis submission timelines
It is expected that you will submit your thesis within the timeframes outlined below:
Doctoral degrees
- Submission by 3 years and 3 months full-time.
- Submission by 6 years and 6 months for part-time.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
You should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the topic of your proposed research.
With your application, you should submit a 1,000 - 1,500 word research proposal addressing the key research questions, the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature, the proposed methodology and how the thesis will be an original contribution to the existing literature.
Typical offer
2:1 in a relevant subject area
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Ready to get started?
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Make your application online now, and our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible to make you an offer.
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International student? Please use the link below to get in touch with our international team for answers and advice.