Course overview
The primary aim of the PhD programme is to train students to design, research and write a successful doctoral thesis.
Those who have completed the doctorate will be familiar with the conceptual and methodological aspects of political research and qualified as experts in their field.
To be considered for entry into the PhD programme, applicants must possess a good advanced degree in Politics equivalent in level and content to the Department's MSc, although applications from individuals with related degrees in cognate disciplines will also be considered Guidelines for research proposals.
Admission takes place on a rolling basis. The application cycle opens in November and closes on 30 June for entry in October. Applicants also wishing to be considered for a SOAS scholarship or an ESRC studentship should refer to the research scholarships information for the deadlines.
Why study PhD Degree Politics and International Studies at SOAS?
- We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 17th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- We're ranked 3rd globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2022).
Recently Completed PhD Dissertations in the Department
- Maria Ambrozy, ‘Interrogating Education Policymaking in the Rwandan Developmental State: The Politics of Changing the Language of Instruction and the Higher Education Merger’ (Phil Clark)
- Sheenah Kaliisa, ‘Opening Borders: The African Passport, Free Movement of Persons and the Integration of States’ (Phil Clark)
- Hangwei Li, ‘Global China, African Agency and the Prism of Soft Power: Media Interaction and Newsroom Politics Between China and Africa’ (Stephen Chan)
- Moudwe Daga, ‘Identity, Belonging and State Formation in Chad’ (Professor Julia Gallagher)
- Calum Fisher, ‘Doing Democracy in Malawi: MPs and Their Constituencies’ (Dr Alastair Fraser)
- Anna Evelyn Kensicki, ‘Jerusalem Narratives: A Phenomenological Analysis of Space and Time in 21st Century Conflict’, (Dr Hagar Kottef)
- Dwi Kiswanto, ‘Centre-Periphery Relations: The Politics of Fiscal Transfers in Indonesia’ (Dr Michael Buehler)
- Leon Kunz, ‘Deliberative Democracy in Social Movements in Taiwan and Hong Kong’ (Professor Julia Strauss)
- Magsud Mammadov, ‘The State Selfie in International Politics: Ontological Insecurity, Role Making, and Nation Branding in the case of Azerbaijan, 2008-2018’ (Dr Bhavna Dave)
