PhD Politics / Overview

Year of entry: 2023

Degree awarded
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Duration
3 years
Entry requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements:

  • Bachelor's (Honours) degree (or overseas equivalent) at 2:1 level or above in a cognate subject; and
  • Master's degree in a cognate subject - with an overall average of 65% or above, and a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent) and no mark below 55%

Satisfying the minimum entry criteria does not automatically make applicants competitive for funding.  Therefore, to be considered for internal or ESRC funding, you will normally need:

  • Bachelor's (Honours) degree (or overseas equivalent) at 2:1 level or above in a cognate subject (1st class highly desirable); and
  • Master's degree in a cognate subject - with an overall average of 70% or above, and a minimum mark of 70% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

Admission to studying for a PhD is highly competitive, so please allow as much time as possible to prepare your application, browse our research pages and academics' profiles, and familiarise yourself with the application process and any important deadlines.

To be considered for external funding sources (for example, ESRC NWSSDTP), you need to apply far enough in advance of the relevant external funding deadlines, which are usually much earlier than the programme deadline listed below. For internal studentships from the School of Social Sciences, you must submit your completed application by the 1st December 2022 .

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from a government/employer) or are self-funding you must submit your application before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• For September 2023 entry: 30 June 2023  

 • For January 2024 entry: 30 September 2023

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y Y N N

Programme overview

  • Join a diverse and vibrant postgraduate community of PGRs from around the world.
  • Benefit from regular research seminars and events, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Receive support and expertise from academics working in a wide range of politics research areas.

Open days

The University holds annual open days, where you will have the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and programmes.  

On this day, you will learn more about the School of Social Sciences, our Politics department, and our resources.  

You will also be able to meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions that you may have. 

For more information, see open days .

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2023, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): TBA
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,000
  • PhD (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): TBA
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Scholarships/sponsorships

We receive money from a range of sources to help you fund your research and have a variety of awards on offer, covering tuition fees and a generous stipend, including research council and school studentships and the  President's Doctoral Scholar award .  

Application deadlines for internal funding opportunities are often at the beginning of December for programmes starting the following September. Please check our How to Apply page for more up-to-date information.  

If you're planning to apply for a scholarship or award that is not attached to a particular project, you will normally need to hold an offer of a place from the University before applying. 

Search for current funding opportunities by country and research programme using our  funding database search tool.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Social Sciences
Contact name
School of Social Sciences
Telephone
Email
Website
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/politics
School/Faculty

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.