Entry requirements
You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree with at least First-Class or Upper Second-Class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution. Applicants are also normally required to hold a Master's degree in a relevant subject.
See academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements.
How to apply
If you have any questions that are not answered below, please feel free to get in touch with Dr Tara McCormack, Postgraduate Research Tutor for Politics and International Relations.
Before you apply, please search our staff research interests.
You might be interested in signing up for our 5 week online course Discovering Your PhD Potential: Writing a Research Proposal. The course is offered through FutureLearn where you can register your interest for the next available course.
Prepare your supporting documents, with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements:
- Download and save the Research Proposal Form and prepare your proposal. Complete all sections using the guidance on the form. If your proposal is not submitted on the Proposal Form your application will not be considered.
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the research, your experience, why it is worth doing and why we should consider you.
- Copies of your Degree Certificates and Marks Transcripts of study already completed and if possible a transcript to-date of any study currently being undertaken.
- If your documents are not in English please include an official translation.
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the text boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
- In the funding section state clearly how you intend to fund your study.
Submit your application using the Apply Button at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you upload all the required documents and your completed Research Proposal Form, failure to do so may cause a delay in assessing your application.
When to apply
We have intakes in January, April, July and September each year.
You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least three-to-four months before the proposed start date.
After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees vary according to your fee status and the mode of study (full-time or part-time). For clarification, please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.
UK campus based
Full-time
- 2023/24 academic year: £4,712
- 2024/25 academic year: £4,786
Part-time
- 2023/24 academic year: £2,356
- 2024/25 academic year: £2,393
*UK fees will rise each year of study in line with UKRI rates.
International campus based
Full-time
- 2023/24 academic year: £16,200 - £18,200 per year
- 2024/25 academic year: £17,550 - £19,700 per year
*International fees for research degrees in this subject area vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admission is made and will be stated in the offer letter. International fees are fixed for the duration of study.
Please note that owing to UK visa restrictions, part-time campus-based registration is not normally available to international applicants.
Distance learning
UK distance learning
- Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £21,850 total course fee
- Starting in 2024/25 academic year: £23,650 total course fee
International distance learning
- Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £26,000 total course fee
- Starting in 2024/25 academic year: £28,150 total course fee
Distance learning payment options
The fees quoted are the total fee for the PhD distance learning programme and can be paid by the following options:.
- Total course fee paid in full before first registration
- Total course fee split into four annual payments with first annual payment made in full before first registration
- Total course fee split into 12 equal instalments paid spread over years 1-4 of the study. The first instalment to be paid before first registration
- If study extends beyond the 4th year no further fees are required
A payment schedule will be sent with the offer letter.
Funding
For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.
