Doctor of Philosophy research degreeEQF / MQF Level 8 qualification levelEight phases from intent to conferralDistance learning research-based delivery
What this doctorate is for
Explain how institutions, ideas, identities, and power shape political outcomes.
A doctoral field combining political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and qualitative and quantitative inquiry.
A doctoral field combining political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and qualitative and quantitative inquiry.
Research territories
Where an original political science contribution can begin.
These source-grounded areas demonstrate the breadth of possible inquiry. They are not prescribed dissertation titles.
01
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Discourse and Public Opinion
As a student of our PhD program you may choose to investigate how social media platforms influence political communication, mobilization, and voter behavior. You’ll study the impact of fake news, misinformation, and echo chambers on public opinion and democratic processes. This analysis will be carried out through the use of case studies of recent political movements and elections where social media played a significant role.
02
Comparative Analysis of Democratic Backsliding
If your research focuses on democratic backsliding, you’ll use comparative analysis to examine the factors contributing to democratic backsliding in various countries. You’ll analyze the role of political institutions, civil society, and external influences in either resisting or facilitating democratic erosion, and use case studies from different regions to identify common patterns and unique circumstances.
03
The Politics of Identity and Nationalism
You may choose to explore the resurgence of nationalist movements and their impact on domestic and international politics. This will involve the study of the relationship between identity politics, ethnic conflicts, and state policies. When embarking on this research path, you’ll investigate how governments and political parties use identity and nationalism to gain political support.
04
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Societies
The study of conflict resolution and peace building in post-conflict societies will involve analyzing the effectiveness of various conflict resolution strategies and peacebuilding efforts in post-conflict societies. You’ll study the role of international organizations, NGOs, and local actors in promoting sustainable peace, and examine case studies of successful and unsuccessful peacebuilding initiatives to identify best practices and lessons learned.
05
The Influence of Political Institutions on Policy Outcomes
If your research interests concern the influence of political institutions on policy outcomes, you’ll investigate how different political institutions (e.g., parliamentary vs. presidential systems) affect policy-making processes and outcomes. You’ll study the impact of institutional design on governance, accountability, and public service delivery. Your research may also involve an analysis of the role of checks and balances, electoral systems, and party structures in shaping policy decisions.
Questions worth carrying
A viable doctorate begins with a problem that stays important under scrutiny.
Q01
How do institutions shape governance, accountability, and policy?
Q02
What drives democratic resilience or erosion?
Q03
How do information systems, identity, and conflict alter public life?
Professional relevance
What advanced research authority can enable.
A doctorate strengthens research credibility and subject-matter authority. It does not guarantee a specific role, regulated right, promotion, or career outcome.
01
Academic Research and Teaching
Use your political science PhD to work as a Professor, Lecturer, or Researcher Many doctoral students choose to teach at universities and colleges and conduct original research. This involves publishing in academic journals and contributing to the academic community through conferences and collaborations. To succeed in this role, you will need advanced research skills, teaching ability, be adept at academic writing, and demonstrate expertise in political science.
02
Public Policy Analysis and Advising
Find work as Policy Analyst, Policy Advisor, or Legislative Assistant These roles may involve working for government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs to analyze, develop, and implement public policies. You’ll also be expected to provide insights and recommendations based on research and data analysis. When working in these positions, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate analytical skills, knowledge of public policy processes, data analysis, and strong communication abilities.
03
Government and Public Administration
Launch a career as a Public Administrator, Political Advisor, or Diplomat Those who use their success in Political Science degree programs to work in this field may hold positions within federal, state, or local government, advising on policy decisions, managing public programs, or representing government interests domestically and internationally. Skills that could help you in this role are an understanding of government operations, national security and international security, policy formulation, diplomacy, and leadership skills.
04
Nonprofit and International Organizations
Work as a Program Director, Research Coordinator, or Advocacy Specialist. This role will give you the opportunity to lead and manage projects for nonprofits or international organizations, focusing on areas such as human rights, development, and global governance. You’ll also have the chance to conduct research and advocacy to influence policy and public opinion. To succeed in these roles, it may benefit you to enhance your skills in project management, grant writing, advocacy a foreign language, and expertise in political science – both major fields and specific subfields.
05
Consulting and Private Sector Analysis
Embark on a career as a Political Consultant, Market Research Analyst, or Risk Analyst. You’ll provide consultancy services to businesses, political campaigns, or media organizations. This will involve analyzing political risks and market trends, advising on strategy, and interpreting political developments for private sector clients. Skills that will benefit you in these roles include strategic thinking, data analysis, market research, and the ability to translate complex political information into actionable insights.
Formal PhD structure
Your field changes. The eight academic gates do not.
Political Science research follows the same governed path of proposal development, supervision, transfer review, thesis examination, oral defence, and final conferral.
01
StageResearch intent
Turn an area of interest into an academically viable direction.
01
1,000-word Letter of Intent
Developing a Letter of Intent
Submit a Letter of Intent of around 1,000 words. It establishes the proposed field, research problem, initial relevance, and the candidate’s readiness to begin doctoral work.
02
Research proposal of around 3,000 words
Developing a Research Proposal
Develop the research direction into a proposal of around 3,000 words, clarifying the question, literature context, intended methodology, and potential contribution.
02
StageCandidacy
Test the proposal, confirm supervision, and formally enter the doctorate.
03
Committee presentation, interview, and Q&A
Research Proposal Interview
Present the proposal to the Doctorate Committee and respond to academic questions. The review tests coherence, feasibility, doctoral scope, and the candidate’s command of the proposed inquiry.
04
Approved title, supervisors, and timeframe
Commencement of Studies
Following approval, the title, supervisory team, and indicative timeframe are confirmed. The candidate formally enters supervised doctoral research.
03
StageResearch progression
Demonstrate doctoral progress and develop the original contribution.
05
MPhil-to-PhD transfer review
Transfer from MPhil to PhD Interview
Demonstrate sufficient progress, methodological clarity, and emerging contribution through the MPhil-to-PhD transfer review before proceeding to full PhD candidature.
06
Quarterly seminars, supervision, and thesis chapters
Writing of the Thesis
Develop the thesis through sustained supervision, formal progress reporting, doctoral seminars, chapter development, scholarly exchange, and relevant academic engagement.
04
StageExamination & award
Submit, defend, complete corrections, and pass final verification.
07
Thesis of around 100,000 words and oral defence
Submission of Thesis, Evaluation & Oral Defence
Submit a thesis of around 100,000 words to an appointed Board of Examiners. Complete the oral defence and address any revisions or corrections required by the examination process.
08
Corrections verified and degree conferred
Doctor of Philosophy degree is Conferred
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is conferred after the Board of Examiners confirms a successful outcome and all required corrections or amendments have been formally verified.
Clarify the route before you commit to the research.
How do I know if a PhD in Political Science is right for me?+
It’s important that you have a deep interest in political science, including topics like political theory, comparative politics, international relations, as well as specific areas of interest, such as American politics. A PhD is also very research heavy, so if you find that you’re enjoying the research portion of your master’s degree, then a PhD in Political Science can allow you to continue to develop your understanding and investigations into a topic.
What are the benefits of studying a PhD in Political Science online?+
When you choose to study a PhD in Political Science online, you’ll have the flexibility to complete your education at a time and place that suits you, giving you the opportunity to balance your studies with other professional or personal commitments. The online nature of our PhD in Political Science will broaden your chances for networking, allowing you to build relationships with other political scientists all over the world. Not only will this give you a greater range of perspectives, but it can enhance your career opportunities upon graduation.
What's required of my doctoral dissertation?+
While previous levels of your academic journey may have required you to complete comprehensive exams, a PhD is instead assessed through a dissertation. The research that you undertake in order to complete your dissertation must contribute new knowledge to the field of political science. This means that you need to identify a research question that is not only going to hold your interest for the duration of your PhD program, but one that is going to allow you to conduct original research. Once you have finished writing, you will need to defend your dissertation prospectus before a specifically chosen committee and answer questions that demonstrate your expertise and the validity of your argument.
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