aberystwyth university phd international politics

Department of International Politics

Top 5 in the UK for Teaching Quality for the subject of Politics (Good University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times)

PhD Studentships in International Politics – Find out more on our PhD web pages

Come and study for a Masters with us!

'Addressing global challenges, delivering ideas for change'

The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth is a leading centre of innovative research in international relations and politics. Aber Interpol, as it is known, is recognised around the globe as a place where exciting new insights into national, international and global challenges are developed.

Our staff and postgraduate students conduct research on some of the most difficult and important global challenges facing human communities today – from questions of conflict, war, nuclear weapons and security to issues of migration, development, democracy, global health and environment. We also study political processes in the UK and its sub-states and hold regional expertise in Middle East, Russian, Latin American and American politics.

In our research we seek to develop bold new perspectives on how to understand and negotiate the intense and sometimes troublesome global interconnections around us. In so doing we also work with policy makers to develop concrete new ideas for change. From working with civil society actors to informing national and global players we seek to be at the heart of communicating our research to the relevant stakeholders and to the public.

This cutting-edge research expertise at Aberystwyth influences the teaching in the department. Staff are encouraged to teach on the latest research findings in their varied fields of expertise and students thus benefit directly from the latest research developments.

The wide-range of perspectives and interests are reflected in the department’s rich variety of research groups, which serve both postgraduate students and staff . They seek to allow for specialisation within communities of experts in specific areas in the context of the friendly research community at Aberystwyth.

Important new research is produced by the students as well of course! Students graduating from our PhD programme, for example, have won numerous national and international prizes for their research theses. Undergraduate students and Masters students also contribute to research intensity at Aberystwyth through their own research work on their dissertations and participation in research seminars and events.

At Aberystwyth Interpol you will be at the centre of the latest thinking, exploring and testing of new ideas on international politics!

More information

Research centres and institutes.

The Departmental of International Politics is home to a number of research institutes and centres. Each of these organisations focuses on one or more specialised areas of research. Their activities include putting on conferences and workshops; hosting visiting speakers; and facilitating interaction and knowledge transfer between academics and policy-makers.

Students studying at the Department can be associated with and participate in many of the events organised by institutes and centres. For more information on study in the Department please see information for   prospective students   or contact Admissions Administrators for Postgraduate or Undergraduate study.

• Centre for Intelligence & International Security Studies (CIISS)
• Centre for the International Politics of Knowledge
• Centre of Welsh Politics and Society   (CWPS)
• David Davies Memorial Institute (DDMI)   (DDMI)
• Planetary Challenges and Politics Centre  (PCPC)
• World Order Watch (WOW) Research Network

International Politics Research Seminar

IPRS is one of the key focal points of the Department’s research culture.  This weekly seminar provides a forum for department-wide discussion of ongoing research.  Each seminar focuses on a single issue, with many sessions involving presentations from departmental staff or from distinguished visitors from other universities.  All third year PhD students are also required to make a presentation to the IPRS, which affords an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate progress achieved as well as to receive critical feedback from peers and members of staff. 

IPRS Schedule Semester 1 2020-21

IPRS Schedule Semester 1 2018-19

IPRS Schedule Semester 2 2018-19

IPRS Schedule Semester 1 2017-18

IPRS Schedule Semester 2 2017-18

IPRS Schedule Semester 2 2016-17

IPRS Schedule Semester 1 2016-17

IPRS Schedule Semester 2 2015-16 IPRS Schedule Semester 1 2011-2012

Previous Years

IPRS Schedule Semester 1 2011-2012 IPRS Schedule Semester 2 2011-2012   IPRS Schedule Semester 1 2010-2011 IPRS Schedule Semester 2 2010-2011

2009/10 programme 2008/09 Programme

Research Groups

The Department of International Politics is home to a thriving community of research groups.    All members of staff and most PhD students are members of at least one research group.    Each research group organises its own programme of seminars, which provide an opportunity for staff and research students to present ongoing research and to receive critical feedback.    Research groups also host visiting speakers and organise periodic conferences and workshops.

Critical and Cultural Politics and Racialisation Research Group   (CPPR)

The Critical and Cultural Politics and Racialisation Research Group (CPPR) is a student-run interdisciplinary research group that brings together those who are engaged in work inspired by a variety of critical perspectives in international politics. The CCPR aims to give undergraduate and postgraduate students of various departments the opportunity to present and receive feedback for their work. It also organises several other events throughout the year, in which participants will have the chance to critically engage with contemporary debates on a variety of issues, including a specific focus on (neo)colonialism, race, identity, and cultural relations. We intend to continue to bring diverse and critical pedagogical perspectives to create an alternative and open space in which marginal perspectives can be brought to the fore. We are also engaged with arts, culture and performance to widen the media through which we engage with international politics. 

If you have any ideas or questions about the CCPR  or wish to present your work, please get in touch with the co-convenors:

Marcello de Souza Freitas :   [email protected]

Amal Abu-Bakare  :   [email protected]

Talwyn Baudu :   [email protected]

Security Research Group

Located in the International Politics Department at Aberystwyth University, the Security Research Group (SRG) is a student-run research group, seeking to provide a platform where divergent academic interests and disciplines related to the study of security can be fruitfully brought together. Areas of interest include health security, environmental security, human security, national security, intelligence studies, accountability, strategic studies, critical security studies, geo-politics and geo-strategy, terrorism and critical terrorism studies.

The SRG's Blog:   https://abersrg.wordpress.com/

Facebook Page:   https://www.facebook.com/Aber.SRG

Twitter Account:   @aberSRG

International History Research Group

The International History Research Group (IHRG) was established in October 2004 and has made an active contribution to the research culture of the Department over the course of the last fifteen years. The IHRG is concerned with all aspects of international, transnational and global history. It has regularly organised seminars, roundtables and symposia, and brings together International Politics staff and postgraduate students, as well as colleagues from across the University, especially from the Department of History and Welsh History.

Distinguished visiting speakers who have addressed the IHRG have included Professor John R. Ferris (University of Calgary), Dr. Cees Wiebes (Free University of Amsterdam), Professor Keith Neilson (Royal Military College, Canada), Professor Greg Kennedy (Kings College London), Dr. G. Bruce Strang (Lake Head University, Ontario), and Professor David French (University College London). Visiting speakers invited to Aberystwyth by the IHRG have not been limited to academic historians. Indeed, one of the Group's most successful events was a ‘witness seminar' given by one of the last surviving RAF veterans of the Battle of Britain.

Convenors: Patrick Finney ( [email protected] ) and Quincy Cloet ( [email protected] ).

For information about forthcoming events, please follow @patrickfinney1 and @quincycloet on Twitter.‌

Interdisciplinary Gender Studies Research Group

Aberystwyth University’s Interdisciplinary Gender Studies Research Group (IGSRG) is an interdepartmental research group, based between the  Department of International Politic s , the Department of Psychology, the  Department of Law and Criminology  and the  School of Art , which focuses specifically on questions relating to feminism, queer theory, and gender.  The goal of the group is to bring together students and members of staff from different departments within Aberystwyth University who have common interests.  We offer an interdisciplinary forum for discussion, networking, personal and professional development, and a more general exchange of ideas. Beyond the immediate realm of Aberystwyth University, we also aim to establish further networks with interested people studying or working in other universities and institutions, including artists and activists.  Such dialogues raise both awareness and questions for the themes present in our research.  Following on from the success of the past few years, we seek to consolidate and further relationships with individuals and groups working on issues relating to gender.

Blog:  www.abergender.wordpress.com

E-mail:  [email protected]

Facebook:  @abergender

Twitter:  @abergender  

Posthumanities Research Group

The Post Human Research Group (PHRG) is a multidisciplinary student led research group that provides an open and welcoming environment to explore new ideas and contemporary problems from a post-human perspective. The group was founded in the summer of 2020. Since then, it has organised a diverse range of events including a walking event which explored the effect of space and movement on ways of knowing, and an online event in Gathertown which explored virtual embodiments and avatar cultures. PHRG has several events planned for the coming academic year and has been successful in securing postgraduate community funding to organise a multidisciplinary workshop which will take place this autumn and will focus on fluid thinking and climate change.

Contact details to follow

Recently Published Books

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Strength of research culture is also indicated by the number of journals which are edited within the Department of International Politics. Journals are edited by members of the Department, which provide outlets for professional development and opportunities to shape the debates that define various fields of study.  Postgraduate students are often involved in these activities as editorial assistants or as participants in the events sponsored by particular journals.

Contemporary Wales Intelligence and National Security International Relations Kantian Review Rethinking History

Visiting Scholars Programme

The Department is eager to encourage collaborative research, nationally and internationally, and therefore warmly welcomes applications from established scholars, financially supported by their own institutions or by a research award, who wish to spend a period of time (from 3-12 months) working on a project of direct relevance to its areas of expertise and interest.

Facilities Offered

Visitors will be offered shared office space (subject to availability), library access, local IT facilities, and an email account. The University’s Huw Owen Library has excellent research holdings in the field, and the Department is adjacent also to the National Library of Wales, one of the UK’s copyright libraries. Visitors are welcome to participate fully in the research life of the Department by attending its weekly Research Seminar, as well as the many meetings and activities of its various Research Groups and Centres.

Expectations of Visiting Fellows

The purpose of the scheme is to bring to the Department exceptional scholars who can contribute to and enrich its intellectual and research activities. Therefore, in addition to conducting their own research, Visiting Fellows will be expected actively to participate in the following activities in the Department:

• Undertaking collaborative research with Departmental Staff
• Presentation of one or more work-in-progress papers, as part of the Department's  Research Seminar series, or to appropriate Research Groups
• providing a formal lecture to the Institute, or wider public community

Categories of Visiting Fellows

It is important to the success of the scheme that visitors become fully integrated into the intellectual life of the Department. In order to ensure this, the Department will appoint Visiting Fellows preferentially on the basis of the following considerations:

i)  Priority will be given to a visitor who is nominated by an existing member of staff, and who is part of an existing research grant or collaboration with that staff member. Exchanges of this kind (funded by schemes such as the Newton International Trust, or other similar collaborative funding arrangements) will be given preference in the first instance;

ii)  Otherwise, an applicant should be sponsored by an individual member of staff, or by a Research Centre, and the ‘sponsor’ undertakes thereby to act as a mentor for the visitor, to be closely involved with the visitor’s research project, and to facilitate his/her participation in relevant seminar series. This role may also entail monitoring compliance with any visa conditions, where applicable. In addition to any joint writing and publication undertaken by them, we would also encourage the staff member and Visiting Fellow to work towards submission of a collaborative research grant application for the future.

iii)  If a potential applicant does not already have an established research connection to a member of staff, s/he should write to the Director of Research in the first instance to enquire if any good ‘fit’ is available. To help assess this, applicants will be asked for a statement of the research project (max 1000 words), two academic references, and where appropriate evidence of English-language ability. Anyone interested in making application by this route would be well advised to make an informal enquiry first, to establish that space is potentially available, ahead of submitting a formal application.

Application Process

Applications will be considered twice per year, and need to be submitted by two deadlines:   the end of February   (for visits during the first semester, or both semesters, of the next academic year);   the end of August   (for visits during the second semester, or next full calendar year).

Applicants in categories i) and ii) above must supply, through their nominator or sponsor, the following details:

• their area of expertise and research interest
• their collaborator or sponsor in the Department
• their proposed research collaboration and objectives of the proposed visit
• confirmation that the applicant has sabbatical leave or a similar independent source of financial support for their stay
• curriculum vitae and contact details
• the commencement and expiry date of proposed period of stay, and level of any grant support available
• details of their visa status (if applicable)

Applicants under category iii) must supply the documentation requested above. Applications will be considered by an appropriate Management Team committee.  Applications and inquiries should be addressed to the Departmental Director of Research (see   Staff List ).

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International Politics

Entry requirements.

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent.

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants should submit a full research proposal at the point of application

Months of entry

Course content.

The MPhil in International Politics is a research-based Masters, which provides an opportunity to research and write a 60,000-word thesis on a topic of your choosing and fits with the research interests of the Department. This will provide you with an opportunity to undertake in-depth and extended research, developing detailed conceptual and/or empirical knowledge and a range of critical research skills.

Information for international students

Information for international students can be found here: Information for International Students : Aberystwyth University

Fees and funding

For funding available to UK students: UK Students : Study With Us , Aberystwyth University

For funding available to International students: International Students : Study With Us , Aberystwyth University

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details

International Politics (Dual Degree)

Qualification, course duration.

Available for September start 2025

Study towards two separate Masters Degrees whilst immersing yourself in different cultural and academic worlds.

The Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University and the School of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C., have worked in collaboration to develop and deliver this innovative programme. The outstanding reputations of both institutions can guarantee students high quality teaching, supported by exceptional research in the field of International Politics.

Upon successful completion of the Dual Masters, students have the opportunity to apply for internships with government or non-governmental organisations in Washington, D.C. under the Optional Practical Training scheme.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Normally a 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent, passed with a minimum score of UK 64%/US cGPA 3.3 or equivalent.  Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

Course Overview

First Year : Students spend their first year in Aberystwyth studying the discipline from a critical perspectives. Concepts that typically comprise the bedrock of the study of International Relations (such as sovereignty, anarchy, and security) will be explored and subjected to rich and multi-layered interrogation from perspectives that unsettle conventional understandings of international relationships.

Second Year : The second year is spent in Washington, D.C., where theoretical studies are complemented by practical experience and interaction with the policy community. Something which American University’s School of International Service is uniquely positioned to provide.

The Dual Masters is a specialist pathway degree, giving it the advantage of combining advanced, subject specific study in Aberystwyth with core classes in Social Science research methodology and Economics, alongside optional classes from your chosen field of specialisation, taken at American University.

About this course

While studying at Aberystwyth University, students must comply with Aberystwyth’s regulations and pay Aberystwyth fees. While studying at American University, students must comply with their regulations and must pay American University fees , although students on this scheme will receive a 20% discount, and the application fee will be waived.

Year 1 (September – August) in Aberystwyth;

Year 2 (August – May) in Washington D.C.

Contact Time:

Students will normally take one two-hour seminar per module per week and will have contact with academic staff through participation in research groups, attendance in departmental research seminars and masters workshops and through staff office hours (two one hour sessions per week). There will also be additional sessions working towards developing your Masters dissertation.

Tuition Fees:

Tuition fees for the first year at Aberystwyth University.

While studying at American University, students must pay American University fees , although students on this scheme will receive a 20% discount, and the application fee will be waived

Funding opportunities for Aberystwyth University can be found on our Scholarships pages .

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Work Experience Opportunities

During the second year at American University, students can choose to undertake Optional Practical Training to gain work experience directly related to their major field of study. This can be done during, or after completing their studies.

Our graduates have numerous career opportunities. Previous graduates have gone on to work:

• in the development sector 
• in local and national politics
• for the Diplomatic Service 
• for the Civil Service 
• with international organisations
• as journalists 
• within academia 
• as governmental and social researchers 
• for Foreign Offices 
• for the military 
• in leadership roles in business/industry (CEOs/Chairmans) 
• as political assistants 
• as teachers, lawyers and accountants.

This Masters degree emphasises the development of strong research, writing and analytical skills as well as the capacity to work independently - qualities highly valued by employers. A Masters is also ideal for students who want to pursue PhD research. This MA will empower you to: 

• develop your abilities in structuring and communicating complex ideas efficiently 
• write for and speak to a range of audiences 
• evaluate and organise information 
• work effectively with others 
• work within time frames and to specific deadlines.

Teaching & Learning

Modules at Aberystwyth University

During the first year at Aberystwyth University, students will take two core modules and can choose another 100 credits worth of optional modules.

Core Modules/Classes:

During the first year in Aberystwyth, you will study the core module International Politics: Theories and Concepts, along with the Research Paper, which gives you the opportunity to produce an in-depth piece of research through a guided, structured process. In addition, you will choose from a wide range of optional modules.

During the second year in Washington, D.C., you will take core modules in Social Science research methodology and Economics. You will undertake a major research project (either the Practicum in International Affairs or the Substantial Research Paper). Your optional modules will be chosen from one field of specialisation. These include:

·     Energy and Environment

·     International Development

·     Social Enterprise

·     US Foreign Policy.

Assessment:

Assessment will be through a combination of essays, project work, short reports, book reviews and dissertation. It may also include seminar presentations, review essays and literature searches.

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PhD International Politics

• Aberystwyth University

At ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY

Qualification

Next intake

29 September 2025

Entry Score

About the course

Founded in 1919, the Department of International Politics is the oldest department of its kind in the world. We have an international reputation for our research, known wherever the subject is studied. The Department is renowned for its pioneering research and is recognised as number one in the UK for the study of international politics. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2014), the Department of International Politics was placed best in Wales with 69% of publications submitted rated as world leading.. The Department has recently moved into a purpose-built state of the art new building which provides first class facilities for staff and students alike and reflects the Department's global reputation.

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• Internships

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. to get an accurate price.

Duration: 3 Year (s)

Fees: GBP 15000

How to apply

Entry requirements for Aberystwyth University

Application deadline.

The application deadline isn't available Speak to an IDP counsellor for more detailed information

Further information

If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might ant to explore pathway options at Aberystwyth University . If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.

Career outcomes

Pathway options to study at this institution

Reviews and rankings

THE World Ranking

501 st / 1250

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