Overview
Our broad range of research means you can specialise in topics including:
- political philosophy
- comparative institutions or behaviour
- British politics
- international relations
- race and ethnicity
- gender
You’ll receive training on how to become an independent researcher. You’ll be supported by a supervisory team of at least two members of our research staff who will guide you through the research process. Your supervisors will also play a key role in helping you develop a thesis project that will open job opportunities in academia or outside of academia depending on your goals.
Meet our Politics research students and read more about their research
You will be able to take part in the Researcher Education and Development. This is an advanced and interdisciplinary research training and researcher development programme created by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
You’ll also have the opportunity to enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Training. This provides a broader knowledge of different research methodologies. It equips you with the skills to carry out advanced research in your area of interest.
The politics of difference
Examine the issues thrown up by the social and political differences of humanity from a variety of perspectives including:
- analytical and continental political philosophy
- comparative politics
- international politics
- post-colonialism
Political Behaviour
Examine the different forms of political participation that link society to the political systems of the world. We look at both the formal electoral process and non-electoral politics (social movements, protest groups, etc) Our research on the emergence of virtual political participation means that some of our work intersects with popular culture and political communication.
Political ideologies and political thought
Focus on the history of political thought as well as how these ideas are part of programmes for political action. Our research incorporates both historical and contemporary political thought prominent in the Western tradition as well as Asian philosophy and post-colonial thinking. This is an interdisciplinary theme, serving as a bridge between empirical political science and political theory.
Global economic, environmental challenges and political economy of development
Study the importance of political ideas such as sustainable development and globalisation, as well as the struggle to define the core problems that society faces.
These challenges pose questions to the nature and reform of global governance, while generating tensions between the state and transnational forces in global politics and political economy.
We also focus the interaction of economic forces and principles with political power in the development of societal economics and welfare, as well as on theories of development and post-development. We cover a range of geographic areas in Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Democracy, the modern state and political organisations
Examine the role of interest groups, social movements, political parties, third-sector actors and charities, community organisations and postcolonial nationalism in relation to the modern state. We draw from ancient and modern political thought to understand the interpretation of democracy (including democratic rights and the foundations of democracy).
Political economy of development
Focus on the interaction of economic forces and principles with political power in the development of societal economics and welfare, as well as on theories of development and post-development. We cover a range of geographic areas in Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Critical geopolitics, security and migration
Focus on thinking critically about the political dynamics, consequences and discourses of historical and contemporary geopolitics. We cover both historical and contemporary questions of security which also arise in relation to the migration-security nexus and other intersections.
Theory of international relations
Take an active role in the global debate on the units, actors and structures that shape the dynamics of international politics. Our research covers the political consequences of the constitution of the international as a distinct kind of relation.
Governance in Britain and wider Europe
Investigate the dynamics driving public policy-making at national, EU and international levels. We focus on the challenges multi-level governance offers for concerns about legitimacy and accountability. This includes the changing relationship between the governing and the governed over matters of politics and policy. Our geographic scope includes the United Kingdom, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia, and the Mediterranean
Global justice and human rights
Reflect on the increasing need to tackle issues at a global rather than a state-only level. We tackle questions of justice from an issue perspective as well as surveys of nationalism, states, and various non-cosmopolitan theories of global justice.
We’re committed to theoretical and methodological pluralism. We also support PhD students who want to pursue an interdisciplinary research agenda.
Our academic researchers are published in top-ranked academic journals and work in close collaboration with over 3,000 non-academic partners locally and around the world.
Our programme is international, with students coming from 27 countries in the last six years.
We welcome research projects devoted to politics subjects, as well as interdisciplinary work that attracts engagement from other departments and universities.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
Researcher Education and Development and the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Training combine different teaching methods to make you an active part of the learning process, such as seminar, workshop sessions and group work.
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Professional skills assessments
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Thesis
- Viva
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Find out more about our staff and their specialisms
Your development
We offer you excellent supervision for your Politics PhD in a vibrant and supportive research environment.
The PhD students form part of the Politics Postgraduate Society, which organises:
- the ‘New Voices’ seminar series, with both internal and external presenters
- roundtable discussions on topical issues
- professional development workshops led by politics staff or experts from other universities, if needed.
You are encouraged to attend conferences to present papers, partial funding for this is available from the Geography, Politics and Sociology School.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programmeÂ
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership
Northern Bridge Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 150 for Politics and International Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree and a master’s degree, or international equivalent, in politics or a related subject.
