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King's Doctoral College

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Politics Research MPhil/PhD

Key information

Award:

• MPhil
• PhD

Study mode:

• Full time
• Part time

Campus:

• Strand Campus

Duration:

• MPhil: 2 years full-time/3 years part-time
• PhD: 3 years full-time/4-6 years part-time

Overview

The Department of Political Economy fosters an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interaction of people, ideas, and institutions and how they shape the outcomes of political processes and government decision-making at global, national, regional, and local levels. Undertaking a PhD in Politics with us places you within a unique institution in which you will be part of a vibrant and growing set of world-leading scholars, who are committed to understanding the intertwining of politics and economics and applying those insights to solving problems at all levels of governance.

We have an open and inclusive research culture that encourages debate between contesting theories, approaches, and ideologies. Our vision of what political economy is lends itself to an interdisciplinary approach, and there is a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches used across the department. This provides a stimulating environment for PhD research that fosters open-minded and critical scholarship.

Examples of research projects

For examples of current staff research projects and PhD projects, see academic profiles and PhD student profiles. We also have a variety of research groups that each lead some specific research activities.

Partner organisations

DPE works with a number of partner organisations both within KCL and outside, helping to bring together scholars interested in a particular theme. These include Inside King’s: Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Centre for Conflict Security and Development (CSD), the Social Care Workforce Research Unit (SCWRU), and the King's Centre for Risk Management (KCRM). Outside King’s: Centre for the Study of Science Policy at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and the Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong University.

Course Detail

All students on the doctoral programme are initially registered for an MPhil. At the beginning of the programme, you will work with your supervisors to assess your individual training needs. You will use this to develop a personalised training schedule that draws on foundational and advanced courses made available to you through the King’s Doctoral College, the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP), and the Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network. These courses will hone your academic skills and prepare you for the demands of your specific research project.

After around 12 months (or the part-time equivalent), you will demonstrate that you are ready for formal upgrade to the PhD programme. This involves the examination of a substantial document that shows (i) you have identified an original and interesting research problem and (ii) you have the skills and expertise to tackle it within the time available.

You will be supported throughout your PhD by two academic supervisors, who will provide expert advice and guidance on your progress and your project. Your project will culminate in the submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words in length. Full-time students must submit their thesis within four years of the start of their registration. Part-time students must submit within seven years.

Head of group/division

The Postgraduate Research Director is Dr Rubén Ruiz Rufino, who can be contacted for specific enquiries. General questions about the application process should be directed to the Postgraduate Admissions Team.

How to apply

1. Application Procedure

Our minimum requirement for entry is a good master’s degree in a relevant subject or practical experience in the field of study (these are only minimum requirements: competition for places is intense).

When you have a draft research proposal, please look at our academic staff members on the department's members page.

and contact ONE OR TWO academics at most, to ask if this is a topic they might be interested in supervising; please email them your CV and your draft proposal too. Having the support from one academic willing to supervise you is a necessary condition for being accepted. When you are ready, please apply via the Portal.

If you want a PhD scholarship, note that the applications to the main funding scheme (LISS DPT) is at the end of January. You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors well in advance of the deadline – ideally by end of November.

2. Personal Statement and Supporting Information

Applicants are encouraged to approach potential supervisors prior to application. To identify a supervisor please see our Research Portal.

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Politics Research Checklist

• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Research Proposal: The proposal (up to 3,000 words plus references) should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it. For advice on how to write a winning application, please visit the research courses page.
• Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• References: One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Writing Sample: A sample of relevant written work, in English (e.g., MA dissertation).
• Other: You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Course Intake

No set number.

Application Closing Date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.

The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.

• February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
• October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
• February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status

Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.

Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD)
• Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD)
• Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD)
• Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD)
• Part time tuition fees: £14,000 per year

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Study environment

Base campus

Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Study Environment

Each student has two supervisors and meets regularly with both, though typically more frequently with the primary supervisor. The department provides office space and computer equipment on the Strand campus. The department runs seminars for PhD students on topics such as publication strategy, and to discuss actual research. PhD students are also encouraged to attend research seminars in DPE and related departments, and are expected to present at one such seminar in their time at King’s.

Postgraduate Training

Students have full access to training opportunities at King’s via the King’s Doctoral College and the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, depending on their needs. These cover research training, research methods, and wider issues such as publication strategy.

Student Destinations

Our PhD students typically move into academic employment or careers in public policy – both governmental and non-governmental.

Entry requirements

UK requirements

• Masters degree with at least a Merit including a dissertation mark of no less than 65% (UK marking scheme)

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a country to view the equivalent international qualifications.

English language requirements

English language band: B

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

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Politics Research MPhil/PhD (Degree Overview, Outline, Assessment, Teaching, Careers, Other)

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Degree Overview:

The Politics Research MPhil/PhD program at King's College London fosters an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interaction of people, ideas, and institutions and how they shape the outcomes of political processes and government decision-making. The department boasts an open and inclusive research culture that encourages debate and diverse perspectives. During the first stage, students focus on developing their foundational skills and knowledge through courses and workshops offered by the King's Centre for Doctoral Studies and the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership. Once students have established a solid base, they move into specialized research on their chosen topic. This entails working closely with two academic supervisors who provide guidance and support. The program culminates in a doctoral thesis of up to 100,000 words for full-time students and up to 150,000 words for part-time students. While the program does not have specific modules listed in the context, it is implied that students will tailor their coursework based on their research interests and supervisors’ guidance.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to gauge student progress and ensure the quality of research. These include:

• Coursework: Performance in coursework and relevant modules contributes to overall assessment.
• Thesis proposal: Students must submit a detailed thesis proposal outlining their research topic, methodology, and expected contributions to the field.
• Thesis defense: Successful completion of the program requires defending the completed thesis in front of an academic committee.
• Progress reports: Regular meetings and progress reports with supervisors allow for ongoing assessment and feedback.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a dynamic and diverse approach to teaching, encompassing:

• Individual supervision: Students receive close guidance and support from two dedicated academic supervisors throughout their research journey.
• Training workshops: The program provides access to various skill-building workshops and training opportunities to enhance research skills and academic development.
• Seminars and conferences: Participation in seminars and conferences allows students to engage with other researchers, present their work, and gain valuable feedback.

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Careers:

The program equips students with strong analytical and research skills, critical thinking, and communication abilities, preparing them for various careers. Graduates typically pursue careers in academia, research, government, policy analysis, and international organizations.

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Other:

• The program encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Students are encouraged to actively participate in research events, conferences, and workshops to expand their professional networks.
• The program offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment for doctoral research in politics and economics.

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UK Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD) £6,540 per year (MPhil/PhD in Politics with National University of Singapore) Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year (MPhil/PhD) £24,360 per year (MPhil/PhD in Politics with National University of Singapore) Part time tuition fees: £12,180 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD) £6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD in Politics with National University of Singapore) Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD) £26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD in Politics with National University of Singapore) Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year