Program Overview

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Introduction to the University of Kent

The University of Kent is a leading research university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities to its students.

Postgraduate Programs

The University of Kent offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees. These programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field.

International Relations MA, PhD

The International Relations MA, PhD program is a research-based program that allows students to explore real-world issues and key policy areas in international relations. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complexities of international relations and to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in this field.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: MA 1 year full-time, PhD 3 to 4 years full-time
• Start date: MA: September, PhD: September, January
• Location: Canterbury

Overview

The International Relations MA, PhD program is a research-based program that allows students to explore real-world issues and key policy areas in international relations. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complexities of international relations and to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in this field.

Entry Requirements

• A first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent
• If applying for the PhD, a Master's degree in a relevant subject is preferable
• All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications

English Language Entry Requirements

• This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR
• Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on the University's English Language requirements webpage

Fees and Funding

• The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
  • International Relations - MA by Research at Canterbury: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (International)
  • International Relations - PhD at Canterbury: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (International)
• For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see the University's Student Finance Guide
• Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of the course

Research

The School of Politics and International Relations has a strong research culture, with particular strengths in the fields of conflict analysis and resolution, political theory, and European politics. The school is home to three University-recognised research centres: the Conflict Analysis Research Centre (CARC), the Global Europe Centre (GEC), and the Centre for Critical Thought (CCT).

Staff Research Interests

Kent's world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below:

• Dr Rubrick Biegon: International Relations, International Security, Political Economy
• Dr Frank Grundig: International Relations
• Dr Luca Mavelli: Secularization in its historical and theoretical dimensions and how it shapes contemporary international relations
• Dr Seán Molloy: International Relations

Your Future

The School of Politics and International Relations has a dedicated Employability Coordinator who organises employability events within the school as well as providing students with assistance in securing graduate opportunities. Centrally, the Careers and Employability Service can help you plan for your future by providing one-to-one advice at any stage of your postgraduate studies.

Career Support

Whether you want to get ahead in your current career, change lanes, or kickstart a new one, the University of Kent is here to help you realise your ambition. The University's Careers and Employability Service provides one-to-one advice and support to help you achieve your career goals.

Accommodation

The University of Kent offers a range of accommodation options for postgraduate students, including on-campus and off-campus accommodation. The University's accommodation team can help you find the right accommodation to suit your needs and budget.

Fees for International Relations - MA by Research at Canterbury

• Full-time: £5,006 (UK), £19,300 (International)
• Part-time: £2,503 (UK), £9,650 (International)

Next Steps

To apply for the International Relations MA, PhD program, please visit the University's website and follow the application instructions. You can also contact the University's admissions team for more information and guidance on the application process.