Program Overview

PhD in Politics (Distance Learning)

The PhD in Politics (Distance Learning) is a research-based program offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of York. This program allows students to pursue their research goals while working independently and in a disciplined fashion.

Program Details

• Duration: 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 years part-time
• Start date: September 2025
• Research areas:
  • Comparative Politics and Public Policy
  • International Studies
  • Political Economy
  • Political Theory
• Members of staff participate actively in interdisciplinary research, including:
  • Centre for Applied Human Rights
  • Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies
  • Research Centre for Social Sciences
  • School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Fees

• UK fees
• International fees

Benefits for PhD Students

• Dedicated study space
• Quality research training
• Teaching opportunities
• Financial support for conferences and fieldwork
• Interdisciplinary events

Program Structure

The focus of the program is an independent research project, supported by training in a wide range of research skills, including qualitative and quantitative research methods. The PhD requires a dissertation of 70,000-80,000 words or a series of papers making an original contribution to the thesis topic.

Distance Learning

The PhD in Politics (Distance Learning) is designed for students who are unable to work on campus on a regular basis. Distance learning students are expected to attend a five-day induction process at the University at the start of their studies. Supervisory teams are available to support students in acquiring the knowledge and skills to complete the thesis, and there will be opportunities to participate in the research environment through online and hybrid events.

Research Expertise

Current concentrations of research expertise include:

• History of political thought
• Contemporary political theory
• Comparative politics
• Public policy
• Peacebuilding
• Global development
• International security
• Human rights
• International political economy
• Environmental and gender politics The department welcomes PhD applications in any of these areas.