The latest information about course tuition fees, and about how you can pay, can be found on the University’s research-degree tuition fees page.
There are a range of options for funding your research degree in the department. To be eligible for funding, all applicants must follow the department’s step-by-step application guide, available here. You must work directly with your potential supervisors on your funding applications.
Research Council funding
ESRC SEDarc
The Department of Politics and International Relations participates in the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc), a doctoral training partnership among 7 universities. Studentships are available in thematic, challenge-led areas in the social sciences. For further information, please contact Dr Jonathan Seglow.
The department deadline for applications for 2026/2027 (Autumn 2026 admission) is 5 January 2026 at 17.00 (5.00 pm).
By this time, you must have submitted an application for admission to the research degree in the Politics, International Relations, and Philosophy Department at RHUL, following the department guidelines and using the RHUL admissions system. You must also have completed the SEDarc application form, which you can receive from your intended supervisor or from Jonathan Seglow.
You must also email copies of all materials submitted to the RHUL admissions systems and the SEDarc application form to J.Seglow@rhul.ac.uk by the deadline. Failure to complete this step by 5 January 2026 at 17.00 hours will exclude you from consideration for the studentship.
Doctoral Landscape Awards
Applicants to the Department in politics, international relations and philosophy are also eligible to apply for one of the studentships offered under the AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards. You will need to identify a supervisor and project in order to apply. The deadline is 12 January 2026 at 12.00 pm.
International students
For information about scholarships available to international students, please visit the University’s international scholarships page. National funding agencies may also provide scholarships for postgraduate research.
RHUL and LSS School funding
In previous years, RHUL and The School of Law and Social Sciences have made additional funds available for studentships in Politics, International Relations and Philosophy. More information on these schemes will be posted as available.
