Key information
Duration: 4 years full time
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
UK fees*: £4,712
International/EU fees**: £18,800
About us
We have more than 30 PhD students pursuing cutting-edge research, and undertaking advanced training, in the areas of new political communication; elections, public opinion and parties; comparative politics; politics of Africa, Asia and the Middle East; and international relations.
Royal Holloway is ranked 9th in the UK for international outlook in the Times Higher World Rankings. The academics in the Department come from 10 different countries and our students represent countries from across the globe. Overseas students play a vital role in ensuring that our department benefits from a diversity of experience and skills.
From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Research facilities and environment
Our department has several research centres, bringing together internationally regarded researchers and our community of PhDs. Through dedicated programmes in the department, and at University-level, we offer our postgraduate research students relevant and timely training in research-specific and transferable skills.
Our research centres and groups
- The Centre for European Politics
- The Democracy and Elections Centre
- The Centre for International Public Policy
- The Centre for Islamic and West Asian Studies
- The Centre for Politics in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East
- The New Political Communication Unit
- The Contemporary Political Theory Research Group
Assessment
As a first-year doctoral student you will attend weekly research and professional development seminars that provide training and advice in writing book reviews, getting published, achieving impact, entering the academic job market and more, and in which students develop and present their research to one another and to staff.
We are committed to ensuring that you are well-equipped, not only to complete your studies but also to develop your future careers.
A PhD is awarded to students who produce a substantial piece of original research in the form of a thesis of up to 100,000 words.
Entry requirements
You will normally be required to have successfully completed a postgraduate degree (MA/MRes/MSc) in a relevant field. We will also consider applications from those with long-term relevant work experience.
English language requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
- TOEFL ib: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.
Country-specific requirements
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please see here.
Your future career
Many of our postgraduate students, even before they complete their studies, are presenting their work at international conferences and publishing in top-ranked journals. Our students are also deeply committed to public engagement, not only in the UK but also around the world.
Fees & funding
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £4,712
EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £18,800
Other essential costs***: There are no individual costs greater than £50 per item.
