PhD in International Relations
Overview
The PhD is normally studied over three years full-time, although it is possible to take the degree over up to 6 years on a part-time basis.
New students begin as General Research Students. During the first year of study you will undertake a tailored programme of generic and subject-specific research and general training. At the end of this year, subject to satisfactory progress, you will be upgraded to Ph.D status. The Postgraduate Committee meets with all first year students in the spring to decide on this change of status. Although a recommendation to re-register as a PhD student is the norm, it is not automatic and depends upon:
- Satisfactory progress on your research (based on your supervisor's recommendation).
- Satisfactory completion of IR 5601 (Research methods in International Relations) and of your research proposal.
- Satisfactory completion of your Training Programme.
Your research will lead to the production of a thesis of up to 80,000 words.
Details of how to apply for PhD.
PhD Training Programme
The first year of your PhD (or second year MPhil) is an important and busy time. At the beginning of your first year you should arrange to meet as soon as possible with your supervisor to fill out the University's Development Needs Analysis form, on the basis of which you will develop your research training program.
All research students, full and part time, are required to be in St. Andrews at least the first semester of their first year and normally for their full year in order to benefit from this training (please note that any lengthy absences from St Andrews during your period of registration as a research student must be cleared with your supervisor first).
The first element of your training will be attendance in IR5601, the School Research seminar. This module meets during the autumn semester, providing an introduction to research skills, methods, and practices specific to international relations. It is convened by the School's Director of Post-Graduate Training, Dr Tony Lang. As part of this module, you will be required to complete a research proposal, which will form part of your report at the end of your first year of study.
The second element of your training will be participation in at least four GRAD Skills short courses. These are designed to provide you with help in research management, personal effectiveness, networking, and career management. The courses are free of charge and offered through the University's GRAD Skills programme. More information can be found at the GRAD Skills website.
The final (potential) element of your training is attendance in one or more of the four social science modules offered by the University. These are not required for completion of your training, but are strongly encouraged for students whose research employs standard social scientific methodologies. These are focused more directly on social research methods and are taught by social scientists from throughout the university. To determine if one or more of these modules is appropriate for your research, you should consult with your supervisor. The modules are as follows:
- SS5101: Being a Social Scientist
- SS5102: Philosophy and Methodology of Social Sciences
- SS5103: Qualitative methods in Social Research
- SS5104: Quantitative methods in Social Research
More information about these modules can be found at the SS website: SS5000 Program Homepage. Completion of these elements of your research training will ensure that you can conduct research within the community of St Andrews and for your future career in international relations.
More detailed information about postgraduate study in St Andrews can be found in the and the and the School Handbook (PDF, 216 KB) and in the Postgraduate Research Student Handbook (PDF, 168 KB).
Current Research Students
The School has a number of research students working in a wide variety of fields towards MPhil and PhD degrees. Details of some of their research areas, and other aspects of student life within the School of International Relations can be found on the Research Student Page.
Electronic PhD Theses
You can browse the electronic International Relations theses held by the University of St Andrews Library in the "Research @St Andrews" repository.
