PhD in International Relations
The PhD is typically completed over three years of full-time study, though part-time students may take up to six years. Following this minimum registration period, all students are entitled to a one-year continuation period to complete their thesis, regardless of whether they have been studying full-time or part-time.
Before applying please familiarise yourself with the postgraduate research courses in International Relations.
During the first year of study, you will undertake a tailored programme of generic and subject-specific research and general training.
Members of the Postgraduate Research Committee meet with all first-year students in the Spring to review progress. PhD students who successfully complete the first-year review are able to upgrade from a probationary status to full PhD status.
A successful outcome requires:
- satisfactory progress on your research (based on your supervisor's recommendation),
- satisfactory completion of the IR5601 Research Methods in International Relations module, and of your research proposal,
- satisfactory completion of your first-year training programme.
Your research will culminate in a thesis of up to 80,000 words. Explore examples of previous students’ theses.
First year training programme
The first year of your PhD is an important and busy time. At the beginning of your first year, you will meet with your supervisor to develop your research training programme.
- The first element of your training is the IR5601 Research Methods in International Relations module. This module meets during the Autumn semester, providing an introduction to research skills, methods, and practices specific to international relations. As part of this module, you will complete a methodology assessment and a research proposal. The proposal and feedback is part of your submission for the first-year annual progress review which is held in March or April of your first year of study.
- The second element of your training is participating in at least four and GRADskills short courses. These are designed to provide you with help in research management, personal effectiveness, networking, and career management.
- The third element of your training is attending one or more of the four social science modules offered by the University. These are focused more directly on social research methods and are taught by social scientists from throughout the University. The courses on qualitative or quantitative methods are the most popular for international relations students.
While you may wish to choose courses related to the methodologies you are likely to employ, you may also view these courses as an opportunity to develop your wider training which can be extremely useful when applying for jobs after successfully completing your PhD studies. You should consult with your supervisor to determine the best options for you.
Modules offered are as follows:
- SS5101 Being a Social Scientist explores the fundamental skills required by all social scientists. In part one, you will learn how to design and produce a research dissertation. In part two, issues of professional development (e.g. ethics, careers, grant writing) will be addressed.
- SS5102 Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences covers the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences, encouraging you to make connections between the methodological and epistemological issues involved in conducting social scientific research.
- SS5103 Qualitative Methods in Social Research offers both a theoretical and practical introduction to the collection, analysis and writing of qualitative social science research.
- SS5104 Quantitative Research in Social Science provides a user-friendly introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantitative analysis.
Completing these elements of your research training will equip you to undertake research within the St Andrews community and prepare you for a successful career in international relations.