From exploring the history of the American civil rights movement, investigating Europe's relationship with Russia, or seeking to understand the causes of conflict in West Africa, our research is helping us make sense of our increasingly connected – but fragmented – world.
Our research is breaking down barriers of poverty, disease, and civil turmoil caused by natural disasters and conflict – by investigating how aid workers, charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) can most effectively work within the cultures and communities of developing nations, and by understanding how gender, ethnicity or religion impacts the lives of people around the world.
Key facts
- Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.
- Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.
- After researching with us, our successful postgraduate research candidates have gone on to impressive positions in a variety of field – including as academic researchers, and political and security analysts for private organisations and governmental organisations.
Programme Structure
- Explore our pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Area Studies, or submit your own research idea.
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months
- Part-time: 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting October 2026 – Apply anytime.
- Starting February 2027 – Apply anytime.
- Starting April 2027 – Apply anytime.
We accept applications all year round, but we suggest applying 2–3 months before your chosen start date.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
English requirements
- TOEFL® iBT: 91
- PTE Academic: 65
- IELTS: 6.5
General requirements
An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a master's degree in an appropriate subject. Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered. All applicants will be invited to attend a face-to-face or telephone interview.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 32,474 AUD / year (≈ 17,200 GBP / year)
- Domestic: 9,451 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)
Part-time fees per year: UK students £2,503; International students £8,600.
Living costs
Portsmouth, United Kingdom: 1,340–2,075 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
