Politics and International Relations: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in the ESRC Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences WGSSS Politics, International Relations and Area Studies Pathway

Swansea University - Social Sciences School

The Global Language Based Area Studies/Politics/International Relations pathway at Swansea University is based within the Department of Politics, Philosophy, and International Relations (PPIR). It aligns with our PhD program in Politics and International Relations, and encompasses a variety of substantive foci and research approaches. Our breadth of specialisms incorporates (i) international relations, area studies, and international development; (ii) comparative politics, including sub-national politics and the study of political identity; (iii) political communication, with a particular focus on digital politics; and (iv) political and social philosophy. Our research crosses boundaries with development studies, media and communication, and philosophy. We are intellectually pluralist, use a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and our geographical coverage includes Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. We place a premium on connecting scholarly work to real world impact and seek to disseminate our findings and co-produce change with partners in Welsh and UK government and parliament, global policy advocates including the International Drug Policy Consortium, and a range of local and international civil society actors. PPIR is the base for four research groups that bring together members of staff and PhD students to exchange ongoing research, discuss cutting-edge publications, and explore opportunities for funding and collaboration. These research groups are: The Global Drug Policy Observatory, the Political Analysis and Governance Research Group, the Philosophy Research Group, and the International Studies, Conflict and Security Research Group. We are also aligned with Faculty level Research Institutes focusing on Geo-political Challenges, Security and Resilience, Public Policy, Digital Economy and Society, and Climate Action. We welcome proposals from scholars wishing to develop knowledge and seek change-making applications across these areas of research. The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780 for 2025/26). Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.