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Politics and International Relations, MPhil, PhD, Swansea University

the United Kingdom

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Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MPhil, PhDFull-time, Part-time2 - 6 yearsOctober, January, April, JulyGBP 4407 per yearGBP 16750 per year

About Politics and International Relations, MPhil, PhD - at Swansea University

A PhD or MPhil in Politics and International Relations at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.

It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject area. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).

Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise.

We have a wide spread of relevant research expertise which can be divided into the following categories: the empirical study of politics, international relations and development studies, and the history of political thought, political philosophy and political theory.

Learn more about Politics and International Relations, MPhil, PhD - at Swansea University

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Entry requirements

Ph.D./M.Phil - Applicants for Ph.D./MPhil study must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at Swansea University

Swansea University offers a wide range of different scholarship schemes and in recognition of the high calibre of the international students choosing to study at Swansea, the International Development Office is awarding up to £6000 Excellence Scholarships for Undergraduate study and up to £4000 Excellence Scholarships for Postgraduate study. Visit our website to find what you could be eligible for and read our tips to write a successful scholarship application. 

Student reviews of Swansea University

Find out what students say about Swansea University

Student

Chido Ranganayi, (Zimbabwe) BSc Accounting and Finance

Why did you choose Swansea University? 
Swansea University was at the top of my list as it ticked so many of my boxes. On a personal, lifestyle level, there were so many things that attracted me. The campus’ close proximity to a beautiful beach, the personable and supportive communications I had received during my application process and also the great things I had heard from a friend that had also studied there.  

On an academic level, I was so impressed by its rankings. Over the past few years, the University has grown from strength to strength.I was also so pleased to have received the Excellence Scholarship to study at the University too. 

What do you love about the University? 
The amount of opportunities it has provided me with, in addition to my studies. I am proud to be a senior student ambassador, where I support prospective students with any questions they may have during University visits and Open Days. I’m also part of the Investment and Finance society and Christian Union; there are lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people. 

I’m also an official Swansea University Vlogger which is great fun. Documenting my time at University isn’t just a great experience but also a great way of capturing all the memories I’m making during my time here. 

What do you love about your course? 
Staff are so supportive and are always available to help. The variety of modules is also great and allows me to focus on what I’m interested in. I particularly enjoy the Entrepreneurship module which helps with the management of Eve Zimbabwe. 

The course is great at mixing theory with real-world examples, which makes me feel confident ahead of entering the world of work. 

Being able to do a year in industry as part of my degree is also an incredible opportunity. Working for a business for a year, as part of my studies is priceless and experience that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without doing this degree pathway. 

Student

Maya Dotson, (US) MA International Relations

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University?  
There are many reasons why I chose Swansea University. It seemed like it had an active, tight-knit community which was important to me. I also looked at several different masters’ programs and Swansea seemed to have the program that would best fit my interests. Additionally, there are some amazing lecturers that have experience in some of the academic areas of study I am interested in specializing in. 

Can you tell us about your course and what do you enjoy the most?  
I am studying international relations. As an international student it has been an amazing opportunity to study with fellow students and lecturers from around the world. A lot of people are coming from different academic backgrounds, as well, which often augments and enriches class discussions. 

What are your three favourite things about Swansea? 
My three favourite things about Swansea would be the wonderful people I have met so far, the beautiful area and the beach. 

Would you recommend Swansea University to other international students? 
I would absolutely recommend Swansea University to other international students. I have found an amazing community both on and off the campus. I am taking courses which are challenging, intriguing, and enlightening. It is one of the most welcoming and humble places I have lived and studied. 

Nouran Aly, (Qatar) BSc Computer Science

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University?  
I chose Swansea University because when I went to a UK universities’ fair that was helpful in Qatar, I’ve spoken to many universities but felt like Swansea's representatives were the most comforting, reassuring, and friendliest ones in the fair, they made me want to keep on researching the university after the fair and were able to leave a good impression. 

Can you tell us about your course and what do you enjoy the most?  
I am impressed by how the lecturers have office hours where you can go and talk to them about anything, not necessarily lectures related but any student is able to explore their ambitions through these office hours as the staff at the computational foundry have a wide range of expertise and knowledge. 
 
The fact that there are mentors always looking after you is quite comforting as well and they do made sure to make you come to talk to them if you are ever facing a problem. 
 
Lastly, this based on my personal experience but the fact that there is a whole building just for computer science, software and maths students is quite amazing because whenever I enter that building, I feel a sense of belonging and confidence and also being surrounded by people who share the same passion and ambition is motivating and definitely helps you give your best to what you do. 

What are your three favourite things about Swansea? 
The beach is my favourite part about Swansea which definitely is Swansea’s strength and the fact that we are studying minutes away from it. 

The friendly community, and the fact that racism is almost inexistent. People in Swansea are quite accepting and makes the fact that an international student who definitely looks like a foreigner in the UK much less intimidating. 

The city centre is a great area, it is very vivid, full of things to do and when it comes to you grocery trips, not having a car, which is quite common especially for international students, not a problem at all as there is everything you need and more in one area and you definitely don’t need to be going around and taking multiple buses etc… for your weekly needs. 

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