Research courses
We are a thriving space for research and public engagement on a range of political areas. We’re home to roughly a dozen researchers working across politics and international relations.
What we are researching
European politics
- European foreign and security policy
- The role of the EU as an international actor
- European integration theories
- European equality policies and social policy
- Regionalism and area studies
- Area studies
- Environmental policy
- Opposition to the EU
Government and opposition
- Electoral behaviour, party politics and patronage
- Campaigns and elections
- Citizens’ impressions of parties and their leaders
- Social movements, opposition and resistance
- Populism and radicalisation
- Social media
- Social, political and gender theories
- Public opinion analysis
Security and conflict
- Human rights and humanitarianism
- Nuclear non-proliferation
- Security and defence
- Foreign policy analysis
- International intervention
- Foreign policy
- Post-conflict reconstruction and stabilisation
Studentships
South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) studentship
Funding information:
Awards cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the UKRI home rate on a full-time and part-time basis.The UKRI has not yet announced the fees and stipend for 2025/26, but for the academic year of 2024/25 the UK fees are £4,786 and the stipend is £19,237 (£21,237 if London weighting applies).This competition-funded studentship is available to UK and International students and includes full UK or International fee waiver and stipend at UKRI rates.Surrey School of Social Sciences PhD studentship
Funding information:
Fee waiver covering home or international fees for 36 months. Please note that this offer does not include a monthly stipend, visa or accommodation fees.Techne DTP- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Studentships 2025
Funding information:
Awards cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the UKRI rate.The UK fees and stipend for 2025/26 have not yet been announced but for the academic year of 2024/25 the UK fees are £4,786 and the stipend is £19,237 (£21,237 if London weighting applies).This competition-funded studentship is available to UK and International students and includes full UK or International fee waiver and stipend at UKRI rates.Expert support
Our Doctoral College supports the academic and professional development of postgraduate researchers to ensure our world-leading research continues to grow. There is also an extensive Researcher Development Programme run at university level.
What our students say
Read our student profiles to discover first-hand what it's like to study with us.
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