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

Find a course

Find out more about applying to Surrey.

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.

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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