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PhD, MA

International Conflict Analysis

Understand the nature and significance of conflict as a human condition. Develop the skills to prevent violent conflict, mitigate its catastrophic effects, and reconstruct societies in its aftermath. Embedded in our world renowned Conflict Analysis Research Centre, leading experts will help you explore the dynamics of deep-seated conflict and learn how states, international organisations, NGOs, and individuals can work towards enduring peace.

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Key information

Start
September, January
Location
Canterbury
Study mode
3 to 4 years full-time, 5 to 6 years part-time
Typical offer
2.1 or above
All entry requirements

Overview

Our alumni, who form an international network, have used this programme as a spring board into foreign offices and diplomatic services, international organisations such as the UN, EU and OECD, and NGOs including IRC and Amnesty International.

A PhD is a doctorate of philosophy or Master’s by Research is based on mostly independent study, whether your passion is international peace-keeping, crisis diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction, sustainable development or more. It is assessed formally on the basis of one piece of work, a dissertation (or thesis), that reports your original thought and research. You must also successfully complete all required training including methods and research design. 

Choosing a topic 

Although sometimes we have specific PhD research projects related to funding awards, most of our research students choose their own research topics. Once you have decided on the nature of your project, it is important to?contact a staff member whose expertise matches your area of interest?with a CV and research proposal to discuss your proposed project and potential supervisory arrangements. 

You then work with your proposed supervisor on refining your research proposal which provides the starting point for your subsequent research. 

Supervision 

During your research, you are supported by your supervisory team, normally comprising one main supervisor and a secondary supervisor. You will have agreed your main supervisor, based on their compatibility with your research interests, prior to registration. Typically, you have one formal meeting per month with your main supervisor to discuss your work and progress (bi-monthly for part-time students). 

Training 

Through the Graduate and Researcher College, you have access to training in research-specific and broader transferable skills, including academic writing, career management and presentation skills. 

PhD students in receipt of a teaching studentship (GTA), must also complete the Associate Fellowship Scheme (AFS). The AFS registration period is one year.

The course

How you'll study

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

Entry requirements

2.1 or above

Before making your application, you are required to contact and confirm supervision with a staff member within the School of Politics and International Relations. Please note, if this is not completed and noted on your application, our admissions team will not be able to process your application until supervision is confirmed.

A first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent. If applying for the PhD programme, a Master's degree in a relevant subject is preferable.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Fees and funding

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for this course are:

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for UK postgraduate research courses have not yet been set by the Research Councils UK. This is ordinarily announced in March. As a guide only, the full-time tuition fee for new and returning UK postgraduate research courses for 2025/26 is £5,006.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

Funding

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about student accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

International scholarships

Unlock your potential with scholarships up to £5,000

Research

Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.

Staff research interests

Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below. Please note, it is possible for students to be supervised by a member of academic staff from any of Kent’s schools, providing their expertise matches your research interests. Use our ‘find a supervisor’ search to search by staff member or keyword.

Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.

Your future

The School of Politics and International Relations has a dedicated Employability Coordinator who organises employability events within the School as well as providing students with assistance in securing graduate opportunities. Centrally, the Careers and Employability Service can help you plan for your future by providing one-to-one advice at any stage of your postgraduate studies.

Politics at Kent was ranked 6th in the UK for graduate prospects in The Guardian University Guide 2017. Our graduates have gone on to careers in academia, local and national government and public relations.

Postgraduates earn

£6,000
more per year than graduates (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2021).

A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over

£300,000
Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

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