Postgraduate Open Event
Join us on Wednesday 18 November 2026, 17:00 - 19:00
Key information
Start
MA: September
PhD: September, January
PhD: September, January
Location
Canterbury
Study mode
MA 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time; PhD 3 to 4 years full-time, 6 to 7 years part-time
Typical offer
2.2 or above
Overview
Explore real-world issues and key policy areas, and learn from leading experts who advise governments and shape debates. Our alumni, who form an international network, have used this programme as a springboard into foreign offices and diplomatic services, the UN, EU and OECD, the IRC, Amnesty International, and other NGOs, as well as businesses with an international outlook.
Reasons to study International Relations at Kent
- The research in the School of Politics and International Relations was rated as 100% 'world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for environment and publications in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF).
- We are now part of the South East ESRC Doctoral Training Centre, making us one of the key training outlets in our subject in the UK.
- Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision.
- Students enjoy regular meetings with a supervisor and supervisory team.
- High-profile engagement through the Global Europe Centre and the Conflict Analysis Research Centre, which crystallise our research, policy and practitioner networks into an annual schedule of events.
- Students have the opportunities to collaborate with other members of staff through the staff research seminar and the activities of our three University-recognised research centres: the Conflict Analysis Research Centre (CARC), the Global Europe Centre (GEC) and the Centre for Critical Thought(CCT).
- Excellent facilities – the Templeman library and extensive computing facilities.
- Research students will also be able to benefit from the skills training offered by the University’s Graduate and Researcher College.
What you'll learn
Research interests span conflict analysis and resolution, political theory and European politics. The breadth of expertise within the School enables us to provide research supervision on a very wide range of topics across the area of International Relations.
Current projects of students studying in this area include:
- Evolving Sino-South Korean Relations: Interplay between National Identity and Interests
- NAFTA-Land Security: The Mérida Initiative, Transnational Threats, and U.S. Security Projection in Mexico
- Mediation as a Preventive Diplomacy Instrument: A Comparative Study of International Mediation in Cyprus and Northern Ireland
- Readdressing the relationship between political philosophy and International Organisations
- The Land of Maybe: Faroese Foreign Policy Decision-Making at the European Crossroads
- A Phronetic Approach to the Theory and Practice of Humanitarian Intervention
Choosing a topic
The majority of our research students choose their own research topics. Once you have decided on the nature of your project, you should contact the member of staff in the School whose expertise and interests most closely match your area of research. You’ll then work with your proposed supervisor to refine your research proposal - the starting point for your research.
The course
How you'll study
Our postgraduate research programmes give you the freedom to explore your interests in depth, with support from expert supervisors along the way. You’ll build advanced research skills, deepen your knowledge, and make a meaningful contribution to your field.
Entry requirements
2.2 or above
A first or second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
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 2027/28 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 2027/28 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 2026/27 is £5,238.
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
Postgraduate research is a fantastic opportunity and significant investment in your future, enabling you to expand your knowledge, skills and career options – all while making a meaningful impact and contribution to an area you are passionate about.
At Kent, we also recognise the significant financial investment that comes with postgraduate study, and we offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate researchers, to help keep your mind on your studies, and off your finances.
Scholarships can be broad, or specific to your situation, background or even country – so please do use our scholarships finder to discover the options available to you.
We also have research partnership funding with research councils and government schemes in specific areas of interest that can help you take your research to the next level with additional financial support.
Find out more on our fees and funding page and discover what option is right for you.
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:
- University and external funds
- Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.
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
£5,000
more per year than graduates (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2024).
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.