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About International Relations, PhD - at University of Kent

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.

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Entry requirements

Contact University of Kent to find course entry requirements.

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Why study at University of Kent

• In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Kent has been ranked 387th in the world and 50th within the UK
• Kent has been ranked a TOp 50 UK University in the Complete University Guide 2026 
• 97% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (an independant national survey of UK universities 
• Over 250 clubs and societies including a range of sporting, performance, cultural and faith groups. Share your interests and make lifelong friends around the world.
• Canterbury and Medway is 60 mins from London by high-speed train.
• Multimillion-pound scholarship fund,stunning locations, first-class facilities, and a diverse, inclusive and supportive community
• Dedicated postgraduate graduate and research college that provides extensive support in every part of your study experience – wellbeing, resources, workshops and career preparation.