Why study a PhD with us?

When you embark on doctoral study with us, you'll be assigned two academic supervisors who are committed to providing you with support and guidance.

Our academics are world experts in their fields, who are actively engaged in modern-day politics. Many of them bring experience of working directly with policymakers in government and international organisations such as the UN to their postgraduate supervision.

Learn more about our staff and their areas of expertise

Students come from all over the world to study for a PhD in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Reading. 

We are a lively and close-knit community: when you study with us you'll interact regularly with senior staff members as well as with your fellow students. 

Throughout your degree, you'll have opportunities to engage with other passionate researchers at a range of seminars and workshops. 

Find out about day-to-day life in our Department

We can support you to gain teaching experience and prepare for an academic career. There are opportunities to teach on undergraduate and master's modules in the Department.

As a doctoral student at Reading, you can also attend the Doctoral and Researcher College's Preparing to Teach programme at no extra cost.