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97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the University of Reading is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs.^
^Times Higher Education analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output.
Watch this video to see Jamie Draper, PhD student from the Department of Politics and International Relations, discuss his research on migration and displacement in relation to climate change, and reflect on his experience of studying a PhD at Reading.
Jamie won the University of Reading's PhD Researcher of the Year Award in 2019 for his work.
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.
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.
When you choose to undertake a PhD with us, you will join a supportive academic community. You will have opportunities to attend departmental seminars, present your work and network with other researchers.
You'll receive support from our Department as well as the Doctoral and Researcher College, which is the University of Reading's hub for all doctoral activity.
Professor Dominik Zaum
Professor of Governance, Conflict and Security