Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,725 per year -
How long will I study?
4 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
October 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Where will I study?
Course summary
- Undertake a supervised study in a range of areas in political science and theory.
- Study under research-active staff who submitted to the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
- Benefit from links with the university's Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and the Centre for Development and Research in Education.
Work within our Sheffield Institute of Social Science, currently supporting around 28 PhD students and a thriving research community, to produce a piece of original work within the core themes of charity and community work, the European Union, welfare, terrorism and counterterrorism, the new social movements, war and security studies.
How you learn
Throughout a period of intensive, supervised investigative work, you work closely with specialists in your chosen field to produce an extended thesis of up to 80,000 words in the case of doctoral research. You can take modules and supplementary on-line courses to develop skills in relation to a range of methodologies, methods and theoretical approaches. The work you complete on these can be included as part of your qualification.
You learn through
- supervised research
- meetings
- seminars and training sessions
- informal group sessions
Course leaders and tutors
Jon Dean
Associate Professor in Politics and SociologyStaff profile for Jon Dean, Associate Professor in Politics and Sociology at Sheffield Hallam University
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
You will be part of an active research community in the Sociology Subject Group, our Sheffield Institute of Social Science, and the wider university. In the Politics Subject Group we conduct research projects and publish academic books and articles in areas such as charity and community work, the politics of the European Union, the politics of welfare, terrorism and counterterrorism, the political theory of new social movements, war and security studies.
Through regular interaction with other postgraduate students, researchers and the wider academic community, there is ample opportunity for networking throughout the course. The Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and Centre for Education and Inclusion Research host a range of stimulating activities and events, including established seminar series that attract internationally excellent researchers.
The institute has regular staff and student led activities each year on specific topics associated with PhD student research. We organise monthly Research Breakfast that encompass a wide range of topics including, 'how to publish,' and offer a friendly and supportive environment to discuss research. We also offer awards to our students bi-annually to reward outstanding work or an outstanding contribution to the PhD community.
Future careers
Doctorates are essential qualifications for many careers in academia, the policy sector, and public and commercial research organisations. Our research is often applied, which prepares you to tackle issues of immediate relevance to statutory and voluntary agencies.
Past graduates have gone on to take up academic posts in both teaching and research roles, as well as public sector organisations. Many people take part-time degrees in collaboration with their current employer.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You will have access to a desk and computer, as well as the appropriate ICT laboratories, workshops and equipment needed to carry out your project.
Entry requirements
All students
All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (merit and above).
Application
To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
- A research proposal. This should include an outline of the research questions/area, aim of the project, an understanding of the current knowledge/literature and context, the proposed methodology, the potential impact and contribution to knowledge of your project and referencing key background literature. The maximum word count is 1,500 words.
- A personal statement - In submitting your personal statement, you must answer these 4 questions. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question, and include specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional). We want to learn more about you.
- What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project? (200 words maximum).
- How did you come up with your project proposal? (200 words maximum).
- What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you? (200 words maximum).
- Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences. (200 words maximum).
- Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts.
- Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.
- Copies of your passport and any relevant visas, for international applicants.
All suitable candidates are invited to an interview which can take place in-person or online. You will be asked questions about the project proposal and your interest in PhD level study. You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes.
International Students (Additional Information)
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following:
1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.
2. Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit and above) within two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.
Please note that UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you are a national of one of these countries you will not need to provide evidence as listed above.
Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 per year.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences (PDF, 141.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
