PhD in International Relations/ Political Science
Programme Description
The PhD programme is designed to prepare students for a career in international relations involving research, whether as a producer or consumer. Students admitted to the programme must have a solid master's level grounding in international relations and, if possible, in political science more generally.
Students can complete the PhD degree in two structured programmes – a stand-alone four-year PhD programme (8 semesters); or a fast-track doctoral program (7 semesters), designed for advanced master students at the Graduate Institute who are transitioned to doctoral research after three semesters of master studies.
The fast-track master’s/doctoral programme allows students to complete a master’s and PhD within five years (10 semesters).
Students with a bachelor’s degree interested in a PhD are encouraged to apply to the fast-track master programme. The first year of the stand-alone PhD programme is divided between advanced course work in qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as in substantive sub-fields. The third semester is dedicated to developing a dissertation prospectus that will be the basis of the student’s research for the next few years.
The fast-track application is open to our current master students. Successful candidates can complete both the master and PhD degrees in just five years of study, one year less than the regular master + PhD study programme. Students currently completing one of the Institute’s disciplinary master programmes are eligible to apply to the PhD fast-track in the same discipline or specialisation. They can do so in the third semester of their master's degree, before 15 November. Fast-track candidates must obtain all the required credits before the end of their third semester. If admitted, they begin the PhD programme in the following semester (fourth, or spring, semester of their master's degree), which then becomes the first semester of their doctoral programme.
The coursework and dissertation prospectus, combined with specialised doctoral seminars, participation in colloquia and doctoral retreats, where students get individualised feedback from all the professors, and close work with an adviser, gives students the range of skills needed to design and implement their own research.
Students work closely with advisers and other faculty; they have the opportunity to work on multiple projects and present their research at national and major international meetings, as well as contribute to a wide array of research centres based at the Graduate Institute.
Each year, approximately 12 students are admitted to the PhD programme. Most of our students benefit from the Graduate Institute’s financial support, whether through research assistantships, teaching assistantships or fellowships. Students who might find financial support useful are encouraged to apply.