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Writing a research proposal

The research proposal is the main way in which we evaluate the quality of your research plans. You should aim to make your proposal about 1500-2000 words long.

Your proposal should include the following:

The title indicates the overall question or topic of the PhD. It should include any key concepts, empirical focus, or lines of inquiry that you aim to pursue, and it should be concise and descriptive. You can normally discuss changes in the title with your supervisor(s) should you be successful but it is important to try to choose a clear and engaging title.

Research questions

What are the questions or problems for politics or international relations that you are trying to understand and solve? In explaining these, it will be helpful to spell out what else we need to know in order to understand why you are framing the problem this way.

Research aims

In answering these questions, what will your research project do? What will it shed light on or help us to understand that we don’t really understand better?

Contribution

Why this project? Explain why your project is interesting, what its broader implications are, and – if you think this is relevant – why you are particularly well placed to tackle it. It is also valuable to reflect on who has worked on the topic before and to provide a brief literature review. Are there any good approaches to the topic, or particular articles or books, that you are drawing on or bad ones you want to push back against?

What are the sources you plan to use to answer your research questions? These will vary according to the nature of your research but may include study of particular texts, interviews, published or unpublished data, archival or policy documents, or field site visits, among others. Try to be as specific as you can and assess the possibility of access to relevant sources.

This includes thinking about the research methods you will use to analyse empirical sources (e.g., sampling, survey or interview design, data collection, discourse analysis) but may also include setting out the kind of theoretical framework you will employ or your approach to history or political ideas. What prior knowledge and skills do you bring to the project? What extra training may you need?

Structure and timetable

Include a provisional chapter structure and timetable to completion, covering the three years of the full-time programme or six years of the part-time programme, as appropriate.

To help you with your application here are some examples of PhD proposals which were successful in obtaining funding:  PhD sample research proposal 1 (PDF , 96kb) PhD sample research proposal 2 (PDF , 79kb) PhD sample research proposal 3 (PDF , 197kb)

Apply for a PhD now

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• Department of Politics and International Relations

Writing a research proposal

The key feature of the PhD is that it is yours; the topic, planning, motivation, and thinking all come from you. It will be the most challenging type of academic work you have ever done, but also the most rewarding.

The Research Proposal – an outline

The research proposal constitutes the main way in which the department evaluates the potential quality of your PhD plans. The proposal should be approximately 1,500 words in length and include:

• A provisional title

Question or hypothesis

Value of the phd, existing literature, methods of work.

The title indicates the ‘headline’ character of the PhD. It should include any key concepts, empirical focus, or lines of inquiry that you aim to pursue. For example: ‘Are NGOs practising sustainable development? An investigation into NGO practice in rural Botswana’, or ‘Understanding the Preferential Turn in EU External Trade Strategy: A Constructivist International Political Economy Approach’. You can negotiate changes in the title with your supervisor should you be successful but it is important to devise a title that describes what you aspire to research – and which looks original and exciting.

You need a question or hypothesis to drive the research forward. The question/hypothesis will provide your motivation; to answer the question or prove/disprove the hypothesis. The question/hypothesis will need to be something that has not been posed before. This involves looking at something that no-one has looked at before, or it might mean taking a fresh approach to an existing topic or issue.

The aims of your research should be a short list of answers to the question - what will the PhD do? So, for example ‘this PhD will explore...’ or ‘by carrying out this research, I will contribute to debates about...’. The aims are broader than the questions/hypotheses; they give a prospective statement about the overall destination of the PhD and its potential impact.

The value of the PhD follows closely from the aims. Think about how the ways it might improve our political thinking - a new perspective or the generation of new evidence? To whom might the PhD be interesting - scholars looking at a particular issue, communities within specific institutions or certain groups of people?

A short note of key existing literature situates the PhD in existing research. Literature reviews are not simply descriptive mapping exercises at PhD level. Here you should identify a small number of key texts and say something about how these books are important for your research - whether it is to support, extend, or challenge existing work.

The resources you require can vary according to the nature of the research: access to a particular archive, specialist library, visits to field sites, the use of analytical software, access to databases, training, workshop attendance and so on. It is important to list any of these resources and give a very brief account of how they will enhance the PhD.

The methods of work is a particularly important section. This is where you can say something about how you will answer your question or prove your hypothesis. It is relatively easy to ask a new question; it is more challenging to set out how you might come up with a convincing answer! Methods do not only mean empirical methodologies such as semi-structured interviews or surveys and statistical interpretation; it also might involve a statement on the kind of theoretical framework you will employ, a certain kind of approach to history or a way to understand political ideas. Methods are, therefore, qualitative, quantitative, theoretical, empirical, positivistic, heuristic... whatever fits with your research.

The research also needs a  timetable . This should be set out over three years with clear indications of how long you will need to prepare for and carry out research (however defined) and allow time for writing up. Try to be as detailed as you can at this stage.

Each of these criteria helps the Department of Politics and International Relations selectors make a good judgement about your proposal. By following these criteria you will have your best chance of getting your proposal accepted.

Three more important points:

• Try to be concise. Do not write too much – be as specific as you can but not wordy. It is a difficult balance to strike.
• Bear in mind that the proposal is a starting point. If you are registered to read for a PhD you will be able to work the proposal through with your supervisor in more detail in the early months.
• Take a look at the department’s  staff profiles . Can you identify possible supervisors and intellectual support networks within the department? The better able the department is to support your research, the better it will be for your proposal.

Related information

How to apply

Fees and funding

More guidance on writing a research proposal

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Research Topics & Ideas: Politics

100+ Politics-Related Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation or thesis. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a politics-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of politically-related research ideas across a range of disciplines, including political theory and philosophy, comparative politics, international relations, public administration and policy.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also, be sure to sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Politics-Related Topics

• Political theory and philosophy
• Comparative politics
• International relations
• Public administration
• Public policy
• Examples of politics-related dissertations

Topics & Ideas: Political Theory

• An analysis of the impact of feminism on political theory and the concept of citizenship in Saudi Arabia in the context of Vision 2030
• A comparative study of the political philosophies of Marxism and liberalism and their influence on modern politics
• An examination of how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the relationship between individual freedom and collective responsibility in political philosophy
• A study of the impact of race and ethnicity on French political philosophy and the concept of justice
• An exploration of the role of religion in political theory and its impact on secular democracy in the Middle East
• A Review of Social contract theory, comparative analysis of the political philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau
• A study of the concept of the common good in political philosophy and its relevance to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe
• An examination of the relationship between political power and the rule of law in developing African countries
• A study of the impact of postmodernism on political theory and the concept of truth, a case study of the US
• An exploration of the role of virtue in political philosophy and its impact on the assessment of moral character in political leaders

Topics & Ideas: Comparative Politics

• A comparative study of different models of federalism and their impact on democratic governance: A case Study of South American federalist states
• The impact of ethnic and religious diversity on political stability and democracy in developing countries, a review of literature from Africa
• An analysis of the role of civil society in promoting democratic change in autocratic regimes: A case study in Sweden
• A comparative examination of the impact of globalization on political institutions and processes in South America and Africa.
• A study of the factors that contribute to successful democratization in authoritarian regimes, a review of the role of Elite-driven democratization
• A comparison of the political and economic systems of China and India and their impact on social development
• The impact of corruption on political institutions and democracy in South East Asia, a critical review
• A comparative examination of the impact of majoritarian representation (winner-take-all) vs proportional representation on political representation and governance
• An exploration of Multi-party systems in democratic countries and their impact on minority representation and policy-making.
• A study of the factors that contribute to successful decentralization and regional autonomy, a case study of Spain

Topics & Ideas: International Relations

• A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of diplomacy and military force in resolving international conflicts in Central Africa.
• The impact of globalization on the sovereignty of nation-states and the changing nature of international politics, a review of the role of Multinational Corporations
• An examination of the role of international aid organizations in promoting peace, security, and development in the Middle East.
• A study of the impact of economic interdependence on the likelihood of conflict in international relations: A critical review of weaponized interdependence
• A comparative analysis of the foreign policies of the EU and the US and their impact on international stability in Africa
• An exploration of the relationship between international human rights and national sovereignty during the Covid 19 pandemic
• A study of the role of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO)s in international politics and their impact on state behaviour
• A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of international regimes in addressing global challenges such as climate change, arms control, and terrorism in Brazil
• An examination of the impact of the rise of BRICS on the international system and global governance
• A study of the role of ideology in shaping the foreign policies of states and the dynamics of international relations in the US

Tops & Ideas: Public Administration

• An analysis of the impact of digital technology on public administration and the delivery of public services in Estonia
• A review of models of public-private partnerships and their impact on the delivery of public services in Ghana
• An examination of the role of civil society organizations in monitoring and accountability of public administration in Papua New Guinea
• A study of the impact of environmentalism as a political ideology on public administration and policy implementation in Germany
• An exploration of the relationship between public administration and citizen engagement in the policy-making process, an exploration of gender identity concerns in schools
• A comparative analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration, decentralisation and pay and employment reform in developing countries
• A study of the role of collaborative leadership in public administration and its impact on organizational performance
• A systematic review of the challenges and opportunities related to diversity and inclusion in police services
• A study of the impact of corrupt public administration on economic development and regional growth in Eastern Europe
• An exploration of the relationship between public administration and civil rights and liberties, including issues related to privacy and surveillance, a case study in South Korea

Topics & Ideas: Public Policy

• An analysis of the impacts of public policy on income inequality and poverty reduction in South Sudan
• A comparative study of the effectiveness of legal and regulatory, economic and financial, and social and cultural instruments for addressing climate change in South Korea
• An examination of the role of interest groups in shaping public policy and the policy-making process regarding land-use claims
• A study of the impact of globalization on the development of public policies and programs for mitigating climate change in Singapore
• An exploration of the relationship between public policy and social justice in tertiary education in the UAE
• A comparative analysis of the impact of health policies for the management of diabetes on access to healthcare and health outcomes in developing countries
• Exploring the role of evidence-based policymaking in the design and implementation of public policies for the management of invasive invertebrates in Australia
• An examination of the challenges and opportunities of implementing educational dietary public policies in developing multicultural countries
• A study of the impact of public policies on urbanization and urban development in rural Indonesia
• An exploration of the role of media and public opinion in shaping public policy and the policy-making process in the transport industry of Malaysia

Examples: Politics Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a politics-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various politics-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• We, the Righteous Few: Immoral Actions of Fellow Partisans are Judged as Less Possible (Varnam, 2020)
• Civilizing the State: Civil Society and the Politics of Primary Public Health Care Provision in Urban Brazil (Gibson, 2012)
• Political regimes and minority language policies: evidence from Taiwan and southeast Asia (Wu, 2021)
• The Feminist Third Wave: Social Reproduction, Feminism as Class Struggle, and Contemporary Women’s Movements (Angulo, 2019)
• The Politics of Immigration under Authoritarianism (Joo, 2019)
• The politics of digital platforms: Sour Dictionary, activist subjectivities, and contemporary cultures of resistance (Okten, 2019)
• Vote choice and support for diverse candidates on the Boston City Council At-Large (Dolcimascolo, 2022)
• The city agenda: local governance and national influence in the policy agenda, 1900-2020 (Shannon, 2022)
• Turf wars: who supported measures to criminalize homelessness in Austin, Texas? (Bompiedi, 2021)
• Do BITs Cause Opposition Between Investor Rights and Environmental Protection? (Xiong, 2022)
• Revealed corruption and electoral accountability in Brazil: How politicians anticipate voting behavior (Diaz, 2021)
• Intersectional Solidarity: The Political Consequences of a Consciousness of Race, Gender and Sexuality (Crowder, 2020)
• The Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Coalitional Representation of Latinxs in the U.S. House of Representatives (Munoz, 2019)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. In other words, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Get 1:1 Help

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your dissertation or research project, check out our Topic Kickstarter service below.

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Political Science

Graduate dissertation.

• Graduate Program

The dissertation is a substantial work of original scholarship usually ranging in length from 200 to 450 double-spaced pages.

Once coursework and both preliminary examinations are passed, the student is considered to have Advanced to Candidacy and is officially a Ph.D. candidate.

Before commencing work on the dissertation, the Department requires you to write and defend a dissertation proposal, known as the prospectus. The prospectus is written and defended during the third year in the Ph.D. program. Further information pertaining to the prospectus will be disseminated in the prospectus writing seminar (POLS2050 and POLS2051). Students are required to pass at least one preliminary exam before registering for the prospectus course.  

Selection of the Dissertation Committee

Before beginning work on the prospectus, you should select a principal dissertation advisor to chair your committee. Oftentimes, students begin lining up their principal advisors during their second year in the program; in any event, you should wait no longer than the middle of your fifth semester to have yours in place. Prior to the prospectus defense (see no. 3 below), you must select two additional advisors to serve on your dissertation committee, for a minimum of three committee members. The principal advisor must be tenured and a second committee member must be tenured or tenure-track faculty in the Department of Political Science at Brown unless you obtain an exception from the DGS. One committee member may be from outside the Department of Political Science or outside Brown University.

Drafting of the Prospectus

In consultation with members of the dissertation committee, you must draft a prospectus that is consistent with the spirit if not the letter of the specifications outlined below ("Contents of the Prospectus"). Prospectus drafts (and later dissertation chapters) should be shared with the entire dissertation committee for consistent feedback and communication. The prospectus course (POLS 2050 and POLS2051) is designed to further explain the components of a prospectus and guide students through the creation of a prospectus. Students should be prepared to read and provide constructive feedback on each other's work in the class.

Defense of the Prospectus

Formal approval of the prospectus follows after a successful oral defense of the proposal, which shall be advertised in advance and open to Political Science Department faculty and graduate students.

In consultation with the three committee members and the DGS, you are responsible for scheduling the oral defense well in advance (a minimum of ten days beforehand); please do not forget to inform the DGS well in advance, so that the event can be publicized. Normally, the defense will proceed with the participation of all three committee members. In extraordinary circumstances, the defense may proceed with two examination committee members. If fewer than two committee members are able to attend, the defense must be rescheduled. Prospectus defenses are open to Political Science Department faculty and graduate students only.

The format of a typical oral defense is as follows: (1) introductory remarks by the principal advisor; (2) a brief overview of the proposed thesis project by you; (3) questions from the dissertation committee members; (4) questions from the general public, time permitting. The student will make a 10-15 minute presentation of the prospectus and then will be asked questions by any faculty members first and, time permitting, fellow graduate students in the room.

Immediately following the question session, the dissertation committee shall meet in executive session to determine whether the prospectus should be approved. There are three options available to the committee:

Once the committee has reached a decision in executive session, you will be called back into the room and informed immediately. The principal advisor will also inform the DGS of the committee's decision.

The purpose of what follows is to create a set of shared expectations among both students and faculty about the contents and organization of the prospectus. This statement is not meant to be compulsory, but it should work to the advantage of most students and their advisors.

The prospectus is typically 10-20 pages in length; indeed, the shorter the better, since it is then more easily converted into a formal proposal for external funding. The purpose of the prospectus is to pose a precise question, to set the proposed dissertation topic in an appropriate theoretical context, to allude to the relevant literature, and to describe the proposed research methods. The prospectus is not a legal contract, but a proposal. It is a beginning, the first step in a long journey. As your research progresses, you are almost certain to depart from your prospectus blueprint. Knowledge of this fact should make the exercise a less imposing hurdle. The goal of the prospectus is not to demonstrate that you know all the answers in advance. Rather, it is to establish that the question you intend to address is worth asking, and that your proposed course of action is feasible and potentially valuable in terms of its contribution to knowledge.

A satisfactory prospectus contains four basic components: a question; a statement of theoretical context; a research design; and a working bibliography.

The Question

"What is the dissertation about?" The prospectus should begin by stating the central question or puzzle that is to be addressed in the dissertation. The question should be phrased precisely, since it will determine what is or is not germane to the dissertation. Whether the puzzle is "Does Marx have a political theory?", "Why are some American regulatory agencies more effective than others?", or "What are the effects of the organization of worker training programs in Sweden, Germany, Japan, and the United States?", it should be stated within the first or second paragraph, and as clearly and succinctly as possible. This is also the appropriate place to identify the general approach adopted in the dissertation: historical, interpretive, quantitative, etc. It is also important to qualify the question in terms of geographical, temporal, and/or substantive scope: What country or countries will be examined, and over what time period? What range of an author's works will be evaluated? What kinds of bureaucratic agencies will be studied? What kinds of effects are at issue (social, economic, political)?

Treat this as an opportunity to state with clarity and conviction exactly what the core of the dissertation will be. Do not get carried away with the need to qualify here; there is plenty of time for that in Part C. This section should be no longer than two pages in length. If it feels like writing an abstract, then it's probably coming out right.

Statement of Theoretical Context

This part of the prospectus addresses the frustrating but important question, "so what?" In other words, why should one devote a thesis to the question set out in the preceding section? An effective answer requires two distinct arguments. First, you should provide a well-focused summary of the current debate(s) in your chosen subfield. This will allow your committee to see how you situate your project in the existing theoretical literature. Second, you should outline in precise terms the specific contribution(s) your dissertation will make to the subfield. If you believe you are studying a neglected yet significant subject, specify what of substance has been missed, and how your study will fill the gap. If you are building on an important literature in the field, say what has been achieved, and how your proposal adds to it. If your proposal is a case study or a comparison of multiple cases (countries, policy areas, etc.), this is an appropriate place to justify your selection of cases with reference to theory.

Five or six pages should suffice for this part of the prospectus, although in cases where the resolution of contending interpretations is an especially important part of the thesis, a bit more detail is appropriate. Whatever you do, do not set out to review the literature in depth here. Instead, write this part on the assumption that both you and your committee are familiar with the field.

Research Design

This part answers the question, "How will you answer the question set out in Part A?" Part B showed that the game is worth the candle; Part C must show that you will, in fact, finish the contest with some answers in hand. Depending on the field, this part will cover different elements, but all will need to address the following: What do you intend to do, and what does each step contribute to the project as a whole? In what order do you intend to proceed? If your investigation is empirical, what sort of evidence will you consider? If theoretical, what material will you cover and what will you do with it? Are you planning to do library work, field work, and/or quantitative analysis?

Obviously, you will not know everything you would like about this part at the time you have to defend your prospectus. But you should be able to provide your best, educated guess. In the end, your committee will be looking for evidence that (1) if everything goes according to plan, you will be able to complete a satisfactory dissertation, and (2) there is a reasonable chance that everything will in fact go well.

Six to ten pages should be enough to cover this material. You should try to provide the following sorts of information:

Working Bibliography

This is self-explanatory, but essential.

Extension of Candidacy

It is University policy that the dissertation should be completed within five years of advancing to candidacy. Since students often require more time, candidacy may be extended in cases where the faculty believes the student will finish and accepts the reasons for delay.

Annually the Graduate School will remind active students whose candidacy is about to expire that they must write to the DGS, explain why they are taking so long, and request an extension if they intend to finish. If the DGS, after consulting with the principal dissertation advisor, believes an extension is justified, s/he will make a formal request to the Graduate School. Extensions to seven years may be granted by the Graduate School; extensions longer than seven years require a vote of the Graduate Council.

Dissertation Defense and Submission

Graduate students are eligible to have degrees conferred, and to receive their diploma, at three different times over the course of the academic year. All deadlines are firm. Please review the Graduate School's Dissertation Guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Students are required to submit a full draft of the dissertation to their dissertation committee four weeks prior to the expected defense date. If you anticipate problems meeting any of these deadlines, consult the Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate School .

A complete description of the format of the dissertation can be found on the  Graduate School website . All directions from the Graduate School must be followed exactly.

Once your dissertation committee has approved your thesis-in-draft in principle, you should agree on a date for the defense well in advance (a minimum of ten days beforehand) with your committee members and also inform the Graduate Program Coordinator so that the event can be publicized. You are responsible for scheduling the oral defense. You must complete a  Dissertation Defense Information Form  which must be submitted to the Graduate School at least 2 weeks prior to the defense. Normally, the defense will proceed with the participation of all three committee members in the room. In extraordinary circumstances, the defense may proceed with two examination committee members. If fewer than two committee members are able to attend, the defense must be rescheduled.

The defense is open to the public, which typically includes faculty members and other graduate students. The format of a typical oral defense is as follows:

• introductory remarks by the principal advisor;
• a brief overview of the dissertation by you;
• questions from the dissertation committee members;
• questions from the general public, time permitting.

Immediately following the question session, the dissertation committee shall meet in executive session to determine whether the dissertation should be approved. You will be called back in to hear the decision privately, as well as any further recommendations from the dissertation committee. The committee members may address the strengths and weaknesses of your dissertation, your future plans for it, and the direction you expect your work to take in the next few years.

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Politics and International Relations at Leicester

PhD guidance

• Current PhD Students
• Past PhD projects

PhD research proposal guidance notes

We welcome initial inquiries regarding possible study for a PhD. In the first instance, please contact Dr Tara McCormack  (PhD Tutor) to discuss the general topic and the availability of suitable staff to supervise your thesis. If staff with appropriate research expertise are available for supervision, a full application should be submitted. Find out more information on submitting an application .

You will be required to include a research proposal (see guidance below), references, and a writing sample. You should choose a sample of written work that best represents your own independent research to date. In most cases this should be a dissertation from a masters degree or equivalent post-graduate qualification.

When applying, you should prepare a research proposal that is between 3,000 and 4,000 words in total, excluding timetable and bibliography. Your proposal should clearly indicate the area of research and should demonstrate your ability to develop and execute a 3-year (for full-time applicants) or 5-year (for part-time applicants) programme of independent research.

Your research proposal may contain the elements listed in our guidance . This structure is intended as a guide only, and should be adapted to the requirements of your proposed research where necessary.

It does not matter if you are not completely sure about certain aspects of your proposal at this stage, but we will be looking for evidence that you already know the broad field of research, have read an appropriate amount of relevant literature, and can make a convincing case for the topic you are proposing, as well as having considered the appropriate methodology to investigate this topic.

• Schools & departments

Politics PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Politics

Upcoming Introduction to Postgraduate Study and Research events

Join us online on the 19th June or 26th June to learn more about studying and researching at Edinburgh.

Choose your event and register

Research profile

Approximately 60 members of PIR academic staff enjoy international reputations for their research and have won numerous teaching, research and advising awards. Their scholarship covers a diverse range of research areas on Scotland, Europe, and the world, and is published in highly-rated journals and books.

The department has a strong tradition of advising, informing and debating policy with key decision-makers at Scottish, UK, European and international levels, and has a notable concentration of political theorists.

Research in Politics and International Relations explores the theory, practice and ethics of politics and governance.

We cover a broad area of expertise, from local policy to global governance, political theory to empirical studies, constructivism to rational choice approaches.

Our Politics & International Relations group has close links with cross-disciplinary and internationally recognised research centres.

Major research focuses include:

• sub-state and supranational dimensions of politics and public policy
• the impact of devolution in the UK and elsewhere, and the constitution and governance of the European Union
• international politics: changing relations, the new security agenda, transatlantic relations, political economy, migration politics and global governance
• nationalism, democratic transition, civil society and institution-building
• health, welfare, environment, competition, migrations and citizenship, and equal opportunities policies
• political theory, especially war ethics, environmental ethics and theories of freedom

Programme structure

The degree is based on three to four years of full-time research. Each student follows an individual training programme designed with their supervisor and the Postgraduate Adviser. This programme is reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

In the first year, you will acquire a wide range of research skills and formulate their research question and related design, under the guidance of their supervisors. At the end of their course of study you will submit a thesis and will be assessed in an oral examination (viva voce) by two examiners (usually one internal to the University, the other external).

The thesis is a long piece of research on a topic of your particular interest and makes an original contribution to the field of politics and international relations.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

You will follow a programme of research training, drawn from the MSc by Research courses coordinated by the School of Social and Political Science and Politics and International Relations-specific training.

The programme equips you with professional training to a high standard. After graduating you can expect to be a strong candidate for careers in a wide variety of contexts, including academia, the media, the private sector and a diverse array of public services. Nearly everyone needs good researchers!

Politics and International Relations helps you gain a range of transferable skills above and beyond those required by their specific projects, such as:

• organising seminars and conferences
• learning how to apply for research jobs in and out of academia
• learning how to deliver professional seminar presentations

Postgraduate researchers also have access to the University and College-wide programme of training in transferable skills and other aspects of professional development, such as specialist careers advice.

Research library and archive facilities in Edinburgh are outstanding.

You will be a member of the Graduate School of Social & Political Science, with full access to the Graduate School’s facilities in the Chrystal Macmillan Building.

Other library and archive facilities include the University’s Main Library, the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Records Office. Proximity to the Scottish Parliament and other institutions of national government provides further research opportunities.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, and a UK masters degree with an overall mark of 65% or its international equivalent.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Application fee.

This programme requires a non-refundable application fee.

Your application will not be processed until we have received your application fee.

• Application fee information

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You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and funding, featured funding.

School of Social and Political Science Scholarships

UK Research Council Awards

For specialised guidance on submitting a competitive scholarship application, please follow the requirements and recommendations and how to contact relevant academic staff as advised here:

• Important information and recommendations

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

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Further information

• Postgraduate Admissions Team
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: [email protected]
• Programme Advisor, Dr Sarah Liu
• Contact: [email protected]
• Graduate School of Social & Political Science
• Chrystal Macmillan Building
• 15A George Square
• Central Campus
• Programme: Politics
• School: Social & Political Science
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Politics - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd politics - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You must submit a research proposal demonstrating your knowledge of your field of research, which will be closely scrutinised as part of the decision-making process. We request that PhD research proposals are no more than four A4 typed pages in Times New Roman, 12pt font. This includes charts and figures but does not include references or a bibliography.

We require PhD applicants in particular to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss their research proposal so we can ensure there is adequate supervision.

A non-refundable application fee of £50 must be paid after you submit your application. Your application will not be processed until we have received your application fee.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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Sample PhD Tracks

Year by year, year 1 & 2.

All Sanford School PhD students, regardless of disciplinary concentration or policy area focus, will generally spend their first two years of the program taking classes – a combination of public policy core courses and electives.

Students usually spend their third year writing and defending their dissertation proposal, supported by a Research Seminar in Public Policy.

Year 4 & 5

The fourth and fifth years are typically devoted to writing and defending the dissertation.

Sample Student Paths

Sarah cross phd'21.

Sarah Cross PhD'21 spent nearly a decade as a social worker specializing in serious illness care, including home hospice and inpatient palliative care, before deciding to get her PhD at Sanford. Her research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and featured in both the New York Times and NPR.

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

• Undergraduate
• Honors Thesis

Writing Tips for Theses

Tips for writing a thesis proposal.

1. Find an area (or subfield) that interests you.

Look for a topic that combines personal excitement with scholarly potential. Does  your past work at Northwestern reflect themes that run through the choices you have made? Do you find yourself selecting classes on a general topic or returning to a subject repeatedly? Is there a question or an event that has really captured your attention, or something happening in the world that appears puzzling and that you would like to make sense of?

2. Transforming a topic into a research question

Most first efforts at formulating a research topic are either too specific or too broad.

Questions that are too specific have a yes, no, or fairly easily reached empirical question.  Examples of too specific questions include: Why was smoking in restaurants banned?  What led to President Nixon’s near impeachment? 

Broad questions, by contrast, lack focus and need to be narrowed and framed in a way that makes the topic researchable. The quickest way to make progress is to write a paragraph about the topic, and take it to Political Science faculty member to discuss.

As you reflect, ask yourself what specific concerns led you to the general issue? How did you first see the problem? What events stand out? Around what cases do the discussions revolve? Was there an important book, newspaper article or lecture that piqued your interest? Is there a recurrent argument about current affairs? Formulate questions with these specific facts in mind. Talk with others about the topic, including political science faculty members and TAs.

3. Formulate a research question in a way that widens its appeal.

Merely exploring a topic because it interests you is not enough; the thesis must pose a question that subsequent research attempts to answer or resolve. This question should be framed in a general way that highlights its importance. “Why was John Roberts confirmed to be a judge on the US Supreme Court” is probably too specific. It would be better to ask “What factors lead to success or failure in the confirmation of Supreme Court Justices?” You may end up answering this question by looking at confirmation hearings across time or by a comparison of just two nominees. The key is that the question is important in its own right and that answering it provides insight that is useful beyond the specifics of the case.

Even with a carefully posed question, you still need to highlight its importance. Explain why it matters whether or not someone is confirmed for the US Supreme Court, and explain why confirmation is problematic enough to be worth 60 to 100 pages of analysis.

More advice on selecting a thesis topic and crafting a proposal are available at the following website:

http://www.charleslipson.com/How-to-write-a-thesis.htm

Concerning the Form of the Thesis

The watchword for writing a long research paper is  structure .  The format of your paper should reveal the structure of your thinking. Devices such as paragraphing, headings, indentation, and enumeration help your reader see the major points you want to make.

Headings can convey the major topics discussed in your paper. A research report typically contains four basic components:

• Statement of the  problem  or theoretical question that gave rise to the research, and an explanation of why the problem or question is important to address.
• Discussion of how the research was  designed  to clarify the problem
• Analysis  of the data or information produced by the research
• Summary  and conclusion of the study

Although you could include those sections in your report without separate headings, the underlying logic of your paper will be more readily apparent with headings that identify its basic components: (1) the problem, (2) research design, (3) data analysis, (4) summary and conclusion. Obviously, you can adjust or elaborate on these generic headings depending on your topic.

Chris Blattman

Phd applicants: writing your statement of purpose.

• January 11, 2022

I’ve read a lot of personal statements for PhD applications. I sat on admissions at UChicago, Columbia, and Yale, mostly in economics, political science, and public policy. Here’s the advice I’ve given my own students and research assistants to craft their statements. I give it because, sadly, I don’t find most statements helpful. This means they are not helping you, the applicant.

As with all my advice posts, it’s important that students outside elite colleges get this information, so here are some personal thoughts.

[Note: You can now subscribe by email to receive posts to your inbox.]

First, let’s clarify your number one job as an applicant: Send the best, clearest signal of your abilities as a future researcher, and minimize the noise around that signal. I explain why in a longer post on whether and how you should apply to PhD programs (including the other elements of an application packet):

the fundamental problems in graduate admissions are “information overload” and “noise”. For every slot in a PhD program, there are probably 30 to 50 applicants. A department that plans to have a class of 20 students may receive 1000 applications. Meanwhile, most departments delegate admissions to a small committee of two to six faculty. They don’t have time to read 1000 applications in detail. And the committee may change every year. Thus, their experience may be limited. And you never know who will be on the committee or what they care about. This adds further randomness. These faculty want to admit the most talented and creative young researchers who will push the field ahead. And they also want you to pass all the most technical classes, because they hate kicking students out. So the admissions committee are looking for strong signals of intelligence, creativity, determination, and other proclivities for research. But this is hard . There are too many applications. Applicants don’t have many good ways to signal quality. All applicants are trying to send the same signals. And there is a ton of uncertainty around each signal. Hence: Information overload and noise.

Yet most schools as for a written statement of some kind. Sometimes they ask for both a biographical statement and a research statement. What do they want and what should you write?

• Don’t tell your life story. This statement is not an undergrad entry essay where you describe your life’s trials and tribulations, or your journey to wanting to do a PhD. It’s not that we don’t care. It’s just that it’s probably not relevant to judging your ability as a researcher. If it is, then weave that into the narrative around your research interests and plans. We have hundreds of these things to read and so you only want to focus on the most important information.
• Don’t be cliché. Do not start your with your epiphany—the day the scales fell from your eyes and you realized you wanted to be a professor, or were inspired tackle big questions and social issues. Especially if it involves a child in a poor country. This approach is overused and unoriginal, and the information does not help us judge whether you will be a great researcher (see point 1).
• Platitudes about wanting to be a professor or researcher
• Generic or flattering statements about being excited to join a program, your admiration for the faculty, etc.
• Unspecific interests in a research subject or field
• Routine information such as “I am graduating in May…”
• Filler sentences like “Please find enclosed…”
• Start with your broad fields of interest (e.g. “I am principally interested in labor and development economics” or “I want to work at the intersection of comparative politics and international relations”)
• Then give 2-3 examples of broad topics and questions that interest you. (“I’m interested in studying inefficiencies in labor markets, especially market power and monopsony. I’m also interested in…”)
• Are tenure or tenure-track faculty
• Have their primary appointment in the department you are applying to
• Are actually there and take students (i.e. they didn’t retire last year, etc.)
• You could discuss two ideas in moderate depth, or one idea in greater depth. Either way, I recommend this research discussion be 40-60% of your entire statement.
• Ideally this is a question or topic of current interest in the field. One thing I often see is that students are focussed on the research frontier 10 years ago (because those are the papers they read in their classes) and are not clued in to some of the current puzzled and priorities. This is hard to avoid, but some reading and your advisors should be able to help you avoid this.
• The best discussions will (if empirical) identify interesting data and discuss plausible empirical strategies. This is difficult, which is why it is a good signal if you do it well.
• It’s important to locate your question in the literature without overdoing that discussion. Try to motivate the question with reference to recent and recognizable research papers and agendas. If you are mainly citing articles with few citations, in lower-ranked journals, this is a sign that you need to link your idea to bigger debates in the field, or perhaps rethink the question you are proposing.
• This is (in my experience) the most crucial section for most social science departments. Except possibly economics. It’s not clear how seriously many departments take your statement in economics, and some of my colleagues profess to never look at the statement. That may be true, but some will look, and you have to have a statement, so I suggest following this advice to make it a research proposal.
• Why you studied physics but now are doing political science
• What happened in that single bad semester on your transcript
• How to interpret your foreign GPA, and where you ranked in your class
• Clarify your classes if they have off names (e.g. “My class called XX was a Real Analysis class using textbook X, and so I have all the mathematical requirements for entry.”
• Get help. Your letter writers, professors you work for, or PhD student you know can read and give feedback on your statements. Ask them for their advice. Do this early–a couple months before the application, ideally. they can help you frame your question in a more interesting way, decide what papers to mention, or what is or is not frontier.
• Don’t be repetitive. This is not the place to restate your CV (“First I worked for Professor… and then I worked for…”). They have your CV. Use this document to do something no other in your application can do. Only mention work or other experience if you can add essential, high-density information the reader cannot get elsewhere in the application packet. Maybe you picked up specific technical skills working on a project that relate to the research proposal you just described? If not, you don’t have to say anything at all about your past. Just let the research proposal speak for itself.
• I recommend using the Hemingway Editor as a tool to write more clearly. Some long and complex sentences are ok, but sparingly. And they can often be improved. Aim for a grade 10 reading level.
• Use active voice
• Omit needless material and words (see points 3 and 9)
• Limit jargon
• Each paragraph should be a distinct idea
• Paragraphs should have a hierarchical structure, with the big idea or general point as the first topic sentence, and the rest of the paragraph elaborates. Someone should be able to get an “executive summary” but simply reading the first line in every paragraph. they should make sense as a story/summary.
• Use subheadings if possible, to delineate sections such as your broad fields of interest (point 4), your research proposal (point 5), and other key information (point 6)

This is just my view. Other professors will have different preferences and advice here. So ask them. Get more opinions. Or put your advice in the comments below.

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Home > USC Columbia > Arts and Sciences > Political Science > Political Science Theses and Dissertations

Political Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

A Comparative Measure Of Judicial Legitimacy , Rahul Hemrajani

Where the Constitution Is Silent: Indigenous Rights Jurisprudence in the United States , Anthony Wayne Hobert Jr.

Prosecutorial Discretion: District Attorneys, Public Opinion,and the Localized Rule of Law , Yu-Hsien Sung

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Changing Environment. Changing Attitudes? , Lindsey Brooke Hendren

Interstate Rivalry, Domestic Politics, and Economic Coercion , Shaoshuang Wen

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

International Conflict, Political Leaders, and Accountability , William Thomas Christiansen

Liberalization First, Democratization Later: The Linkage Between Income Inequality, Economic Development, and Democratization , Yi-Tzu Lin

Social Trust and Soft Power: The Role of Social Trust in Democratic Countries’ Soft Power Use , Judit Trunkos

Economic Interdependence, Power, and Peace: A Rationalist Study of Commercial Liberalism , Yuleng Zeng

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Essays on the Political Economy of International Trade and Coups , William Akoto

Judicial Legitimacy and the Dearth of State Supreme Court Knowledge , TJ Kimel

Women in the Governor's Mansion: Breaking the Barrier to Competition , Helen Adair King

Causes and Consequences of Police Militarization , Edward Eugene Lawson, Jr.

Dynamic Environments and Judicial Power , Monica Lineberger

The Dynamics of Vote Buying in Developing Democracies: Party Attachment and Party Competition in Southeast Asia , Matthew Louis Wagner

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Deepening Democracy: Inclusion, Deliberation, And Voice In The Grassroots South , Annie L. Boiter-Jolley

Evangelicals, Perceived Marginalization and Expressive Mobilization , Christin E. McMasters

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Economic Foundations of Authoritarian Rule , Clay Robert Fuller

Partisan Polarization, Social Identity, and Deliberative Democracy in the United States , Ryan Strickler

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Being Strategic: Black Legislative Representation In The Republican-Controlled South Carolina House of Representatives , Willie James Black

Leaders in Search of the Bomb: Institutional Incentives for Nuclear Decisions , Paige Price Cone

The Three Dimensionality Model Of State Security And Armed Conflict: Internal And External Dimensions And Lessons From The Middle East , Juri Kim

The Impact of Supreme Court Precedent in a Judicial Hierarchy , Ali Masood

How The European Union’s Criteria For Membership Move Public Opinion , Douglas Page

Information Heterogeneity and Economic Voting: A Cross-National Analysis , Chia-yin Wei

Nothing is the Matter with Kansas: White Southern Exceptionalism in American Politics , Paul White Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Turkish Foreign Policy Under The Justice And Development Party (AKP): A Paradigm Shift? , Ali Demirdas

The Liberal Commercial Peace, Regional Considerations: International Relations of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the European Union Countries , Chienwu Hsueh

The Political Economy of Property Rights In China: Local Officials, Incentive Structure, And Private Enterprises , Ingrid Yingxia Li

The Domestic Adoption of International Human Rights Law: the Roles of Regional and National High Courts in Latin America , Rebecca Ann Reid

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

TOWARDS COMMON EUROPEAN ENERGY POLICY , Mariam Dekanozishvili

Essays on Battle Clusters in Internal Armed Conflicts and Insurgencies: Concept, Causes and Consequences , Chifeng Liu

The Effects of Political Control and Institutional Structure on State Ethics Commissions , William Jonathan Rauh

Do Americans’ Perceptions of the Prevalence of Prejudice Impact Their Racial Policy Preferences? Investigating Meta-Stereotypes as a Potential Causal Mechanism , Alexandra Reckendorf

How Much Do Groups Still Matter to Politics? An Examination of Group Influences on Public Opinion , Lauren E. Smith

Microfinance and Poverty Reduction: How Risks Associated With Government Policies Affect Whether Microfinance Alleviates Poverty in Latin-America , Brian Warby

Taking Interests and International Conflict More Seriously , Chong-Han Wu

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Protracted Social Conflict: A Reconceptualization and Case Analysis , Melissa M. C. Beaudoin

Race, Class, Gender, and Linked Fate: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of African American Political Partisanship, 1996 and 2004 , Sherral Yolanda Brown-Guinyard

Holding International Public-Private Partnership Accountable: An Analysis of Sensitivity and Vulnerability Dynamics In Ghana'S Water Sector Reform and Its Impact On the Target Population , Xi Chen

The Impact of Ideology and Attorneys On Precedent Usage: An Analysis of State High Courts , Benjamin Kassow

Environmental Footprints of Violent Conflict , Swapna Pathak

Economic Agreements and Interstate Conflict: A Policy Substitution Model of Coercion , Matthew Daniel-Marion Shaffer

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Religion, Electoral Rules and Women's Representation: A Cross National Examination , Wafaa Adnan Alaradi

Postcolonial and Constructivist Theoretical Explanations of Women'S Traditional Agency In Sociopolitical Participation and Reproductive Rights In Present Day Mali and the Pilipinas , Jennifer Almeda

South Africa In Southern Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Economic Integration In the Southern African Development Community Using Hegemonic Stability Theory , William Andrew Jennings

The Relationship Between State Dissatisfaction and the Level of Conflict In State Dyads: the Revised Power Transition Theory , Hsiao-chuan Liao

Fighting In Space: Understanding the Opportunity and Willingness to Pursue Space Weapons , Michael James Martindale

Capital offenses, Non-Capital offenses, and Party Capability: Habeas Corpus Litigation in U.S. District Courts , Nicholas A. Mostardo

How Rivalries End: Understanding Dynamics of the Rivalry Termination Process , Soonkun Oh

State Implementation of the Children's Health Insurance Program: Analyses of Variation In Policy Adoption , Rebecca Layne Russ-Sellers

Female Legislators and the Power of the Purse: Does Gender Affect Government Spending? A Cross-National Analysis , Jennifer Suzanne Tison

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Judging the Bureaucrats: Understanding the Dynamics of Court-Agency Interaction , Michael P. Fix

La Ruta Maya: The Effects of tourism and the State On the Political Behavior Choices of the Maya , Heather Lea Hawn

Presidents and Terminal Logic Behavior: Term Limits and Executive Action In the United States, Brazil, and Argentina , Genevieve M. Kehoe

The Questions of Compliance With the NPT Regime and Complex Multilateral Nuclear Negotiations: A Comparative Analysis of North Korea and Iran As Defector States , Jihyun Kim

The Rule of Law In Times of War: A Comparative Analysis of the Effect of War On High Court Decision-Making , Susanne Schorpp

Between and Beyond Borders: Conflict, International Response, and Forced Migration , Young Hoon Song

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

The War On Terrorism In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An Academic Analysis of the Growing Phenomenon of Political Violence In the Kingdom. , Faisal M. Al-Madhi

Re-Defining Public Service In An Era of Networked Governance: An Examination of the Influence of Public Service Motivation On Contractors In Homeland Security , Alexa Haddock Bigwarfe

The Power and Authority of the Committee On the Rights of the Child , Aleksandra Chauhan

Does Foreign Direct Investment (Fdi) Affect Conflict? theIntertwined Relationship Between Multinational Corporations (Mncs) and Nation-States , Yi-Hung Chiou

Counterinsurgency Colonels: The Role of the Practitioner In the Evolution of Modern Counterinsurgency , Garrett Scott DeWitt

The Geometry of Racial Politics: The Role of Policy Entrepreneurs In Fostering Triangulation Among U.S. Racial and Ethnic Groups, 1800-1964 , Athena M. King

Passionate Political Talk: Social Networks and the Emotional Impact of Political Discussion , Bryan Michael Parsons

Judges and Their Loyalties: A Comparative Study Focused On the Venezuelan Supreme Court , Raul A. Sanchez Urribarri

International Law In the Supreme Court of the United States: An Empirical Analysis , Alan Michael Tauber

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Wolves In Chic Clothing: Gender, Media and the Securitization of Female Suicide Bombers , Mekell Mikell

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Home > SBS > POLSCI > Political Science Department Dissertations Collection

Political Science Department Dissertations Collection

Current students, please follow this link to submit your dissertation.

Dissertations from 2023 2023

Alternative Power: The Politics of Denmark's Renewable Energy Transition , Robert Darrow, Political Science

Politics is Conspiracy: Everyday Political Conversations in Afghanistan , Mohsen Jalali, Political Science

The Violence of Nostalgia: Conspiracy Theorism, White Nationalism, and Restoring American Exceptionalism , Candice K. Travis, Political Science

"The Land that Feminism Forgot": Birthzillas, Madwives, and the Politics of Chilbirth , Amber Vayo, Political Science

Dissertations from 2022 2022

Theorizing Black Statecraft , Samantha Davis, Political Science

Another Postcolonialism: Innovating Sovereignty from Below Through the Responsibility to Protect , Gabriel P. Mares, Political Science

THE POLITICIZATION OF THE DEAD AND INVISIBILE VIOLENCE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TURKEY AND MEXICO , Bilgesu Sumer, Political Science

Debris of Progress: A Political Ethnography of Critical Infrastructure , Ethan Tupelo, Political Science

Dissertations from 2021 2021

Why do Policy Frames Change? Rhetorical Construction and Contestation of Gay Rights in a Contested Regime , Shih-chan Dai, Political Science

Thinking with Black Lives Matter: Towards a Critical Theory of Racial Capitalism , Siddhant Issar, Political Science

Latino Race Cards: Negative Racial Appeals in Contemporary Campaigns and the Bounds of Racial Priming Theory , Rebecca Lisi, Political Science

Targeting Drones: Framing, Vetting, and Power in Transnational Advocacy Issue Networks , Alexandria J. Nylen, Political Science

GRAMMARS OF IDENTITY: POLITICAL LANGUAGES OF ACTIVISM IN ARGENTINA AND THE UNITED STATES , Ana M. Ospina Pedraza, Political Science

Cyclones, Spectacles, and Citizenship: The Politicization of Natural Disasters in the US and Oman , Tyler Schuenemann, Political Science

Platforms and Power: Transnational Guatemala , Eric Sippert, Political Science

Roadblocks to Access: Perceptions of Law and Socioeconomic Problems in South Africa , Kira Tait, Political Science

UPRISING AND DISPLACEMENT: ETHNOGRAPHIES OF VIOLENCE AND IDENTITY-(RE)FORMATION AMONG SYRIANS , Basileus Zeno, Political Science

Dissertations from 2020 2020

PRECARIOUS PIPES: GOVERNANCE, INFORMALITY, AND THE POLITICS OF ACCESS IN KARACHI , Usmaan M. Farooqui, Political Science

Dissertations from 2019 2019

Partisan Policymaking: Research and Advocacy in an Era of Polarization , Zachary Albert, Political Science

Citizenship in transit: perils and promises of crossing Mexico , Martha Balaguera Cuervo, Political Science

WHITEWASHED: THE RACIALIZATION OF AMERICA’S MIDDLE CLASS IDENTITY , Kaylee Theresa Johnson, Political Science

The Solution is the Problem: An Immanent Critique of Capitalism's Crisis, 2008-2018 , Michael Stein, Political Science

Embodied, Rationed, Precarious: Conceptualizations of Sovereignty in Urban Food Regimes , Candan Turkkan, Political Science

Dissertations from 2018 2018

Communication is a Two Way Street: Race, Gender, and Elite Responsiveness in U.S. Politics , Mia Costa, Political Science

The Promise(s) of Resilience: Governance and Resistance In Complex Times , alix olson, Political Science

Why Education Matters: Political Participation and Interpretive Experiences at High School , Samuel V. Stoddard, Political Science

FREE MARKET AUTHORITARIANISM AND THE ELECTION OF DONALD TRUMP , Sarah Tanzi, Political Science

The Paradox of a Town Meeting: The Influence of Forms of Local Government on Citizen Representation , Wouter Marc van Erve, Political Science

Dissertations from 2017 2017

Voter Turnout Overreports: Measurement, Modeling and Deception , Ivelisse Cuevas-Molina, Political Science

“MY EYES ARE OPEN BUT MY LIPS ARE WHISPERING”: LINGUISTIC AND SYMBOLIC FORMS OF RESISTANCE IN THAILAND DURING 2006-2016 , Khorapin Phuaphansawat, Political Science

LOOKING BEYOND THE RUBBLE TOWARD LOUVERTUREAN STATECRAFT: THE POST-OCCUPATION STATE AND THE HISTORICAL FAULT LINE OF RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT IN HAITI (1791-2016) , Moise St Louis, Political Science

Dissertations from 2016 2016

Citation Networks, Linguistics-Based Cues, and Logic-Based Approaches to Understanding What Persuades a Judge to Forsake Bias , James ben-Aaron, Political Science

The Social Corporation: Firms, Networks, and Politics , Michael Kowal, Political Science

Examining the Civil-Military Divide Through New (Institutional) Lenses: The Influence of the Supreme Court , Allen Linken, Political Science

American Authoritarianism in Black and White , Matthew C. MacWilliams, Political Science

Managing the Agricultural Biotechnology Revolution: Responses to Transgenic Seeds in Developing Countries , Alper Yagci, Political Science

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Time to Leave Uchronia: Queer Eco-Temporalities for a Livable World , Claire S. Brault, Political Science

The Effects of Using Security Frames on Global Agenda Setting and Policy Making , Sirin Duygulu Elcim, Political Science

The Promise of Mourning , Samantha Rose Hill, Political Science

Tacit Web: Entrepreneurial Discovery, Institutional Complexity and Internet Diffusion , Meelis Kitsing, Political Science

Place, Nature, and Political Economy: The Submerged Politics of Alternative Agri-Food Movements , Matthew Aaron Lepori, Political Science

Undying Protests: On Collective Action and Practices of Resistance against Feminicide in Ciudad Juárez , Elva F. Orozco Mendoza, Political Science

The Economy Effect , Jeremy N. Wolf, Political Science

Dissertations from 2014 2014

ANTIGONE CLAIMED, "I AM A STRANGER": DEMOCRACY, MEMBERSHIP AND UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRATION , ANDRES FABIAN HENAO CASTRO, Political Science

Still Dirty After All These Years: Political Leadership, Knowledge, and Socialization and Regional Environmental Cooperation in Northeast Asia , Inkyoung Kim, Political Science

Southie versus Roxbury: Crime, Welfare, and the Racialized Gubernatorial Politics of Massachusetts in the Post-Civil Rights Era , Daniel T. Kirsch, Political Science

Imperial Janus: Patterns of Governance in the Western Borderlands of the Tsarist Empire , Nicklaus Laverty, Political Science

A Veteran Welfare State: Veterans' Benefits, Coalition Politics, and Social Policy Change, 1943-1973 , Melinda R. Tarsi, Political Science

Dissertations from 2013 2013

Democratizing the Criminal: Jury Nullification as Exercise of Sovereign Discretion over the Friend-Enemy Distinction , Timothy A. Delaune, Political Science

In Transition: The Politics of Place-based, Prefigurative Social Movements , Emily Hardt, Political Science

Promising Prevention: Greening the Breast Cancer Movement in the United States , Kristen Abatsis McHenry, Political Science

Bringing the Ballot Box to the People: Election Administration and the Origins of Inclusive Voting Practices , Kevin Pallister, Political Science

Resilient Environmental Governance: Protecting Changing Ecosystems Through Multilevel Governance , Casey Stevens, Political Science

The Local Production Of Welfare Humanitarianism In Neoliberal Turkey , F. Gizem Zencirci, Political Science

Dissertations from 2012 2012

Journey From Islamism To Conservative Democracy: The Politics Of Religious Party Moderation In Turkey , Guliz Dinc Belcher, Political Science

Why Sacrifice Sovereignty? A Non-Instrumental Explanation of State Support for Supranational Cooperation in EU Common Foreign and Security Policy , Osman Sabri Kiratli, Political Science

Governing Piety: Islam, Empire and Moderation in Late Modernity , Dunya D Lepori, Political Science

Dissertations from 2011 2011

Beyond Promise: Politics, Institutions And Neoliberal Economic Reforms In Four African Countries , Yakubu M Azindow, Political Science

Transnational Networks and the Promotion of Conservationist Norms in Developing Countries , Kemi D. George, Political Science

Dissertations from 2010 2010

Ideological Endzones: NFL Films and The Countersubversive Tradition in American Politics , Nicholas R. Archer, Political Science

Constituting Representation: The Concept Of Representation In American Political Development , Patrick F Campbell, Political Science

After The Fog Of Reform: Democratic Consolidation In Mexico And Turkey , Evren Celik Wiltse, Political Science

The cross, the fall, and the resurrection: The Social Gospel and the democratic party , Christopher Lee Cronin

The Business Community and the Forging of Political Consensus Against the Clinton Healthcare Security Act of 1994 , Michael Lenz, Political Science

Elemental Challenges: Environmental Troubles beyond the Limits of Democracy , Brad Mapes-Martins, Political Science

The Exclusion of Non-Native Voters from a Final Plebiscite in Puerto Rico: Law and Policy , Ramon Antonio Rodriguez, Political Science

The World Is Plural: Democratic Contributions Of Hannah Arendt , Lena Kay Zuckerwise, Political Science

Dissertations from 2009 2009

The influence of American exceptionalist thought on the role of the United States in the contemporary "War on Terrorism". , Michael Dominic D'Amore, Political Science

Leviathan’S Rage: State Sovereignty And Crimes Against Humanity In The Late Twentieth Century , Cecil Bryant Lawson, Political Science

City Marketing and Gated Communities: A Case Study of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico , Carlos A. Suarez-Carrasquillo, Political Science

Dissertations from 2008 2008

The Europeanization of the social partnership : the future of neo-corporatism in Austria and Germany. , Paul S. Adams, Political Science

A tutelazo limpio : a story of the struggle for identity and rights in Colombia and the demobilizing effect of the law. , Farid Samir Benavides Vanegas, Political Science

Can the states increase religious freedom if they try? : judicial and legislative effects on religious actor success in the state courts. , David, Claborn, Political Science

Designing multilateral environmental agreements. , Christopher M. Marcoux, Political Science

Politics of the parking space: Rights, identity, and property , Sarah K Marusek

Cosmopolitanism and abjection in Montesquieu's Persian letters. , Veronica A. O'Connor, Political Science

Dissertations from 2007 2007

Rethinking theories of transitions in the former Soviet Union. , Luke, Perry, Political Science

The sticking point : human rights and civil-military relations in Latin America. , Rebecca K. Root, Political Science

Disengaging from territory : identity, the politics of contestation and domestic political structures: India & Britain (1929-1935), and Indonesia & East Timor (1975-1999). , Lena, Tan, Political Science

A critical assessment of international relations theories for managing transboundary water resources : the case of the Nile basin. , Yohannes, Woldemariam, Political Science

Dissertations from 2006 2006

Reading the Quaderni del carcere : the political project of Antonio Gramsci. , Manuel S. Almeida Rodriguez, Political Science

Living politics by awakening history : a critical approach to Walter Benjamin through Sigmund Freud. , Alex, Betancourt-Serrano, Political Science

The shield of Achilles and the war on terror : Ekphrasis as critique. , Christopher D. Erickson, Political Science

American pragmatism and democratic faith. , Robert J. Lacey, Political Science

Lyrics and the law : the constitution of law in music. , Aaron R. S., Lorenz, Political Science

Myths and realities of the role of officialdom in economic development in Ukraine : two case studies in small business creation, Kharkiv and Transcarpathia. , Robert J. O'Meara, Political Science

American ideal : Theodore Roosevelt and the redefinition of American individualism. , Paul M. Rego, Political Science

Ideological dissention in the progressive era : uncovering the challengers to direct democracy reforms. , Lonce H. Sandy-Bailey, Political Science

Creating a culture of political giving. , David L. Wiltse, Political Science

Dissertations from 2005 2005

The conservation of crop genetic diversity in Turkey : an analysis of the linkages between local, national and international levels. , Zuhre, Aksoy, Political Science

Cultivating participatory democracy at the grassroots: A case study in Middle Belt Nigeria , Laura Mullen Dobson

American voting : the local character of suffrage in the United States. , Alec C. Ewald, Political Science

Cultivating participatory democracy at the grassroots : a case study in middle belt Nigeria. , Laura, Mullen-Dobson, Political Science

The state, the noncitizen, and the challenge of bilateral legitimacy in the United States, Canada and Australia. , Alicia Marie Rampulla, Political Science

Dissertations from 2004 2004

Contesting constitutional meaning : the political Constitution and the myth of judicial supremacy. , George, Thomas, Political Science

Responsibility and critical theory : responding to suffering after Auschwitz. , Antonio Y. Vázquez Arroyo, Political Science

Violation and immunity: The languages of politics and health in prerevolutionary Massachusetts , Martha Yoder

Poll use and policy-making in the White House : 1993-2000. , Jeanne. Zaino, Political Science

Dissertations from 2003 2003

White noise : the political uses of internet technology by right-wing extremist groups. , Alison D. Dagnes, Political Science

Confronting our enlightenment apprehensions : morally informed action and our capacity for progress in America. , Stephen Terhune Smith, Political Science

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General election latest: Abbott tells rally she won't be 'intimidated' - as minister defends Truss over far-right podcast

Diane Abbott has arrived at a rally calling on Labour to let her stand for the party at the general election, as Sir Keir Starmer comes under mounting pressure to make a decision over the veteran MP's future.

Wednesday 29 May 2024 20:37, UK

• General Election 2024

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Election news

• 'I will not be intimidated': Abbott vows to stand at election
• Labour MP suspended after complaint
• Rayner cleared by HMRC, Sky News understands
• PM 'not worried' about polls showing Labour lead
• Minister defends Truss over far-right podcast appearance
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

Expert analysis

• Matthew Thompson: Why polls don't tell full story for Lib Dems
• Ashish Joshi: Labour's key advantage in NHS battleground
• Tamara Cohen: Starmer allowing Abbott confusion to rumble on

Election essentials

• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: What happens next? | Which MPs are standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency's changing | Your essential guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

There's been plenty of back and forth this week about Diane Abbott, who had the Labour whip restored yesterday.

Despite this, questions remain over whether she will be able to stand for the party - with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer insisting she is not barred.

Speaking at a rally in her Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency, she said: "By any means possible I will continue to stand as the candidate for Hackney North."

"I'm not going to allow myself to be intimidated or frightened by forces beyond all of our control," she added.

The rally was only organised last night when reports first emerged that she might be barred from standing.

Ms Abbott said she was "shocked" to hear the reports.

She didn't make clear during her speech at the rally whether she'd be prepared to run as an independent.

The Democratic Unionist Party has just launched its general election campaign, and with it ratified Gavin Robinson as the new leader.

This comes afters meeting of the party's ruling executive on Wednesday.

Mr Robinson has been serving as interim leader since early April, when Jeffrey Donaldson resigned from the DUP and was suspended from the party after being charged with historical sexual offences.

"It is with honour, humility and commitment that I look forward to leading our party into the future," the new leader said.

On 12 June, Sky News will be hosting an election leaders event in Grimsby - a key marginal seat and one of our Target Towns this election year.

The Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and the Conservative leader Rishi Sunak have been invited to attend, and we are looking for a live audience to join us on the night.

If you would like to be part of this studio audience, and be given the opportunity to ask a question to one of the party leaders, please complete the short questionnaire in  this link .

Sir Keir has agreed to take part, with talks ongoing with Mr Sunak's team.

A spokesperson for the Conservatives said: "Rishi Sunak would be delighted to travel Grimsby to take part in Sky News leaders' event and answer questions from voters, on the condition that he and Keir Starmer take those questions on stage together.

"This will give viewers the best opportunity to see the clear choice the country faces at this election."

Peter Craig , a journalist who has worked in Grimsby for 40 years, said this year's general election is "undiscovered territory" for the constituency.

The constituency of Grimsby and Cleethorpes is historically Labour, but switched to Conservative at the 2019 general election.

He says: "This is undiscovered territory, it's like shifting sands every day.

"We've got two of the main candidates announced, but we've also got a Conservative defection - a young Conservative councillor who has gone to be a Reform UK candidate for Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

"So you can't keep your eye off it for a minute."

That's it for tonight's  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  - the show will be back at the same time tomorrow.

Sophy Ridge   is presenting her show tonight from Grimsby, a key target town for Labour and the Tories.

She spent some of the day meeting voters to get their take on the election campaign so far - and asked them what they'd ask Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer if given the chance...

Sophy Ridge 's conversation with shadow social care minister  Andrew Gwynne now turns to the NHS - and plans to bolster appointments and cut waiting lists.

"We know that we are going to inherit an NHS that is struggling with a huge backlog of over seven million people on the waiting list," he says.

"If this backlog can't be curtailed, the kind of growth that we are seeing under the Conservatives… the list will just continue to grow and grow.

"This is a real concern."

Turning to Labour's policy to curtail this, Mr Gwynne says the party will send in "crack teams" to "work at cutting NHS waiting lists from day one of a Labour government".

This includes introducing 40,000 extra appointments a week.

He says this will be funded by "clamping down on tax dodgers".

Sophy questions this, saying such a pledge is becoming "meaningless" given it only seems to come up during election campaigns.

But Mr Gwynne insists this NHS plan has been costed for "some time".

Up next on the show is shadow social care minister  Andrew Gwynne  of Labour. 

He's asked by Sophy what the latest on Diane Abbott is, given the degree of confusion surrounding the current state of play. 

"She is a Labour member of parliament for as long as this parliament has left, which is a few hours, before it's dissolved [tomorrow]," he says. 

He then says there is still a process that needs to take place before she is allowed to stand for re-election in Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

"Firstly, you have to confirm to the party that you intend to be a candidate at the next election, and then you have to be approved by the National Executive Committee - and we all have to go through that process."

He says that decision is not up to him, but adds he "believes she has a future" in the party. 

'No decision has been taken'

"She has been that trailblazer for black and minority communities," he says.

"She's apologised for the hurt she caused by some careless comments that she made, [but] she is now a member of the parliamentary Labour Party again, but does have to go through the same process that every other Labour MP seeking re-election has to go through."

"Keir Starmer has made it very clear today no decision has been taken in respect of Diane Abbott," he concludes. 

Next, Sir Mark Spencer is asked about former prime minister Liz Truss - who will be appearing on the right-wing podcast "Lotus Eaters".

This is run by former UKIP candidate Carl Benjamin, who has previously said that he "wouldn't even rape" Labour MP Jess Phillips.

Asked about this, Sir Mark said these seem like "pretty abhorrent comments".

He said he would be surprised if Liz Truss "didn't think those comments were abhorrent as well".

"Liz Truss is of very solid moral fibre and would not support any abhorrent comment like that," he adds.

So should she appear on the platform?

Sir Mark doesn't say, only stressing that MPs appear on "all sorts of platforms".

Sir Mark Spencer , the food, farming and fisheries minister, now discusses his thoughts on apprenticeships. 

This comes after we reported that the Conservatives will promise to replace "rip-off degrees" with 100,000 apprenticeships each year by the end of the next parliament if they win the general election.

Rishi Sunak said the Conservatives will replace "under-performing" university courses with "high quality apprenticeships", which he said would leave them financially better off and provide better opportunities.

"This is about actually giving young people opportunity, both in their education, to make sure they go on to great careers," Sir Mark says. 

"I think the apprenticeship route actually is the best route for many of those young people. 

He explains that some will of course want to go to university - giving examples of wannabe lawyers and doctors - but other career paths may be better served by apprenticeship schemes. 

First up with Sophy Ridge tonight is Sir Mark Spencer , the food, farming, and fisheries minister.

Joining the Politics Hub in Grimsby, the minister is asked about the government's new pledge to scrap "rip-off degrees" in England - in favour of apprenticeships.

He says: "Universities should be a vehicle to enable young people to be able to go on and get a great career."

Sir Mark adds that going to university has become "an ambition to get to", rather than someone building a career and becoming more financially viable.

Asked which courses fall under the "rip-off" category, he says there are all sorts of "mad things" - such as degrees about "working in the circus".

The minister says jobs like this can be achieved without student debt.

Is this not just snobbery, Sophy asks.

"The apprenticeship route is actually better for lots of young people," he says.

The ongoing row over Diane Abbott's future as a Labour candidate "may only dent what could be a huge advantage" for the party heading into the upcoming general election, our deputy political editor Sam Coates says. 

He points to the latest Sky News YouGov poll - which shows a massive 47% share for the Labour Party, and just 20% for the Tories.

Reform UK take 12%, while the Lib Dems hold just 9%. 

Sam shows that 19% of 2019 Conservative voters will turn to Reform UK. 

Even with some help from Labour with this latest misstep, Sam asks: "Can Rishi Sunak really turn that massive Labour lead?"

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