PhD Politics

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 55% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 92 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 20.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Goldsmiths University, nestled in the vibrant city of London, extends its academic excellence by offering a variety of scholarships specifically designed for international students pursuing PhD programs. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements and provide financial support, ensuring that deserving individuals can excel in their research endeavors.

Excellence Scholarships: Goldsmiths University awards Excellence Scholarships to exceptionally talented international PhD applicants. These scholarships are highly competitive and are granted based on academic merit and the potential for impactful research contributions.

Research Impact Scholarships: Designed to encourage research with real-world applications, the Research Impact Scholarships support international PhD students whose projects demonstrate significant potential for societal impact. This type of scholarship reflects Goldsmiths' commitment to fostering research that makes a positive difference in the world.

Arts and Humanities Scholarships: For PhD candidates in the arts and humanities disciplines, Goldsmiths offers specialized scholarships that recognize the unique contributions these fields make to academic and cultural landscapes. These scholarships aim to support scholars in their pursuit of groundbreaking research in these domains.

Social Sciences Scholarships: Goldsmiths acknowledges the importance of social sciences research in addressing contemporary global challenges. The Social Sciences Scholarships are tailored for international PhD students focusing on areas such as sociology, psychology, and anthropology.

Earning a PhD in Politics from Goldsmiths positions graduates as accomplished scholars with advanced knowledge in political science, policy analysis, and critical political thought. The program not only prepares graduates for academic roles but also opens doors to diverse and impactful career pathways within the fields of politics, public policy, and international relations. 

University Professor/Researcher: Graduates may pursue academic careers as university professors or researchers, contributing to political science scholarship through teaching, publishing, and mentoring students.

Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts for government agencies, think tanks, or research institutions, providing expert analysis to inform policy decisions on local, national, or international levels.

Political Consultant: Graduates may enter the field of political consulting, advising political campaigns, advocacy groups, or public relations firms on strategic communication, messaging, and campaign strategies.

International Relations Specialist: Graduates can specialize in international relations, working for diplomatic services, international organizations, or NGOs, contributing to global governance, conflict resolution, and international cooperation.

Government Advisor: Graduates may work as government advisors, offering expert guidance to policymakers on issues such as public administration, governance structures, and legislative processes.

Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer: Graduates can pursue careers in diplomacy, representing their home country in international affairs, negotiating treaties, and fostering diplomatic relations.

Nonprofit and NGO Leadership: Graduates may lead nonprofit organizations or NGOs focused on social justice, human rights, or community development, applying their political expertise to address societal challenges.

Political Journalist: Graduates with strong communication skills may enter the field of political journalism, contributing to newspapers, magazines, or online platforms, providing analysis and commentary on political events.

Intelligence Analyst: Graduates can work in intelligence analysis for government agencies, assessing political risks, analyzing security threats, and providing insights to national security efforts.

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager: Graduates may work in corporate social responsibility roles, guiding businesses in navigating ethical and socially responsible practices within the political and regulatory landscape.

Political Activist/Advocate: Graduates passionate about social and political change may engage in activism or advocacy, working with grassroots organizations or political movements to address specific issues.

Lobbyist: Graduates can pursue roles as lobbyists, representing the interests of organizations, industries, or advocacy groups to policymakers and influencing legislative decisions.