PhD Politics

Tuition fees are 18,600 GBP per year.

Graduates of this programme typically advance into significant roles within academia, high-level policy sectors, and specialized public or commercial research organizations. By engaging in rigorous, applied research, students are equipped to address immediate, real-world challenges relevant to statutory and voluntary agencies, often leveraging their work to influence policy and practice.

Based within the Sheffield Institute of Social Science, students join a vibrant community of approximately 28 PhD researchers. You will work under the guidance of research-active supervisors who contribute directly to the Research Excellence Framework, with strong institutional links to the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research and the Centre for Development and Research in Education.

Research specialisms and development

The programme offers a supportive environment to produce an original thesis of up to 80,000 words, with core research themes including:

• Charity and community work
• Politics of the European Union
• Politics of welfare
• Terrorism and counterterrorism
• Political theory of new social movements
• War and security studies

Beyond individual supervision, you will participate in a structured research culture that includes monthly 'Research Breakfast' sessions on professional development—such as academic publishing—and access to supplementary online modules to refine your methodological and theoretical approaches.

Sheffield Hallam University, established in 1843 and based in Sheffield, is a large modern university serving around 31,000 students, including approximately 3,100 international learners. The university is known for applied teaching, industry-aligned courses and strong professional links across disciplines from business and health to engineering and the creative industries. Students benefit from modern facilities, well-equipped labs and specialist studios tailored to career-focused learning.

The campus ethos emphasizes employability: placements, work-based projects and employer partnerships are embedded across many programs, helping students gain practical experience and build professional networks. Academic staff work closely with industry and regional employers on applied research and innovation, creating pathways into internships and graduate roles. Dedicated student support services assist with academic skills, careers advice and wellbeing.

Sheffield itself is a friendly, affordable student city with good transport links to the north of England and easy access to green spaces and cultural venues. International students often highlight the city’s welcoming community, active student societies and opportunities to balance study with outdoor activities. For those seeking a practical, career-oriented university experience in the UK, Sheffield Hallam offers strong employer engagement, supportive services and an accessible urban lifestyle.