PhD in International Relations

Offered at SOGANG UNIVERSITY, this doctoral program in International Relations centers on the study of diplomacy, foreign policy, and the political and economic ties that connect states and international institutions. Students pursuing this discipline examine subjects such as international security, global governance structures, conflict resolution, and the comparative analysis of foreign policy decisions across regions. Doctoral training in international relations moves candidates from structured seminars toward independent, dissertation-level research, requiring them to investigate a defined question in global politics or diplomacy and to defend original findings before a faculty committee within the Graduate School of International Studies. Graduates of programs in this field typically go on to work as diplomats, foreign policy analysts, university faculty, researchers at international organizations, or specialists within government ministries and policy institutes concerned with global affairs. The comparative analysis, policy evaluation, and research writing skills built through doctoral study in this area are also useful in international development work and cross-border business strategy. This program runs as a PhD for a duration of 2 years, with the Graduate School of International Studies admitting new students in March and September of every year. It is based in Mapo-gu, South Korea, and delivered in English, so international applicants can complete the degree without Korean language proficiency. Doctoral candidates generally combine advanced coursework in international relations theory with independent research culminating in a dissertation. Applicants typically hold a master's degree in international relations, political science, economics, or a related discipline and should be prepared for sustained scholarly work in the study of international affairs.