menu icon

Different course options

Study mode

Duration

Start date

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Politics

Course Summary

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of political science. You will begin on the MRes, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.The Department of Government at LSE is one of the largest political science departments in the UK and covers almost all areas of politics. We offer a comprehensive range of academic approaches, from political theory, political economy, rational choice theory, public policy, nationalism, conflict studies, and comparative government to the history of institutions and policy. Many faculty members have particular regional expertise on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and/or Latin America.The MRes/PhD Political Science provides world-leading methods training, participation in a lively and open research culture, and the opportunity to be part of one of the best departments in political science and political studies in the world. You will join a small and highly selective entering class, of about 6-10 students, from a wide range of universities around the world. Together you will embark on the MRes portion of the programme, which is a structured route to the PhD.

Modules

Turns good research questions into systematic projects that deliver interesting and worthwhile results.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

Contact University and ask about this fee

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

Contact University and ask about this fee

Entry requirements

First class or very good upper second class honours degree (normally 65+) and a taught master's degree (or equivalent) in political science or a closely related discipline (such as sociology, economics or history). For the MRes/PhD Political Science, your research prospoal should be about 2,000 words. Your sample of written work should be either a degree essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words, or a 3,000-5,000 word extract from a longer piece of work such as a dissertation.

University information

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-renowned university, ranking third overall in the UK and first for social policy, philosophy, and accounting and finance (Complete University Guide, 2026). The university specialises in the provision of research-fed programmes across the social sciences, known for their world-class quality. Courses at LSE are highly competitive and renowned across the globe for their...more