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We are the only dedicated Department of Political Economy in the UK. Situated within the broader Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy, we see the understanding that Politics and Economics are inextricably linked as being central to fully comprehending public policy issues. Undertaking a PhD in Public Policy with us places you within a unique institution in which you will be part of a vibrant and growing set of world-leading scholars, who are committed to understanding the intertwining of politics and economics and applying those insights to solving local, national and global policy problems.
We have an open an inclusive research culture that encourages debate between the contesting theories, approaches and ideologies. Our vision of what political economy is lends itself to an interdisciplinary approach, and there is a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches used across the department. This provides a stimulating environment for PhD research that fosters open-minded and critical scholarship.
Examples of research projects
For examples of current staff research projects and PhD projects, see academic profiles and PhD student profiles. We also have a variety of research groups that each lead some specific research activities.
Partner organisations
DPE works with a number of partner organisations both within KCL and outside, helping to bring together scholars interested in a particular theme. These include Inside King’s: Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Centre for Conflict Security and Development (CSD), the Social Care Workforce Research Unit (SCWRU), and the King's Centre for Risk Management (KCRM). Outside King’s: Centre for the Study of Science Policy at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and the Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong University.
Information is current, but staff members can change.
All students on the doctoral programme are initially registered for an MPhil. At the beginning of the programme you will work with your supervisors to assess your individual training needs. You will use this to develop a personalised training schedule that draws on foundational and advanced courses made available to you through the King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies, the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP) and the Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network. These courses will hone your academic skills and prepare you for the demands of your specific research project.
After around 12 months (or the part time equivalent), you will demonstrate that you are ready for formal upgrade to the PhD programme. This involves the examination of a substantial document that shows (i) you have identified an original and interesting research problem and (ii) you have the skills and expertise to tackle it within the time available.
You will be supported throughout your PhD by two academic supervisors, who will provide expert advice and guidance on your progress and your project. Your project will culminate in the submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words in length. Full-time students must submit their thesis within four years of the start of their registration. Part-time students must submit within seven years.
Head of group/division
The Post-Graduate Research Director is Dr Rubén Ruiz Rufino (ruben.ruiz_rufino@kcl.ac.uk), who can be contacted for specific enquiries. General questions about the application process should be directed to the Postgraduate Admissions Team.
UK Tuition Fees 2023/24
Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year
Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year
International Tuition Fees 2023/24
Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year
Part time tuition fees: £12,180 per year
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year
Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Each student has two supervisors and meets regularly with both, though typically more frequently with the primary supervisor. The department provides office space and computer equipment on the Strand campus. PhD students are encouraged to attend research seminars in DPE and related departments, and are expected to present at one such seminar in their time at King’s.
Students have full access to training opportunities at King’s via the King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies and the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, depending on their needs. These cover research training, research methods and wider issues such as publication strategy.
Students are expected to progress into academic employment or careers in the world of public policy in a governmental or NGO setting.
UK Tuition Fees 2023/24
Full time tuition fees: £6,540 per year
Part time tuition fees: £3,270 per year
International Tuition Fees 2023/24
Full time tuition fees: £24,360 per year
Part time tuition fees: £12,180 per year
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year
Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees: £26,070 per year
Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Each student has two supervisors and meets regularly with both, though typically more frequently with the primary supervisor. The department provides office space and computer equipment on the Strand campus. PhD students are encouraged to attend research seminars in DPE and related departments, and are expected to present at one such seminar in their time at King’s.
Students have full access to training opportunities at King’s via the King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies and the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, depending on their needs. These cover research training, research methods and wider issues such as publication strategy.
Students are expected to progress into academic employment or careers in the world of public policy in a governmental or NGO setting.
Search through a list of available supervisors.
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