Overview

Here at the Department of Political Economy we foster an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interaction of people, ideas and institutions and how they shape the outcomes of political processes and government decision-making at global, national, regional and local levels. Undertaking a PhD in Politics 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 problems at all levels of governance.

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.

Course Detail

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 Doctoral College, 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 Postgraduate 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.