Campbell PhD Studentship in Politics and International Relations

About the programme

The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading invites applications for PhD study funded by the Campbell Studentship. This studentship is intended to support the study of any aspect of the politics and/or international relations of Europe or European countries, including the UK.

This studentship provides the opportunity to undertake research in a supportive and vibrant department where 97% of the research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output).

Funding details:

• Tuition fees covered at the Home/Republic of Ireland rate.
• A stipend, or living allowance, at £21,805 per annum.
• Studentship commences in September 2027.
• Funding duration up to four years (full-time), or six years (part-time).

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a master’s degree in a relevant subject.
• Applicants must have applied for a place on an eligible PhD programme at the University of Reading by 10^th December 2026
• Studentships can be held on a full- or part-time basis.
• These awards are not available to applicants for by-distance study.
• Due to the nature of the funding, this studentship is only open to candidates who qualify for Home/UK/Republic of Ireland fees.

Applications: 

To apply for these awards, applicants must:

• Apply for a place on the PhD in Politics programme by 10^th December 2026. Please quote the reference ‘DRC27-003 Doctoral and Researcher College will provide the ref.)’  in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application. 
• Applications should include a research proposal of no more than 750 words related to any aspect of the politics and/or international relations of Europe or European countries, including the UK.
• Complete and submit this short expression of interest form before 10^th December 2026.

It is recommended that you consult your proposed supervisor (view list of academic staff or the department’s Director of Postgraduate Research Studies, Joseph O’Mahoney j.p.a.omahoney@reading.ac.uk, before applying.

If you have already applied for a place, you need simply to complete the expression of interest form to ensure that you are considered for the studentship.

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.

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