International Relations, Politics and History

Qualification(s) available: PhD

Entry requirements: 2:1+
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years
Start date: 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October

UK fee: To be confirmed
International fee: £18,100
Location: Loughborough
Department: International Relations, Politics and History

Overview

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities at Loughborough is home to International Relations, Politics and History. It is a world-leading centre for research and study into many areas of contemporary politics, international relations and history. Our aim is to stimulate innovative research that has the potential to transform academic and public debates.

We conduct research in contemporary politics and international relations, political theory, early modern and modern history. Most of our research falls between the humanities and the political and social sciences but we also produce a substantial body of interdisciplinary work, notably in the history of ideas, radical movements and activism, in gender politics, international politics and history, security studies, government and governance at both national and international levels, art and politics, religion and politics, media studies and history, and digital humanities.

Our focus on research is reflected in the results of the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014), where we were ranked in the UK top 10 for research intensity.

Our study area is a supportive environment for doctoral research, and we foster strong research links between academics and students. You will participate in seminar planning and you will receive tailored advice on professional development, such as finding fellowships and publishing.

Our graduates have secured prestigious positions in academic institutions, including the Wiesenthal Institute in Vienna, Exeter University, Queen’s University in Belfast and University College Dublin. Others have pursued careers in academic publishing, with international and UK-based campaign groups and civil society organisations.

Why you should choose us

8th in the UK for research intensity REF 2014

7th Loughborough University ranked 7th in the UK The Guardian University Guide 2021

7th Loughborough University ranked 5th in the UK The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

Our research

The ARG supports anarchism research across scholarly disciplines at the University and works to raise the profile of anarchist studies through scholarship and public engagement. The group also works in collaboration with the Politicized Practice, and Theatre and Performance research groups based in the Creative Arts study area to question prevailing political, economic and cultural orthodoxies.

CSS produces critical and applied research on politically, strategically, socially and ethically pressing security issues in global politics. Its research strengths lie in war and conflict, migration, resilience, and gender and security. The group explores the local and transnational implications of security policies on states, communities and individuals, shedding light on everyday practices of security and the construction of resilient communities in the UK and Europe, as well as globally.

A network of academics from departments across Loughborough and beyond who are committed to debating issues concerning ethics in public life. The group hosts conferences, symposia and public lectures from high-profile speakers on a range of issues from the role of MPs, political lobbying and economic inequality to public health, international aid and the ethics of scientific research.

Research in this group examines both the historical evolution of communication and the involvement of the media in shaping our experience of the past, present and future. It provides a shared focus of research for scholars across the social sciences and humanities.

Researchers work on various aspects of media and communication history, mediated memory and the relationship between media and time.

Your development

You will be assigned two supervisors who are international experts in their respective fields, plus an internal reviewer and a Director of Doctoral Programmes. This team provides tailored academic and pastoral support throughout your studies.

The School runs an extensive programme of research training and you will have the chance to participate in and run seminars and discussion groups. These will help you integrate into the School’s academic community and develop skills that will enable you to present your work at national and international conferences. You will be provided with access to a shared office with networked PC and specialist software, allowances for photocopying, conference attendance and interlibrary loans.

Undertaking a PhD will give you the opportunity to develop new and highly sought-after skills, which you can apply to a range of careers in academia, industry and beyond. You will be able to make a novel contribution to knowledge, giving you the chance to become a world expert in your field and opening up opportunities with a range of leading employers. You will also further develop your transferable skills, such as advanced research skills, time and project management, and networking and relationship building.

Our extensive training provision, supported by the Doctoral College, will also enhance your skills and experience as a researcher. These include the Doctoral College’s Café Academiques, Research Conference and Summer Showcase.

Your future career

Recent graduate destinations include:

Trinity College Dublin, Research Assistant
National Citizens Advice, Policy Researcher
Nottingham Trent University, Lecturer
IB School Teacher, Costeas Geitonas IB World School, Greece

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the dropdown below.

Country / region

A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant discipline.

Applicants without a postgraduate qualification will be required to complete research training in tandem with their doctoral programme.

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters	95%	85%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010)	9.5	8.5	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures	16	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Argentina	8.5	7.5	6.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum	90%	80%	70%
Magistrosi Kochum	3.9	3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8)	First Class, 80%	Upper Second, 70%, H2A	Lower Second, 60%, 2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50)	High Distinction (80% or 85%)	Distinction (75% or 80%)	Distinction (70% or 75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree/ Diplomstudium / Magister degree	A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden	60% or B or 3.0 (or 2)	50% or C or 2.7 (or 3)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu	4.5	4	3.5
Diplomu (Specialist Diploma)	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
BUET or 'Good Private' University - 4 year degree	BUET - 1st (70%) / 3.5	BUET - 2nd (60%) / 3.0	BUET - 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Other universities - Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree	80% / 4.0	65% / 3.25	50% / 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Barbados - Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr)	9	7	5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree	Magna Cum Laude	Cum Laude	60%/12
Licenciaat	80%	70%	60%
Licencie	17	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise	18	15 or Bien	12 or Assez Bien

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private)	85/78	75/66	67/55

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree	A or 80%	B or 70%	C or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional	8.5	7.5	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei	First	Upper Second (60%/B/3.1)	Lower Second (50%/C/2.7)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education)	6	5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 years	90% or 9 or 4.0	80% or 8 or 3.5	70% or 7 or 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce	1st or 15	2:1 or 14	2:2 or 12.5
Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise or a 4 year Licence	20 or GPA 3.7	20 or Bien (GPA 3.4)	20 or Assez Bien (GPA 3.1)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/percentage scale	3.7/85%	3.3/75%	2.7/68%
Out of 9	8	6	5
Out of 12	10	8	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years)	6	5.5	5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

	First class (70%)	Mid 2:1 (65%)	2:1 (60%)	Mid 2:2 (55%)	2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250	85%	81%	80%	78%	77%
Shanghai Rank 251-500	89%	84%	83%	81%	80%
Shanghai Rank 501+	92%	87%	86%	85%	82%

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-84%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 82%-87%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will considered as follows:

School of Business and Economics: not considered
All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 82%-87%.

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found in the PDF below.

Download the list of Chinese universities given special consideration here

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	4.5	3.75	3.2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado	9	8 or 80	7 or 75

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik	4.5	3.8	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura	5	4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus	8.5	7.0	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr	1	1.5	2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale)	12	10	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado	3.8	Magna Cum Laude 3.5	Cum Laude 3.2
Título de [subject area]	-	85%	82%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado	8.5	8	7
Título de [subject area]	85%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt	3.5	3.2	2.8
Universities only	BA 90%, BSc 85%	BA 80%, BSc 75%	BA 65%, BSc 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado	8.5	7.5	6.5
Título de Ingeniero	85%	75%	65%
Arquitecto	-	Muy Bueno	Bueno

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad	5 or A	4 or B	3 or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	A/GPA 4.0	A/GPA 3.5	B/GPA 2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat (out of 3)	3	2	1
Maisteri/Magister (out of 5)	4.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur	14	13	11

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system)	5 (95%)	4.5 (85%)	4 (75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung	1.5	2.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana	First	Upper second/60%	Lower second/50%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Univesities	8.5	7.0	6
TEI and non-University Institutions	8.5	7	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification	1st	2:1	2:2
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage	A	B / 75%	C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA	3.6	3.0	2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4years	90% (public university) / 95% (private university)	80% (public university) / 85% (private university)	60% (public university) / 70% (private university)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	GPA 4	GPA 3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5	GPA 5 or 90%	GPA 4 or 80%	GPA 3.5 or 70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor	5	4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag	8.5	7.5	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the Indian Ranking of Higher Educational Institutions Framework (Applicable for our September 2021 intake)	65% (First)	60% (First)	55% (Upper second)
All other Indian institutions	70% (First with distinction)	65% (First)	60% (First)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from A (or B) credited Universities	3.7 (4.0)	3.3 (3.7)	3 (3.3)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran	17	15	13

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq	80%	75%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland	First (70%)	Upper second (60%)	Lower second (50%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea	109/110	104/110 (or 27)	100/110 (or 26)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures	16	14 (Bien)	12 (Assez Bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B	2:2 (GPA 2.0) or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Japan	85%	80% or B or 3.0	70% or C or 2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3 or 3.5/5 or 75%	2.8 or 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale	4.5 or 90%	4 or 85%	3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale	3.9	3.7	3.2
GPA 4.0 scale	3.7	3.4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya	First / 70% / A	Upper second / 60% / B	Lower second / 50% / C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.6	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia	9	7	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
American	90% (3.5)	80% (3.2)	70% (2.8)
French	18	15	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	4.0 or 90%	3.5 or 85%	3 or 80%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine	85 (3.6)	75 (3.0)	65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university	90 (4.0)	85% (3.6)	75% (3.0)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau	1st or GPA 3.7	2:1 or GPA 3.0	2:2 or GPA 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macedonia	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only	MSc 75%	MSc 70%	MSc 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification	First Class	2.1	2.2
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta	1st (80%)	2:1 (70%)	2:2 (55%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius	1st or 70%	2:1 or 60%	2:2 or 50%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mexico	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate)	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma)	90% or 3.5	80% or GPA 3.2	70% or GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Morocco	17	15	13

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciatura	16	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree	5 or 85%	5 or 75%	4.5 or 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Namibia	80% or A	70% or B	60% or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree)	90% or 3.9 GPA	80% or 3.8 GPA	65% or 3.3 GPA

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands	8	7	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8	First (7.0)	Upper Second (6.0)	Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7	A+ (9.0)	A- (7.0)	B+ (6.0)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year)	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale	6	5	4
5 point scale	4.5	3.8	3.5
4 point scale	3.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway	A	B	C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 option)	A- or GPA 3.7	B or GPA 3.0	C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year bachelor's plus Master's	First (60%)	Second (55%)	Second (50%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree	A / 90% / 3.7	B+ / 85% / 3.3	B / 80% / 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	91 (A)	81 (B)	71 (C)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Papua New Guinea	1st	2:1	2:2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	4.5 (85%)	4 (80%)	3.5 (75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area]	14	13	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE)	Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0	Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5	Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003)	5	4.5 / 4+	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Portugal	18	16	14

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Russia	4.5	4.0	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits)	1st, 16/20 (80%)	2:1,14/20 (70%)	2:2, 12/20 (60%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8
GPA 5.0 scale	4.5	3.75	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees	16/20 or Tres Bien	14/20 or Bien	12/20 or Assez Bien

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters	1st (70%)	2:1 (60% or B)	2:2 (50% or C)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification	First	Upper second	Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale	3.7	3.0	2.7
GPA 5.0 scale	4.5	3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Slovakia	1.5 or B	2.0 or C	2.5 or C/high D

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Slovenia	9.5	8.5	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification	1st	2:1	2:2
Percentage scale	75-100%	70-74%	60-69%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5	4.0 / A	3.5 / B	3.0 / C+
GPA out of 4.3	4.0 / A	3.0 / B	2.7 / C+

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto	8.5	7	6.5
UCM grading	3.0	2.0	1.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree	90%, GPA 3.70	80%, GPA 3.30	70%, GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sudan (North and South)	1st or 70% or B+	2:1 or 66%	Mid 2:2 or 60% or B

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sweden	-	Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG	Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Switzerland	6	5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study	80%	70%	60%
Private universities 4 years of study	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree)	80%	75%	70%
Category 2 (4 year degree)	85%	80%	75%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tajikistan	-	4.5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania	1st	2:1	2:2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.2	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT	1st or B+ or 70%	2:1 or B or 65%	2:2 or B- or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu	16 (tres bien)	14 (bien)	11 (assez bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi	3.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr	5	4.5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda	1st or 4.4	2:1 or 3.8	2:2 or 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5)	11 or 5	9 or 4.5	8 or 4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.2	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year)	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma)	90% or GPA 4.5	80% or GPA 4.0	70% or GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year)	18/20 or 8/9	16/20 or 7/9	14/20 or 6/9

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale	8.0	7.0	6.0
4-point scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	A or 4.0 or 80%	B+, 3.5 or 70%	B or 3.0 or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree	1st or 75%	2:1 or 65%	2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

UK fee

Full-time degree per annum: To be confirmed

International fee

Full-time degree per annum: £18,100

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

Find out more about research degree funding

How to apply

If you can't find an advertised project that fits your interests and experience, you can submit a research proposal to the School of Social Sciences and Humanities to find a supervisor who will work with you on your project. You can view our list of academic staff on our website or you can email us for guidance.

Your research proposal should be up to 5,000 words long (at least 5 to 7 double-spaced pages) and details about what should be included in it can be found here.

You are strongly recommended to contact us before applying to discuss your topic, availability and funding.

Apply now

Contact us

Explore

Accommodation

We know the importance of finding the perfect place to live during your studies. There are a wide selection of options available to you.

Hazlerigg Building on Loughborough University campus

Our location

We provide students with an exceptional environment enhanced by the integration of teaching, research and enterprise.

Student life

We are passionate about providing our students with every opportunity to achieve their full potential - professionally, intellectually and socially.

How to apply

The best way to apply for admission to a master's degree is online through the University’s Application Portal. Find out more.

International Relations, Politics and History

Qualification(s) available: PhD

Overview

Why you should choose us

Our research

Anarchism Research Group (ARG)

Centre for Security Studies (CSS)

Ethics in Public Life Group

Media, Memory and History

Your development

Your future career

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bermuda

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Chile

China

Affiliated colleges

Universities given special consideration

Colombia

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Estonia

Ethiopia

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Honduras

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Ivory Coast

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan