PhD Degree in International Relations - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26
About This Course
PhD programs in International Relations (IR) and Global Governance prepare scholars to engage critically with global political, economic, cultural, and security issues. These programs combine rigorous methodological training with a deep understanding of international systems, diplomacy, and world politics. Graduates are equipped for academic careers as well as positions in diplomacy, international organizations, research institutes, public policy institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.
Program Focus and Academic Orientation
1. Columbia SIPA (MPA/MIA Context)
Columbia SIPA’s professional programs frame the distinction between:
MPA (Master of Public Administration): Quantitative, policy-focused, data-driven training.
MIA (Master of International Affairs): Qualitative, diplomacy-oriented training that emphasizes language skills, regional expertise, and international analysis.
This distinction helps future PhD candidates understand different pathways toward research in international relations and global governance.
2.PhD in International Relations & Governance Studies
The department focuses on:
International Relations theory, empirical analysis, and disciplinary history
Global governance, development, and social science philosophy
Contextual and critical perspectives that recognize Global South–Global North knowledge asymmetries
Key Research Themes
Areas of special interest include:
Peace and conflict resolution
Gender and IR
Power transition theories
Migration and refugees
War studies
Multilateralism and global governance
Postcolonial politics
Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific geopolitics
Transboundary water governance
Visuality in IR
Memory politics
Environmental governance and climate change
Diplomacy studies
Networks and IR
Border studies
Coursework Requirements
Advanced Theory of International Relations
Advanced Research Methods
Introduction to South Asia (2 credits)
Additional optional courses aligned with dissertation interest
3. DPhil in International Relations
DPhil emphasizes:
First-year focus on thesis development, methods, and academic seminars
Required Research Design and Methods (RDM) course
Additional recommended methods (statistics or qualitative courses)
Active participation in the International Relations DPhil Research Seminar
Continuous supervision and milestone assessments (PRS to DPhil transfer)
Eligibility
Most universities require strong academic qualifications at the postgraduate level, along with relevant disciplinary background and entrance exam performance.
1. Academic Qualifications
Option A: Master’s Degree Route
A Master’s degree (MA/MSc/MPhil) in International Relations or a related discipline
Minimum 55% marks (or equivalent grade) from a UGC-recognized or accredited foreign university
Reserved category candidates may receive relaxation, typically 45%–50%, depending on institutional policy.
Acceptable Related Disciplines Include:
Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, History, Philosophy, Geography, Law, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Post-Colonial Studies, Cultural Studies, Comparative Literature, Comparative Religious Studies, and other social-science fields.
Option B: Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree Route
A 4-year Bachelor's degree (as per NEP system)
Minimum CGPA of 8.0 / 10 or 80%
Degree must be from a UGC-recognized or equivalent foreign institution.
2. Educational Years Requirement
Some universities follow a strict total-years formula:
17 years of formal education, such as:
12 years schooling + 3-year Bachelor's + 2-year Master's, OR
12 years schooling + 4-year Bachelor's + 1-year Master's
Equivalent combinations from foreign universities are also accepted.
3. Discipline Requirement
The Master’s degree should preferably be in:
International Relations, OR
A related social science discipline (listed above)
From an institution recognized by the government (especially for SAARC-region universities)
Minimum marks required: 50% to 55%, depending on university rules.
4. Entrance Exam / Screening Requirement
Most universities also require:
A valid score in a PhD entrance exam (institution-based or national-level)
Some institutions assess:
Research proposal
Personal interview
Academic portfolio
Statement of purpose
Writing sample
A few universities grant direct admission based on:
Research proposal outline at the time of application
Prior coursework in social science research methods
English language proficiency (for foreign universities)
Example: IELTS/TOEFL scores
Work experience in IR, policy, NGOs, diplomacy (optional but beneficial)
Simple One-Sentence Summary
To be eligible for a PhD in International Relations, a candidate must have a Master’s degree with at least 50–55% marks (or a high-CGPA 4-year Bachelor’s degree), a background in IR or related social sciences, 17 years of formal education, and a qualifying score in the university’s entrance exam or interview.
PhD in International Relations - Admission Process
The application and admission procedure generally involves online registration, document submission, an entrance test, and a final interview. Many universities follow a two-phase selection process.
1. Online Application Process
Applicants must begin by registering on the institution’s online application portal.
Steps to Complete the Online Application
Register on the online portal
Create an account using a valid email ID and contact details.
Fill in all mandatory fields
Provide personal details, academic information, and research interests.
Upload the required documents:
Passport-size colour photograph
Updated CV
Photocopies of all marksheets and certificates (Class 10 onwards)
Marks/grades and name of awarding institution must be clearly visible
Standardized exam certificate (UGC-NET/JRF, if applicable)
Statement of Purpose (SoP) – 500 words
Doctoral Research Proposal – 1000 words, covering:
What – Topic
Why – Significance and motivation
How – Methodology and methods
Submit the application form
Download and keep a printout for future reference.
2. Admission Procedure (Two Phases)
Phase 1: Entrance Test
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Focus areas:
Subject knowledge in International Relations
General knowledge of South Asia and the world
Minimum passing marks: 50%
All questions are compulsory.
Candidates who qualify are shortlisted for Phase 2.
Phase 2: Document Submission + Interview
Shortlisted candidates must provide:
Required Documents in Phase 2
Two Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Written by individuals not related to the candidate
Should comment on:
Academic strengths and weaknesses
Analytical and language skills
Research aptitude and creativity
Publications (if any)
Statement of Purpose (if required again)
Detailed Research Proposal
Personal Interview
Note:
LORs must reach the university before the deadline; otherwise, the candidate becomes ineligible to proceed.
Although LORs do not carry marks, they strongly influence the selection committee’s final decision.
3. Final Selection
The final merit list is prepared by combining Phase 1 and Phase 2 scores.
Successful candidates are offered admission to the PhD programme.
Generalized Application Steps
Visit the university’s official website and register.
Read instructions carefully before filling the application form.
Complete the form with correct academic and personal details.
Apply for the entrance test, if required by the university.
Upload all necessary documents and submit the form.
Take the entrance exam.
Shortlisted candidates attend the personal interview.
Admission is granted based on combined performance in test + interview + document review.
Future Scope
A PhD in International Relations opens a wide range of high-level academic, analytical, diplomatic, and media-oriented careers. The global relevance of the discipline ensures strong opportunities both in India and abroad.
Major Job Roles After a PhD in International Relations
1. International Relations Expert
Participates in TV debates and expert panels on global issues
Writes analytical columns on global affairs, security, diplomacy, and geopolitics
Publishes articles in journals, magazines, blogs, and policy platforms
Acts as a subject-matter expert for think tanks, media organizations, and government agencies
2. Political Analyst
Conducts political risk assessments for governments, corporations, and NGOs
Forecasts global political developments
Advises on foreign policy, elections, conflict zones, and international negotiations
3. Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer
Works in embassies, consulates, and multilateral organizations
Manages bilateral relations, treaties, and diplomatic communications
Handles negotiations and represents national interests abroad
4. Intelligence Specialist
Analyses geopolitical signals, security threats, and foreign policy environments
Works with intelligence agencies, strategic departments, and defense units
5. University Professor / Academic Researcher
Teaches International Relations, Global Governance, Foreign Policy, etc.
Supervises graduate students and publishes research in top journals
Works in universities, policy schools, and international academic networks
6. News Editor / Journalist (International Desk)
Oversees global news content
Provides expert commentary on world affairs
Works for major news agencies, digital platforms, and media houses
7. Author / Writer / Blogger
Writes books, articles, and blogs on global politics
