PhD in International Relations

The Ph.D. Programme develops candidates’ skills in international political analysis and prepares them for an academic career through a focus on research skills and professional socialization into the International Relations (IR) discipline. It contributes to their specialized knowledge of the various sub-disciplines of IR including International Relations Theory, International Law, Conflict Resolution, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy Analysis, as well as Comparative Politics and area studies, as a related field of study. Area studies comprise Europe including Cyprus and Turkey, the United States, the Middle East and Central Asia. The Programme is particularly suitable for candidates who wish to either pursue an academic career or to enter their countries' diplomatic services or international civil service. The Programme consists of eight courses, written and oral qualifying examinations, defence of the dissertation proposal and the PhD dissertation.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are expected to satisfy general admission requirements of the Institute. In general, students who wish to pursue a given graduate program in the Faculty of Business and Economics, but have completed a BA/BS in another field may be admitted to the program, subject to successfully completing selected prerequisite courses from the related department.

Faculty Research Interests

Conflict resolution; includes a focus on regional issues that includes a focus on Cyprus studies. Foreign policy analysis and strategic decision making with a focus on Turkish affairs(i.e. Turkish foreign policy, Turkey-EU relations, and the Cyprus conflict), as well as broader foreign policy relations, including United States foreign policy, and international diplomacy. Contemporary Middle East issues, including transitions from monarchies to republics and popular demands for change in the Middle East. Global Political Economy; focuses on the impact of globalism/regionalism on society, EU enlargement, and Europeanization. International Law; specializing in international human rights and democratization, international law, settlement of disputes