Global Challenges and Transformations

Entry requirements

An upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) and normally a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent).

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

This degree provides an opportunity to conduct advanced research on global challenges and transformations in an interdisciplinary school. You will develop research on contemporary global dynamics related, but not limited to, areas such as: geopolitics, political economy, conflict and security, economic and social inequalities, and people's mobilities. You will study with internationally renowned politics, international relations and sociology scholars in a dynamic and supportive research environment.

You will join an international community of students working on a range of political, social and international relations issues. Our staff also have particular expertise across a range of political, cultural and social theory and champion diverse research methodologies. You will be assigned two PhD supervisors whose current research interests and expertise are relevant to your chosen research area.

We are committed to rigorous conceptual and empirical research that is politically and socially relevant and problem-orientated. We aim to advance theory, knowledge and methods to better equip researchers to understand and address pressing global issues. We produce leading research with an international focus that is relevant to the changing circumstances of an increasingly interconnected world. Our aim is not just to monitor the world but to contribute to a better understanding and to ways that might improve it.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 and +3 ESRC scholarships. Applicants may also be interested in applying for funding from the University of Bristol scholarship fund or the alumni PhD scholarship fund. For more information about funding please visit the faculty scholarships webpage.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.