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Research overview

We offer high-quality doctoral training to postgraduate students who wish to pursue a PhD. As a research student, you will work under a supervisor who will assist you in your research and thesis design. Principal supervisors will normally be members of the school but secondary supervisors may be drawn from other schools in the faculty, from staff in the School of Politics and International Relations in the UK or the Division of International Studies in Ningbo, China.

 

Why choose this programme?

We provide a dynamic learning environment that offers you the opportunity to challenge yourself, to question assumptions and to contribute to the way we understand, conceptualize and engage with global political phenomena.

 

How to apply for the PhD programme 

We welcome applications from candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a clear passion for research. Before applying, we encourage you to explore our research areas and familiarise yourself with the expertise of our academic staff. You are also advised to discuss your proposed research project with the relevant supervisor — for this programme, please contact Dr Nur Rafeeda Daut for an initial discussion. A final decision will be made once a full application has been submitted and reviewed. To get started, visit our Applications Page for detailed guidance on how to apply. 

Course content

Research collaboration is promoted through The University of Nottingham’s Research Priority Groups. Principally with two groups, Integrating Global Society and Science, Technology and Society. Cooperation is also sought through staff and student membership of our sub-discipline, tri-campus research centres:

  • Centre for Conflict, Security and Terrorism
  • Centre for the Study of Social and Global Justice
  • Centre for the Study of European Governance
  • University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

A good master’s degree (usually merit or higher), plus an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) in a relevant discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

Or

A first-class honours degree in a relevant discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.

Before starting an online application, applicants are required to carefully read, review, and understand the Compliance with MQA Standards and Programme Standards, as well as the Checklist for application.

Applicants must possess a degree awarded by a recognised university.

Faculty-Specific Requirements

  • Faculty of Science and Engineering: A qualification in a related field is usually necessary for admission to postgraduate programmes.
  • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences: Consideration may be given to those whose previous degree is in a different discipline if they have relevant work experience and can supply further supporting documents as outlined in the application checklist.

In instances where additional evaluation is required, applicants may be invited to participate in an interview.

These guidelines are intended as a general reference; eligibility is confirmed following submission and assessment of a complete application.

IELTS (Academic):

7.0 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)

TOEFL (iBT):

 100 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking)

PTE (Academic):

 76 (with no less than 65 in each element)
MUET: Band 5
  • IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
  • IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
  • IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
  • MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
  • English language tests must be taken at a test centre situated in the applicant’s country of residence.
  • International applicants who meet the University’s requirements may also need to submit extra documents or an approved English test for MOHE, if required.

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM51,500 per year
International studentsRM58,000 per year*

Enjoy peace of mind with our Fixed Tuition Fee policy, pay the same amount each year until you graduate. No annual increases, no hidden charges. Learn more about Fixed Tuition Fees.

*For International Students, a 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) will apply to non-Malaysian citizens from 1 July 2025. For more details, read our Finance FAQ.

Funding

Find out about scholarships, financial assistance and specific research funding available to all malaysian and international students.

Scholarship funding

Your Global Education Starts Here

Why Join the University of Nottingham Malaysia

  • Study at Malaysia’s No. 1 UK university*, the first and largest UK institution in the country
  • Our university is ranked 97th globally according to the QS World University Ranking 2026.
  • A founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, we offer a world-class UK education with strong global recognition, impactful research, and academic excellence
  • 5-Star Rating for research excellence recognised by the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA) for world-class research achievements
  • Our graduates are consistently sought after by the top 100 global brands and earn up to 2x more** than the average graduate salary in Malaysia

*Based on student enrolment data from the Profile Book IPTS (MOHE) 2023.
**Based on the UNM Graduate Destination Survey (June 2023), with a national average salary of RM2,700.

Careers

The University’s Career Advisory Services (CAS) support students with the necessary skills and career opportunities using its strong relationship with various employers and industries. The CAS will provide students with essential resources and guidance for career choices offering many opportunities to develop the skills needed to plan and manage your future. Our Careers Advisory Service will work with you to improve and maximise your employability skills as well as providing essential resources and guidance that will assist you with job/course applications. They will facilitate searches for appropriate work experience placements and connect you to a wide range of prospective employers and training opportunities.

PhD degrees are in most cases recognized as the capstone of tertiary education. Those who attain these degrees have undergone extensive and personalized supervision in writing a dissertation. In the study of International Relations, Comparative Politics, Development, and History, preparation of the dissertation often involves in-country fieldwork and advanced modes of data collection. The result is an extended piece of original research and hence, a fresh contribution to one’s chosen field of study. This gains the student a special kind of recognition, thus bolstering their prospects in particular career tracks that emphasize research, advanced analysis, and theory building, possibly leading to publication. In Political Science and History, such pathways generally lead to academic careers, but also to high-level positions in government, international institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations.

This content was last updated on 07 December 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.