PhD Public Policy
The PhD in Public Policy at Queen’s University provides an exciting and rewarding programme of independent research with an established team of academics working in the discipline.
The PhD in Public Policy programme is managed within the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, where scholarship and education are driven by a concern to encourage innovative and critically incisive ways of thinking about a wide range of problems that citizens and governments encounter in the modern world.
We pride ourselves on our global outlook within the School. This is reflected in our wide range of international partners and in the diverse nationalities represented across the staff and student bodies. The School hosts international visitors and speakers throughout each academic year and students benefit from the wide range of national and international topics being discussed and researched within the school.
The PhD in Public Policy programme is an important element of the new Centre for Public Policy and Administration (CPPA) in QUB. PhD students undertaking the programme with work closely with Fellows of the Centre and benefit from their international networks and resources. They will also undertake Modules in their first year from the MSc in International Public Policy programme, including research methods.
About the Programme
The aim of the programme is to produce PhD students who are fully-fledged independent researchers making a contribution to the growing disciplines of academic public policy and public administration. From the outset, students are given encouragement to engage in relevant training, disseminate their work at seminars and conferences, and to aim to publish their work in high-quality locations. The programme culminates in the submission of an 80,000-word dissertation.
Some of the existing research in the CPPA concerns:
- Knowledge brokering between academia and public sector organisations
- Public sector reform in Gulf states
- The effects of AI and digitalisation on public services
- Changing modes of government transparency
- Environmental policy post-Brexit
Important and pioneering work has been published by members of staff and major projects of research are ongoing. In addition, the School is committed to the supervision of high-quality research students in all areas.
Intakes
- Jan
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
The Queen’s Careers Team are here to support students and graduates with all aspects of career planning and decision making.
We’ll help you set career goals, communicate your worth to employers and equip you with the skills you need to stand out in the competitive global job market. The skills we help you build, will benefit you forever.
What type of support do we offer?
We can help you with everything from building a career plan to engaging with employers, refining your CV or perfecting an application.
We can also support you to secure placements, work experience or study abroad opportunities. Our diverse range of employability programmes and events are designed in consultation with industry to help you lead, achieve, develop and succeed.
Book a programme or event
SUPPORT FOR GRADUATES
Have you graduated recently? Have a look at our graduate resources, such as recorded webinars from our recent Gradfest events and GradGuides, to help you achieve your personal development goals and enjoy career success.
Access our services
In the below sections, you’ll find online tools and resources to help with your career planning, along with information advice and support on a host of career-related topics. Can’t find what you need
Take part in an event or programme
From employer panels to Careers fairs, discover our virtual activities for autumn 2020
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From writing the perfect cover letter to nailing a virtual interview, we're here to support you through the job application process.
Find a job through MyFuture
Whether you want to find part-time work on campus, an internship or a graduate role, MyFuture is your go-to jobs board.
Develop your employability
We have collated a range of online resources to help you develop and enhance the skills that employers are looking for.
Make your extra-curricular activities count with DegreePlus
Our employability award lets you gain recognition for the work-related experience you gain during your time at Queen's.
PSW Opportunity
- 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
- 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree program is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
- Duration: 03 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
61500 GBP
Average Cost of Living: 13632 GBP /year
Application Fee: N/A

