PhD Studentship in East Asian Politics Newcastle University in United Kingdom

[Full PhD tuition fees paid at the UK home student rate for 3 years (UK students and EU students with settled/pre-settled status). Annual tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 (2026-27 rate) for 3.5 years. Funding available for fieldwork and research consumables. International students must fund the difference between home and international fees (NUORS scheme assistance possible but not guaranteed).]

This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an outstanding opportunity to pursue advanced research in East Asian Politics within the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. The position is open to both home and international applicants, with full tuition fees covered at the UK home student rate for three years and an annual tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 (2026-27 rate) for 3.5 years. Additional funding is available for fieldwork and research consumables relevant to the project. International students are welcome but must fund the difference between home and international tuition fees, with potential assistance available through the NUORS scheme.

The studentship is ideal for candidates interested in any major sub-field of Politics as it relates to East Asia, including but not limited to comparative politics, international relations, political economy, identity politics, political behaviour, political institutions, party politics, electoral systems, political philosophy, gender and politics, environmental politics, sustainability, public policy, and area studies. Research topics may focus on East Asian nations (China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam), their relationships with other countries, or East Asian diaspora populations.

The department boasts a vibrant academic community with strong expertise in comparative and international politics, and offers a supportive environment for interdisciplinary research. Applicants are required to specify two Politics academic staff members from the School as potential supervisors whose research aligns with their proposed project.

Eligibility criteria include a 2:1 honours degree and a master's degree (or international equivalent) in politics or a related subject, a demonstrable interest in social scientific inquiry, and preferably a focus on East Asian politics. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in all sub-skills, or equivalent). The studentship will commence in September 2026 and is awarded for 3.5 years. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview in the week commencing 20th April 2026.

For further details and to apply, visit the official funding page. For academic queries, contact Dr Jemima Repo at [email protected]. For application process questions, email [email protected].