Nikita Khokhlov

The Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship at the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin, offers an outstanding opportunity for PhD research in authoritarian politics. Under the supervision of Dr. Nikita Khokhlov, successful candidates will explore topics such as authoritarian legitimation, propaganda, disinformation, media and censorship, elite behaviour, public opinion, authoritarian diffusion, democratization, and personalist rule. The program encourages proposals using quantitative, computational, or mixed-method approaches, including natural language processing, machine learning, survey experiments, and network analysis, but is also open to other innovative methodologies. The scholarship is fully funded for up to four years, covering tuition fees (up to the non-EU rate), a €25,000 annual stipend, and a €4,000 yearly research budget. Applicants must hold or expect to achieve a relevant Master's degree with at least a 2.1 (GPA 3.6), submit a detailed research proposal, and provide evidence of English language proficiency if required. The application process includes submitting a cover letter, thesis proposal, transcripts, CV, and referee details via the official UCD SPIRe application form. The deadline for applications is 6 February 2026. This is a full-time position, and only new applicants with a SPIRe supervisor are eligible. The School of Politics and International Relations at UCD is highly ranked and offers a dynamic, international research environment.

The Iseult Honohan Doctoral Scholarship at University College Dublin's School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) offers a fully funded PhD opportunity for candidates interested in Politics, International Relations, or Quantitative and Computational Social Science. The scholarship is named after Dr Iseult Honohan, a distinguished academic in normative political theory, and aims to attract top-tier applicants from around the world. Successful candidates will join Ireland’s leading political science school, ranked in the top 100 globally, and become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community. The scholarship covers full tuition fees for both EU and non-EU students and provides a generous living stipend of €25,000 per year for up to four years. Applicants must have at least a 2.1 (GPA: 3.6) in a relevant Master's degree, though those still completing their degree may apply conditionally. The application requires a cover letter, a detailed thesis proposal, academic transcripts, CV, proof of English language proficiency (if needed), and contact details for two academic referees. The scholarship is open only to new PhD applicants for the Politics and International Relations or Quantitative and Computational Social Science programmes with a SPIRe supervisor. Continuing students, non-September starters, and those with supervisors outside SPIRe are not eligible. Applications are accepted until 5pm Dublin time on 30 January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the UCD SPIRe scholarship webpage. Queries can be directed to [email protected].