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PhD in International Relations online is a doctoral degree program that will prepare you to become a research scholar. The degree for anyone wanting to pursue a career in academics or research. Generally, this degree program can take 4-5 years to complete. You can pursue a career as an international relations professor, political analyst, international lawyer or a diplomat after completing this program. An online Phd in International relations is flexible, and can be completed at the comfort of your home. This blog covers some of the top PhD in International Relations Degrees online.
| University | Course |
| University of Sussex | International Relations PhD |
| Salve Regina University | Online Ph.D. in International Relations |
| Euclid University | Online PhD in Diplomacy and International Affairs (DDIA) |
| SIT Graduate Institute | Doctorate in International Relations (PhD) |
| University of Leicester (Online) | Politics and International Relations (PhD) |
| University of Brimingham | PhD Political Science and International Studies by Distance Learning |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | Politics and International Relations online |
This Blog Includes:
PhD in International Relations Online
Here is a list of the top universities that offer PhD degrees in International relations online. The course fees, duration, and other details are provided. Note: there are only limited universities that provide this course completely online.
University of Sussex
Learn about the University of Sussex’s PhD in International Relations Online
The University of Sussex offers a doctoral degree in International Relations online and on campus. This degree can be completed either full time (4 years), or in 8 years (part time). Some of the areas of study covered in this course are-global political economy, historical and normative international theory,international development, global health policy, and global environmental politics. You can choose to start this course in January 2026, September 2025, or April 2026.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | NA |
| Accreditation | EQUIS & AMBA |
| Fees | NA |
Website: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/international-relations-phd
Salve Regina University
Learn about the Salve Regina University’s Online Ph.D. in International Relations
The Salve Regina University offers one of the top notch PhD in International Relations online (4 years). You need to complete the coursework, language requirement, comprehensive examination, and a dissertation writing phase to obtain this degree. You can choose a first reader who will assist you in choosing the dissertation topic. After the topic is decided, the 1st reader would choose the 2nd reader. Both of them would supervise your work. The drawback? The financial aid is only available to US citizens.
| Format | Online |
| Credits | NA |
| Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Fees | $1,080 per credit |
Website:https://salve.edu/graduate-and-professional-studies/international-relations-phd
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Euclid University
Learn about the Euclid University’s Online PhD in Diplomacy and International Affairs (DDIA)
The Euclid university is an intergovernmental university that was established with a multilateral treaty (2008). The University aims to train civil servants and diplomats in international relations. General public can also apply for the Euclid University’s PhD in International Relations Online degree program. This program has 126 credits. Some of the suggested areas of focus are: Inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations, IGOs and non-governmental organizations.International and treaty law, and Regional diplomatic affairs
| Format | Online |
| Credits | 120 |
| Accreditation | National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA). |
| Fees | NA |
Website:https://www.euclid.int/online_doctorate_in_diplomacy/
SIT Graduate Institute
Learn about the SIT Graduate Instiute’s Doctorate in International Relations (PhD) online
SIT Graduate Institute offers another leading PhD in International Relations Online. This is a part time degree program that you can complete in 3 years. The course is suitable for those who have an interest in conflict, peacebuilding, humanitarian affairs, and refugee response. You can learn from advisors, professors and diplomats from around the world.The drawback? You need to complete two 10 day residencies. The 1st year residency is held in Serbia, and the second year residency in Jordan.
| Format | Online, Hybrid (part time) |
| Credit | 64 |
| Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Fees | NA |
Website:https://graduate.sit.edu/program/doctorate-international-relations-phd/
PhD in International Relations Distance Learning
Few Universities offer International Relations PhD degrees via Distance Learning. A distance learning degree program is different from an online degree. While an online degree is a 100% virtual course, a distance learning course is not. However, all the study materials will be provided to you so that you can prepare well.
University of Leicester (Online)
Learn about the University of Leicester online degree program below:
The University of Leicester online offers PhD by distance learning program. This is an alternative program for PhD in International Relations Online. The program is available to students who find it difficult to meet the requirements of a full time or a part time course. This is a structured Politics and International Relations PhD course of 12 months. You will be provided module books, and you are required to complete interactive tasks, and discussions on the University Blackboard (virtual learning environment). You will receive supervisory support either electronically or by telephone.
| Format | Distance Learning |
| Credits | NA |
| Accreditation | AMBA accredited |
| Fees | Starting in 2024/25 academic year: £28,150 total course fee |
Website:https://le.ac.uk/politics/study/distance-learning/phd
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University of Brimingham
Learn about the University of Birmingham PhD Political Science and International Studies by Distance Learning.
The University of Birmingham offers one of the best alternatives to PhD in International Relations online. This degree program can be completed either full time or part time. The university accepts applications on theme that meet their research groups. For example, Asian Politics, International Relations and Security Theory, European Studies, British Politics, Parties, Voters and Elections, Political Theory, and Political Economy. You can take part in several research events. Moreover, individual training plan is drawn to meet the requirements of each student.
| Format | Distance Learning |
| Credits | NA |
| Accreditation | Triple-crown accreditation from the AACSB, EQUIS, &AMBA |
| Fees | £21,360 FT (International Students) |
Manchester Metropolitan University
Learn about the Manchester Metropolitan University’s Politics and International Relations online.
The Manchester Metropolitan University offers a PhD in politics and International relations (distance learning). This is also a good alternative to PhD in International Relations Online. You will get to work with respected experts, get professional training, and take part in public lectures, performances, film screening, fairs, etc. Acceptable research areas include-European Union, Russian foreign policy,International relations theory, Foreign policy of the United States since 1945, Critical and poststructuralist international politics, and more.
| Format | Distance Learning |
| Credits | NA |
| Accreditation | AACSB,EQUIS, and AMBA |
| Fees | NA |
Website:https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-study/subject/politics-and-international-relations
Admission Requirements PhD in International Relations Online
You need to meet the admission requirements to apply for a PhD in International relations course online. The basic eligibility criteria is provided below:
- Must have completed a Master’s degree in international relations or a related field. Generally, you need at least 60% overall in a master’s program to apply. However, this differs from university to university.
- Only in exceptional circumstances are you considered if you do not have a master’s degree in a related field.
- You need to present your research proposal of 2-3 pages and answer the main questions of your research project.
- You need to meet the English language requirements of the University
FAQs
You can complete your PhD online. Online PhD degrees are offered by several universities abroad. You can also pursue a distance learning course in your selected course of study.
Definitely! You can complete a PhD in International Relations online. Universities such as the University of Sussex, and Salve Regina University offer this degree program completely online.
Yes. A PhD in International Relations is a suitable degree program for research and academia fields. After completing this degree you can work in the fields of news industry, diplomacy, political analysis, teaching, and more.
Hope this blog provides you with all the important details. For more information about such courses, visit our online courses page.
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