Research and PhD Programmes

Politics and International Relations at Brunel has established a substantial body of cutting-edge research across broad themes such as: the history of political thought with special interest in theories of violence and revolution; the political structures and processes of advanced capitalist states, especially Britain, the US, Asia, countries within the EU, and the EU itself; intelligence and security studies with a key focus on the institutions and processes of intelligence gathering; war and conflict including military history from the ancient to the modern period, counterinsurgency, peace-building, and border conflict; and international relations, including specialisms in the modern Middle East and the politics of intervention. 

Research opportunities for students 

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. Browse PhD opportunities below and find out about the funding available for students. 

Research in Politics, History and International Relations 

Politics and History are by their very nature inherently interdisciplinary areas. Working across disciplines is a central part of our research strategy and helps us to produce innovative and outstanding research. This is also achieved through, firstly, a range of interdisciplinary Research Centre and Research Groups, and, secondly, through collaboration with scholars at other Universities nationally and internationally, and with other organisations. Find below people, projects, groups and publications, and read more about related research to this area.  

Independent assessment of our research quality (REF 2021)

View REF 2021 details for Politics and International Studies (UoA 19)

21st century poachers: How intelligence experts are helping save the rhino

REF 2021

Research Areas

African Studies

This research group brings together Brunel’s growing research community that is engaged with the study of Africa

Arts Health and Social Change

This Research Group is dedicated to fostering art-based initiatives that drive social change towards inclusivity and equality in healthcare.

Comparative Politics, Public Policy and Political Thought

Our political scientists carry out cutting-edge research into institutions, public policy, elections, and public opinion.

Harm and Justice Research Group

The Harm and Justice Research Group brings together a diverse group of researchers, advocates, and practitioners from across the University who work on issues of harm and justice.

Institute of Communities and Society

The Institute focuses on the social, community, and cultural aspects of pressing contemporary issues including migration and movement, social unrest, intersectional inequalities, and institutionalised poverty.

Intelligence and Security Studies

As an inter-disciplinary research centre, established to deal specifically with intelligence issues, policy and institutions, to promote and develop social science and policy-oriented approaches to intelligence.

International History

We are a group of historians focusing on the fundamental role that identity plays in the modern age, including gender, religious, ethnic and national identity, and the role of boundaries in demarcating collective identities. Our work is highly relevant to analyses of contemporary conflict, as we contribute a historical perspective to studies of conflict over borders or ethnicity.

International Relations

Our political scientists and historians work on vital international problems like security and intelligence, or violent conflict.

Magna Carta

We analyse how best to create and maintain just societies that fairly balance both personal freedom and authority, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals and society.

Media, Culture and Politics research group

Our Media, Culture and Politics research group offers multidisciplinary research into the interconnection between media, culture and politics. Our focus will be on the converging crises and technological innovations that are challenging the foundations of how we have traditionally understood their roles in society.

Migration, Asylum and Law

The Migration, Asylum and Law Research Group serves as a hub for interdisciplinary teaching and research, bringing together scholars working at the intersection of migration, refugees, human rights, and law from various perspectives.

Open data analysis in social and political science

A forum for discussion and analysis of key issues in theory-driven empirical research in social and political science.

Past in the Present

Our research group aims to promote and share history research and teaching at Brunel and connect the university’s community engaged in the study and teaching of the past on a cross-departmental and interdisciplinary level.

Performance, Politics and Violence

From symbolic, mystical and structural violence to genocide and other forms of physical violence, and from far-reaching State and international political control to the micro-politics of everyday life.

Religion research group

The Brunel University of London's Religion Research Group (RRG) is a transdisciplinary group of scholars working on diverse dimensions of religion.

South Asia Studies

We provide a research base for the development of new South Asia specific programmes and teaching, and bring together scholars from across the University working on South Asia from different disciplinary perspectives.