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

Comparative Politics, Public Policy and Political Thought

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

Human Geography: space, place and society

A space in which to encounter and deepen engagement with cutting edge spatial, urban and geographical research and theory.

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.

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.