A PhD in humanitarian aid provides students with an opportunity to conduct significant, long-term, in-depth research into topics within the field of international aid. Usually completed over three years, full-time, PhD students in humanitarian aid are supported by a team of academics to investigate causes, trends and impacts of specific subjects within the aid field, completing both literature and in-the-field research.
A PhD in humanitarian aid is often undertaken after gaining several years of professional experience, and is a chance to complete academic research on an area of interest. Graduates with PhD’s in humanitarian aid often go on work in universities as academics or with NGOs or government agencies as researchers. PhD graduates in humanitarian aid can also continue onto further research and publications.
Tufts University
Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Medicine
the University College
Ruhr University of Bochum
Berlin Graduate School for Transnational Studies
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
Freie Universität Berlin
Hertie School of Governance
University of Buckingham
Brunel University
Australian National University
University of Central Florida
Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
National Security Policy
Obuda University
University College Dublin
University of Oxford
PhD Humanitarianism and Conflict Response – University of Manchester
The three-year full time, or 7-year part-time, PhD in Humanitarian and Conflict Response at the University of Manchester is one of the leading research programmes in humanitarian aid. The course aims for students to complete in-depth analysis and academically rigorous research into ongoing humanitarian emergencies as well as historical crises. Students research should aim to inform future policy and practice and improve the debate around effective humanitarian response. Students work alongside a research panel of two relevant academics to the students specialist area of expertise. On the PhD in Humanitarian and Conflict Response at Manchester University, students are encouraged to work with other departments across the university, as well as cross-cutting with areas such as global health, politics and economics or emergency response. The aim of the course is to ensure graduates have completed crucial, expansive and independent research into humanitarian aid. Students are highly encouraged to promote their research through journal publications and conferences.
Entry requirements for the Humanitarian and Conflict Response PhD at Manchester University are an undergraduate degree of 2.1 or above or an international equivalent. Applicants also need a masters degree with overall average of 65% with a minimum of 65% on their dissertation and no mark below 55%, or the international equivalent. The university will also accept strong professional experience.
Fees for UK nationals to the PhD in Humanitarian and Conflict Response at the University of Manchester are 6,250 GBP for each year of full-time study or 3,125 GBP for part-time. Overseas students pay 19,500 GBP for full-time study. The University of Manchester has scholarships and bursaries for post-graduate study and some students may be eligible for a fees loan.
PhD in Humanitarian Studies – University College Dublin
University College Dublin (UCD) has a PhD course in Humanitarian Studies. The doctoral research programme allows students to complete a significant piece of study in the field of humanitarian aid, under the supervision of leading academics and researchers. Taught within the Centre for Humanitarian Action, the PhD in Humanitarian Studies includes a number of innovative design measures to support PhD candidates in their exploration and research. The Centre for Humanitarian Action at UCD is a world-leading teaching and research centre for humanitarian aid. The UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action and the PhD programme in Humanitarian Studies is linked with partner organisations and NGOs working in humanitarian action, allowing students to undertake practical research and gain first-hand experiences. The PhD programme is full-time and takes three years. It can be started in January, May or September.
For information on entry requirements and fees for the PhD in Humanitarian Studies at University College Dublin contact the university directly.
PhD in Global Security
A PhD in global security is an opportunity to investigate in-depth global security issues and develop a rigorous academic research piece. Supported by academics and current security practitioners, students on PhD programmes in global security narrow their focus and study to specific topics and conduct literature and field-based research. Global security PhD topics often focus on niche areas of security and intelligence practice and aim to develop actionable research to improve policies.
Studying a PhD in global security often follows several years of experience in the security industry. Graduates with PhDs in global security often go onto further academic research or lectureships within universities on the subject of security. They can also be employed in government, international organisations and think-tanks as resident researchers.
MPhil/PhD Security and Intelligence Studies by Research – University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham offers a PHD or MPhil in Security and Intelligence Studies. The doctoral research position is within in the Centre for Security Studies which hosts many prominent academics conducting research into global security issues. The PhD in Security and Intelligence allows students to investigate in depth a specific area of international security based on a submitted research proposal. Previous PhD graduates have investigated the judicial system, security and intelligence agencies, counter-terrorism in Pakistan and the use of soft power as a tool of statecraft in inter-African relations. The MPhil or PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham aims for students to develop systemic understanding and critical analysis of the current worldwide security context through in-depth independent study. Research can be carried out over three years full-time of six years part-time.
Entry requirements for the MPhil or PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham are a first- or second-class master’s degree. English language requirements include an IELTS score averaging above 6.5 with 6.0 on all components or a TOEFL score of 87 with minimum component scores of listening 21, reading 22, speaking 23 and writing 21.
Fees for UK and EU students to do the MPhil or PHD in the University of Buckingham are 22,950 GBP. For overseas students’ fees are 41,850 GBP. The university has a wide range of scholarships and bursaries but says students need to have an offer of a place before they can apply for funding.
Intelligence and Security Studies PhD – Brunel University
The PHD in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University in London allows students to research the areas of intelligence organisations, security management and analysis. Hosted in the Brunel Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies, which combines research from law, engineering, politics and history with in-depth academic study of global security. The PhD especially recruits students who have broad working experience in the field of security and intelligence, allowing them to research in-depth on security developments and intelligence policy. Students on the PhD Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University work as part of a research team, allowing them to work together on large-scale policy and consultancy projects. Brunel University has a range of academics who supervise students on the Intelligence and Security Studies PHD and can provide additional practical knowledge to the research.
UK applicants to the PHD in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University need a first or upper-second class honours degree and often need a master’s qualification. EU and overseas students need the equivalent. All applicants must submit a written personal statement and pass an interview. English language requirements are a IELTS score 6.5 (with minimum of 6 in all areas), a Pearson score of 58 (51 in all sub-scores) or a TOEFL result of 92 (minimum 20 in all areas).
Fees for the Intelligence and Security Studies PhD at Brunel University are 4,407 GBP for UK students studying full-time and 2,203 for UK students studying part-time per year. International students pay 15,860 GBP for full-time study and 7,930 GBP for part-time for each year. Brunel University does have funding support for some research students.
PhD Study, National Security College – Australian National University
The PhD programme at the National Security College combines knowledge of worldwide security developments and policies with academic research skills Students undertake extensive independent research into the security field directed by a panel of experts in global security. The National Security College sits within the Australian National University (ANU) and provides study and research into crucial national and international security challenges, as well as focusing on the development of innovative security policies. Research at the National Security College has been completed in national, regional and global security, counterterrorism and countering violent extremism and security futures. The college has also seen research completed in national security policy and practice and cyber security.
Admission requirements to study a PhD at the National Security College are a 2.1 honour degree or international equivalent in a relevant programme such as security studies, international relations, political science or the humanities. Applicants also need to submit a theses proposal. English language requirements for non-Australian or English-speaking nationals, or applicants without two years previous study in English, are a IELTS total band score 6.5 with a score of at least 6.0 in all components or a TOEFL score of 570 and a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5.
Information on fees should be sought from the college. As the National Security College sits within the Australian National University, students can access a wide range of scholarships. To be eligible for ANU scholarships depends the area of study and type of student applying.
Security Studies PhD – University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers a PhD in Security Studies. The doctoral research programme allows students to investigate global security trends with in-depth analysis. In the first-year students work on developing research skills and conduct a literature review related to their specific research topic. At the end of the year they present a proposal to the Dissertation Committee. The second year focuses on coursework and qualifying exams, whilst also beginning the doctoral theses which is completed in the final year. Students from the Security Studies PhD at the University of Central Florida have been placed in research positions in government agencies and international bodies. The PhD is directed by security practitioners with a wide range of background and knowledge in the security field.
Applicants to the Security Studies PhD at the University of Central Florida require a master’s degree from a university or an accredited professional military education institution. Applicants also need to submit a 2500-word sample writing piece, previous degree transcripts and a 500-word professional statement. Non-native English speakers need a TOEFL score of 90 or a IELTS score of 7.0 or better.
Information on costs and fees can be obtained from the University of Central Florida. The University of Central Florida’s Political Science Department provides funding aid to most students admitted to their programmes. This includes the Presidential and Trustees Fellowships fund which can support students for four years of study.
Security Studies Ph.D. – Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
The five-year PhD in Security Studies at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is designed for students to undertake rigorous, expansive and in-depth research into the area of global security. The doctoral programme encourages students to explore the causes, effects, history and impact of national and international security events, whilst completing a piece of unique academic research. The Security Studies PhD at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs covers such areas as grand strategies of the major powers, arms competitions and coercive diplomacy. Students can also investigate insurgency, civil war, and regional political instability, military force composition and capability and civil-military relations. The PhD in Security Studies at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is an in-residence programme, although time away may be taken for field research.
Details of entry requirements and fees can be got directly from the university.
Ph.D. in Public Policy (Online) – National Security Policy
Liberty University has a three-year online PhD in Public Policy with a focus on security. The programme has students develop research and policies on national security, as well as investigating contemporary security trends. With a particular focus on national security, the Liberty University PhD provides students with chance to research national resilience, counter-terrorism and intelligence policy and practice. Students doing the PhD in Public Policy (Security) at Liberty University cover several key subject areas including foundations of statesmanship and public policy, foreign policy, globalization, and statesmanship, policy analysis and statesmanship and introduction to national security policy. The course encourages students to analyse security problems and produce actionable solutions. The doctoral programme is led by current and former public policy and security practitioners.
Admissions requirements for the PhD in Public Policy, National Security Policy at Liberty University are a master’s degree of 3.0. Applicants must also complete and admission application, pay a fee, provide transcripts for previous study and prove English proficiency.
The online PhD in Public Policy, National Security Policy at Liberty University costs 595 USD per credit hour. The course has sixty credit hours. Liberty University has a wide range of scholarships, including potential awards for family heritage, ethnicity, study majors, religious affiliations, disabilities and for members of the armed forces.
Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences – Obuda University
Obuda University in Budapest, Hungary, hosts the Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences. The aim of the school is to provide technical teaching and research in safety and security, as well as encouraging a challenge to traditional thinking around global security. The school also aims to blend academic research with the development of practical methods that can be implemented in the current worldwide security context. The Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences at Obuda University covers research areas such as safety science and human-machine-environment analysis techniques. Research at the school has also been undertaken in the area of critical infrastructure protection research.
Information on entry requirements and fees to undertake PhD research at the Obuda University Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences can be sought from the University.
PhD in Migration Studies
A PhD in migration studies offers the opportunity to undertake major multi-year research into how and why human beings move, and the effects and impacts these movements have not only on the people who migrate, but the communities they move to and from. Migration studies PhDs allow students to self-direct their own research into areas of human migration that interest them, with the aim to produce a relevant and unique piece of research that adds a new perspective to the ongoing debate around migration.
Migration studies PhDs are usually completed over three or four years if studying full-time, or up to eight years if completing the research alongside working. You will need to have completed a relevant Masters degree, and/or have significant relevant work experience in order to join a migration studies PhD programme.
DPhil in Migration Studies – University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers a DPhil programme in migration studies. The programme offers students a unique opportunity to undertake a substantial research piece in relation to human migration. Participants in the DPhil Migration Studies programme at Oxford University embark on a interdisciplinary and in-depth research project whilst being able to utilise the university’s unique world-class research facilities and departments.
Students at the University of Oxford on the Migration Studies DPhil course take on original research in an area of human migration that interests them. The programme is mostly self-directed, but supervised by leading global experts on refugee and migration issues. Students can also take advantage of research and teaching programmes on offer at the university, and can collaborate with government, NGO and private sector entities working in the field of migration.
The University of Oxford Migration Studies DPhil can be taken full-time over 3-4 years, or part-time over 6-8 years. Students can take the course in the UK or study from abroad. For information on fees, and entry requirements, contact the university directly.
Migration Studies PhD – University of Kent
The University of Kent, in the UK, has a migration studies PhD course. Students on the programme self-direct their own research into migration issues, and are supervised by industry experts and academics. The PhD in Migration Studies at the University of Kent invites students to look deeply into the causes, effects, impacts and outcomes of global migration.
Alongside undertaking their own research, students on the Migration Studies PhD at Kent University also take-part in a research training programme, aiming to further boost their understanding of core research methods. Students are highly encouraged to collaborate both within the university and with outside actors working on migration issues.
The Migration Studies PhD at the University of Kent can be taken over three years full-time or part-time, likely over six years. For UK fees contact the university directly. Fees for international students are set at 18,600 GBP per year for full-time study and 9,300 GBP for part-time. For entry requirements please also contact the university.
PhD Migration Studies – University for Continuing Education Krems
The University of Continuing Education, in Krems, Austria, has a migration studies PhD. Students on the programme are invited to look at the politics, economics, civil, cultural and media landscapes surrounding human migration. The course encourages dynamic research that aims to provide a better understanding of migration, its causes and impacts, as well as durable solutions for both migration and host communities.
As well as undertaking self-directed research in a specific area of migration, students on the University of Continuing Education PhD in migration studies also have access to a range of complementary subjects. These include scientific theory and ethics, grant acquisition and project management and scientific writing and dialects. These subjects aim to further improve the students research and analytical understanding, directly feeding into their migration studies research.
In order to apply to the Migration Studies PhD at the University of Continuing Education in Krems applicants must provide a curriculum Vitae, TOEFL certificate or equivalent (B2 Level or higher), if not a native English speaker, evidence of having completed a relevant masters degree and documentation showing prior relevant skills and experience that are related to their PhD proposal.
Doctoral Programme in Ethnic and Migration Studies – Linköping University
Linköping University, in Sweden, offers a doctoral programme in ethnic and migration studies. The PhD course takes a wider look at human migration, combining it with an investigation into human ethnicity and its intersection with people’s movements. Students on the PhD In Ethnic and Migration Studies at Linköping University self-lead a significant piece of research into one of the current trends in global migration.
Students on the Ethnic and Migration Studies doctoral programme at the Linköping University receive guidance and tutoring from experts in the field of human migration. They are encouraged to take a broad scope within their research and develop a final research piece that contributes to the current discourse around migration and ethnicity. Students are also encouraged to collaborate, ensuring that their research builds on the current private, public and governmental sectors positions on migration.
For information on entry requirements, fees and study modalities contact the university directly.