Before you apply
Masters courses
Where can I find information about Warwick’s PAIS Masters programmes?
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/taughtcourses/
How do I apply for a Warwick PAIS Masters programme?
Full guidance on the process of making an application for a Warwick PAIS Masters programme can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/taughtcourses/entryrequirements
Are there deadlines for making an application for Warwick PAIS Masters courses?
Ideally you should aim to submit your application by April to ensure you receive your application results with enough time to organise the logistical aspects of your studies before the start of term. The application deadline for Overseas and EU students is 31 July. While there is no deadline for Home students, we strongly recommend that you also submit your application by 31 July as well.
All applications should be sent to the University's Postgraduate Admissions Office, and not directly to PAIS, using the online application form.
What do I need to put in my application?
A list of the supporting documents which are required as part of your application, as well as guidance relating to the content of your Statement of Purpose, is available here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/taughtcourses/entryrequirements
I do not have / am not currently studying for a directly relevant Undergraduate degree. Can I apply for a Warwick PAIS Masters programme?
Our standard minimum entry requirement is an upper-second class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in Politics and International Studies or a closely related subject. However, your application will be assessed on its merits at time of submission, and it is possible to receive an offer of study for a PAIS MA programme when your undergraduate degree is not from a directly relevant field.
If your degree is equivalent to at least a UK 2:1, then in the quantitative sense, you would meet the entry requirements. In your personal statement for the course, then, you will need to focus on showing that you are also a good candidate in the qualitative sense since it may not be immediately obvious how your degree relates to the study of your chosen MA.
You can increase your chances of success by doing the following:
- Write a strong personal statement. Follow the advice published on the departmental website. If you have taken relevant classes (e.g in politics, policy, sociology, economics, modern history, philosophy, etc) or undertaken independent study, relevant work experience or relevant extracurricular activities, exchanges or MOOCs you can use your personal statement to talk about how these relate to your chosen specialisation at Warwick. Talking about relevant work experience or internships will also help strengthen your statement. You should also describe why you have decided to branch out into your chosen field of Politics and International Studies. If you have a track record of being able to pick up new subjects quickly, it may be beneficial to demonstrate this too.
- Speak with your referees. Explain to them why you want to do the MA and how you have overcome the challenges that might have held you back during your undergraduate studies. This will help them write strong references.
- Supply two referees. Technically we only require one reference, but if you can supply two good ones, it will strengthen your application.
- Provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV), especially if you have undertaken work directly relevant to the course you are applying for.
Can I study for a PAIS Masters part-time?
All single PAIS MA programmes may be undertaken part-time and studied over 24 months. If you choose to study part-time, you study taught modules in the autumn and spring terms of your first and second year. Your dissertation will be undertaken in the summer vacation period of your second year.
Typically, in the 1st year, part-time students take 80 CATS worth of taught modules, i.e. 40 CATS core module and 40 CATS of optional modules; in the second year part-time students take 100 CATS, i.e. 40 CATS of taught options and a 60 CATS dissertation. The pattern of study across the academic year varies by programme. More details can be obtained by emailing paispg@warwick.ac.uk.
Applicants who are interested in the PAIS Double Degree programmes should visit our webpages for more information.
PhD programmes
Where can I find information about Warwick’s PAIS PhD programme?
https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/
How do I apply for a Warwick PAIS PhD programme?
Full guidance on the process of making an application for the Warwick PAIS PhD programme, including guidance on how to write your research proposal and how to find a Supervisor, can be found here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/researchcourses/how-to-apply
Are there deadlines for making an application for the Warwick PAIS PhD programme?
If you are applying for funding you MUST submit your application for the PhD programme two weeks (preferably one month) before the funding application deadlines at Warwick.
If you are not applying for funding, you should aim to submit your application for the PhD programme by April to ensure you receive your application results with enough time to organise the logistical aspects of your studies before the start of the Autumn term. All applications close on 31st May for an Autumn programme start.
I do not have/ am not currently studying for a directly relevant Masters degree, can I apply for a Warwick PAIS PhD programme?
Applicants with an unrelated Master’s degree and academic experience relevant to their research proposal will be considered.
How do I find a PhD Supervisor? Will you help me to do this?
Before you submit your application, it is your responsibility to ensure that we have a member of staff who shares your research interests. You should consult our staff research directory to find out whose research interests align with yours in the department and identify potential supervisors. Prior to submitting an application, you should make contact via email with potential supervisors.
Full guidance on how to find a Supervisor, including a link to the staff directory can be found here:
Can I study for a PAIS PhD part-time?
The PhD programme in PAIS is designed to be taken on a full-time basis. However, for a small number of candidates, studying part-time offers a way to balance life and study commitments. Studying a PhD part-time is a long-term commitment of around 7 years. This commitment includes attendance on training modules, undertaking research, and meeting with supervisors.
You can find information about how part-time study works as well as guidance regarding the additional documents you will need to submit as part of your PhD course application here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/prospectivestudents/postgraduate/researchcourses/part-time-study
Can I start a PAIS PhD in January instead of October?
To get the most out of the programme, an Autumn start is encouraged. The PAIS PhD programme is structured around achieving distinct milestones centred on your progress. For instance, you will be required to attend the PAIS first-year training module PO961: Doctoral Thesis Writing in Politics and International Studies in your first year (October-March). However, if you need to make a January start this request should be made clear in your application/research proposal, and your request will be considered.
Can a PAIS PhD be studied for remotely?
No, we do not normally offer the programme via distance learning.
Visiting research students
Can I apply to be a visiting research student with the Department of Politics and International Studies?
If you are a PhD student thinking about spending some time researching at Warwick, there are opportunities to come and study in PAIS as a visiting PhD student for up to one year. After you have made contact with your Warwick supervisor, you should apply to the Visiting PhD programme using the university application system.
Non-UK qualification and English Language proficiency requirements
How do I work out what my Overseas qualification equates to in the UK system?
Information to help you assess the UK equivalency of non-UK qualifications is available here:
https://warwick.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/entry-requirements
Are there English Language Requirements for Politics and International Studies (PAIS) Postgraduate Courses and what evidence do you need?
The University requires evidence that your English language capability is of a level that will enable you to succeed on your chosen course of postgraduate study.
For information about English Language requirements and the different ways we can confirm English Language capability, please see the Warwick Postgraduate guidance here: https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/english/
All tests must have been taken within two years of the start date of your course at Warwick. Department of Politics and International Studies Postgraduate courses sit in Band B.
I have previously studied in English. Can I be exempted from the English Language Requirements?
If you are a national of a UKVI recognised English speaking country, or if you have been educated entirely in English in a UKVI recognised English speaking country for the duration of your degree, and have, or will have, completed this qualification within 2 years of the stated course start date, this may be sufficient to satisfy the English language requirements of your course.
Education undertaken in a country which is not a UKVI recognised English speaking country, even if it was undertaken solely in English, cannot provide a Standard English Language Test exemption except in the case of a very small number of specific institutions. Please consult the English language information webpages and submit an enquiry to the Postgraduate Admissions team with the exact name of the Institution and your dates of study if you believe this very limited exemption applies.
Please note that you may still be asked to meet an English language condition if there is any concern about your current English language level. This is to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the course.
I am having difficulty accessing a Standard English Language Test (SELT). Can you help me?
While undertaking a SELT is by far the most straightforward option for the vast majority of applicants, if, in exceptional circumstances, this is not possible (for example as a result of severe unrest in your country of origin) please consult the English language information webpages and submit an enquiry to the Postgraduate Admissions team to discuss the situation. English Language Institutional Assessment (formerly referred to as a ‘waiver’) is only used in truly exceptional circumstances and the process involves a number of assessment activities relating to the four skills areas assessed by SELTs.
Please note that Warwick accepts some online SELTs which applicants may find easier to access.