Overview
The Ph.D. in Political Science with an International Relations track trains scholars to conduct cutting-edge research on global affairs, with a distinctive focus on the role of Muslim-majority countries in the international system. The program addresses critical questions about diplomacy, security, economic interdependence, and the evolving global order.
Students select from five concentrations: (1) International relations among Muslim countries, (2) Global South and the world, (3) Foreign policy and diplomacy, (4) International political economy, and (5) International security and the changing geopolitics and geoeconomics order. The applicant must indicate in their application which track they are applying to.
Why Choose This Program
Five Rich Concentrations in Global Affairs
From Muslim-world diplomacy to geoeconomic competition, the program offers an unusually broad range of specializations within IR, allowing students to carve out distinctive research niches.
Unique Perspective on the Muslim World
UIII is uniquely positioned to advance scholarship on international relations among Muslim-majority states — a critical and growing area of global affairs research.
Publication-Oriented Dissertation
The dissertation model emphasizes publishable research, preparing graduates to enter academia or senior policy roles with demonstrated scholarly output.
Access to Jakarta's Diplomatic Community
Jakarta hosts ASEAN, numerous embassies, and international organizations, providing doctoral students with unparalleled access to fieldwork, conferences, and policy networks.
Course Details
The program requires the completion of a minimum of 50 credits, including advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, and a doctoral dissertation. The program is designed for 3–4 years of full-time study.
Core Courses
- Advanced Theories of International Relations
- Advanced Research Methods (Quantitative and Qualitative)
- Global Governance and World Order
- Wasatiyyatul Islam in a Globalizing World
Concentration Electives (select based on chosen concentration)
- International Relations of the Muslim World
- Global South in International Politics
- Advanced Foreign Policy Analysis and Diplomacy
- International Political Economy
- International Security and Geopolitics
Dissertation (22 Credits)
Students develop and defend an original doctoral dissertation under the guidance of a supervisory committee.
Entry Requirements
All documents must be in English.
- Master's degree in Political Science, International Relations, or a closely related field from an accredited university.
- GPA of at least 3.50 on a scale of a maximum of 4.00, proven by undergraduate or master's academic certificate and transcript.
- A valid language proficiency certificate: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 (issued within the past 24 months).
- Full curriculum vitae (in tabular form).
- Provide two academic reference contacts.
- Motivation letter indicating the chosen track (International Relations) and preferred concentration.
- Brief research proposal.
- Two academic writing samples.
- Paid registration fee: IDR 750,000 (Indonesian nationals) / USD 50 (international applicants).