Overview
The Ph.D. in Political Science Specializing in Sustainable Development Policy and Governance (SDPG) at UIII is a highly selective doctoral pathway designed for mid-career policymakers, senior practitioners and researchers, and influential leaders (from government, civil society organizations, and the private sector) who have already operated at the forefront of policy and governance as well as impactful research.
The PhD SDPG is heavily research-oriented. It is designed for those who have demonstrated frontline policy, negotiation, and advocacy experience and wish to delve deeper into academic and policy-related research. Rather than starting from scratch, participants bring their years of frontline experience to the table — and the program helps transform that experience into systematic, evidence-based knowledge that can shape policy and governance at the national and global level.
With a strong emphasis on independent research, the program combines foundational courses in political science, public policy, and research methods; focused independent studies aligned with each participant's dissertation research; and selected elective courses tailored to their policy interests. Graduates are prepared to contribute meaningfully to global and national discourse on sustainable development policy and governance — bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical policymaking.
Why Choose This Program
Built for Experienced Leaders
The track is designed for candidates with substantial leadership and professional experience, transforming years of frontline policy work into systematic, evidence-based scholarship.
Independent Doctoral Research from the Outset
Students embark on a rigorous, independent research journey from day one, focusing on a dissertation aligned with their own policy and governance agenda.
Academic Rigour Meets Real-World Policy
The program combines academic rigour with real-world policy relevance, equipping graduates to shape sustainable development policy and governance at the national and global level.
Tailored Curriculum & Flexible Scheduling
Coursework is tailored to candidates who already have a strong academic foundation and a clear research agenda. Required classes are conducted offline with flexible timing, particularly on Saturdays or Sundays, outside regular working hours.
Course Details
The program totals 42 credits across six semesters. Ph.D. SDPG students take four foundation and method courses to build a solid base for advanced research in political science and policy, plus two independent studies — approved by the dissertation committee — to reinforce their dissertation substance. Required coursework is conducted offline with flexible time arrangements, particularly on Saturdays or Sundays (outside regular working hours).
Semester 1 (15 Credits)
- Foundation and Methods of Political Science and Public Policy (6 credits) — tailored course
- Research Design (3 credits) — tailored course
- Two courses that strengthen the PhD dissertation, offered in the department or approved by the dissertation committee (3 + 3 credits) — independent study
Semester 2 (12 Credits)
- Data Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative (3 credits) — tailored course
- Dissertation Proposal Writing and Workshop (3 credits)
- Qualifying Exam (3 credits)
- Dissertation Proposal Defense (3 credits)
Semesters 3–4 (6 Credits)
- Dissertation Research & Writing (6 credits)
Semester 5 (3 Credits)
- Dissertation Research Report Seminar (3 credits)
Semester 6 (6 Credits)
- Dissertation Defense (6 credits)
Entry Requirements
All documents must be in English. This program is open to Indonesian citizens (WNI) only and is self-funded — no scholarship is available.
- Mid-career policymaker, senior practitioner and researcher, or influential leader (from government, civil society organizations, or the private sector) with substantial professional experience.
- Master's degree in Political Science or a policy-related discipline from an accredited university.
- GPA of at least 3.50 on a scale of a maximum of 4.00, proven by 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 outlining the candidate's policy and governance background and research agenda.
- Brief research proposal aligned with sustainable development policy and governance.
- Two academic writing samples.
- Confirmation of self-funding (no scholarship is available for this program).
- Paid registration fee: IDR 750,000.