Call for Applications to the Doctorate in International Relations and European Studies | Fall 2025   

For the Fall Semester 2025 the University of Nicosia announces the opening of a limited number of positions for admission to the Doctorate Program (PhD) in International Relations and European Studies (Department of Politics and Governance).  

How to Apply

For academic information related to the doctorate contact the Programme Coordinator Assistant Professor Yiannos Katsourides via email at [email protected] 

The application must be submitted only via the online procedure available at: https://www.unic.ac.cy/apply 

About the programme: 

The programme aims to offer the highest level of research in the field and to prepare students for a career in academia and research in the field. Students are expected to carry out original and high-quality research contributing to the area of investigation.  

The specific aims of the programme are to:  

• Advance students in depth understanding and critical analysis of current theoretical literature and research methodology in the field of International Relations and European Studies. 
• Develop students’ understanding and application of suitable research methodologies – qualitative as well as quantitative – to enable them to carry out their doctoral research project. 
• Enhance students’ research skills and facilitate the development of expertise relevant to their research specialization area. 
• Educate students on how to disseminate research findings, conclusions and suggestions, for example through publishing in academic journals and/or presenting their work in academic conferences and seminars. 

The languages of the programme are English and Greek.

The following areas will be prioritised when considering the applications:

1.  Comparative (European) Politics and History

• Cypriot history and politics 1878-present
• Eastern Mediterranean history and politics
• Party politics (party competition, party ideology, party organisation)
• EU integration
• EU social policy
• Political economy
• Domestic politics of European integration (Euroscepticism, European elections)
• Mobilisation, social movements and protest
• The radical left in Europe
• Far right politics in Europe
• Democratic backsliding in Europe
• Religion and politics
• Football and politics
• Antifascist politics and counter-hegemonic narratives
• The Cyprus problem

2. International Relations

• Greek-Turkish relations
• The norm of the prohibition of the use of military force in foreign policy as a deterrence and/or a balancing tool against (real or potential) aggressors.
• Great power politics in the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East
• Emerging technologies and international relations
• National Security and Defence
• Critical security studies & international relations Theory

3.  Technology, Security and Environment

• Artificial intelligence in modern warfare and security studies
• Computational propaganda and democratic resilience
• Artificial intelligence and democratic participation
• Eastern Mediterranean Security architecture
• Digital sovereignty and national security
• Algorithmic decision-making in international relations
• EU sustainability governance (energy, environmental, and climate policies)
• Green transitions (European Green Deal, Green New Deal, Paris Agreement)
• Energy security dimensions (global, EU, Eastern Mediterranean)

Faculty members and research areas:

Associate Professor Constantinos Adamides (IR, Technology and Security)
Head of the Department
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/adamides-constantinos/    

Associate Professor Giorgos Charalambous (Comparative Politics)
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/charalambous-giorgos/  

Professor Hubert Faustmann (History and Politics)
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/faustmann-hubert/  

Associate Professor Christina Ioannou (European Politics)
Associate Dean of the School of Law
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/ioannou-christina/  

Professor Andreas Theophanous (Politics and Political Economy)
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/el/theophanous-andreas/  

Associate Professor Yiannos Katsourides (Comparative Politics)
Ph.D. Coordinator
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/el/katsourides-yiannos/  

Associate Professor Giorgos Kentas (International Relations)
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/el/kentas-giorgos/  

Associate Professor Michalis Kontos (International Relations)
Associate Head of the Department
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/el/kontos-michalis/  

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 

Associate Professor Odysseas Christou
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/christou-odysseas/  

Dr. Evi Eftychiou
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/el/eftychiou-evi/  

Dr. Petros Petrikkos
For a detailed CV and more information visit: https://www.unic.ac.cy/da/2019/04/22/1-petros-petrikkos/ 

Admission requirements and procedures:

• Academic Qualifications: An accredited Master’s degree in politics, international relations, governance, European studies, law (MA or equivalent) or a relevant field in addition to an accredited Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields (BA or equivalent) or a relevant field. It is normally expected that at least one of the previous degrees (Bachelor’s or Master’s) be in Politics or International Relations. Copies of degrees awarded must be submitted as part of a complete application package.
• Application Form: Applicants must submit an application form for admission and enrolment to the programme. The application form requests general information about the applicant, their qualifications, relevant experience.
• Curriculum Vitae: a complete CV specifying all academic and professional activities.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain two recommendation letters from individuals who have known the applicant in an educational and/or professional environment. At least one of the recommendation letters must be from an academic institution where the applicant has studied previously.
• English Language Proficiency: TOEFL (paper-based test 600, computer-based test 250, internet-based test 100) or IELTS 6,5. For students who graduated from an English-speaking University, English language certificate is not a requirement. Proficiency in English is an essential requirement even in cases where the thesis is to be submitted in Greek as research undertaken towards completing the thesis is expected to include English-language sources.
• Publications: Previous theses/dissertations and any published work of academic relevance (if any).
• Initial Research Proposal: An initial proposal (1.000 – 2.000 words) outlining the research topic, aims and objectives, research questions and proposed research methodology as follows:
  • Title 
  • Literature review (brief) 
  • Identifications of gaps in existing literature and rationale for proposed research 
  • Aims and objectives 
  • Research hypotheses 
  • Research methodology 
  • Ethical Considerations (if applicable) 
  • References 
• Statement of Purpose: Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive outline highlighting their academic and individual competencies and state why they believe they are suitable for admission to the Programme, as well as their reflections regarding the expectations and value of the Programme for their personal advancement and career development. 
• Personal Interviews: The Department Doctoral Programme Committee may decide whether to hold a personal interview of the applicant prior to deciding. The Department Doctoral Programme Committee, having examined the applicant’s suitability in the light of the entry criteria and having reviewed the application and interviewed the applicant, will determine his or her suitability and the appropriateness of their initial proposal.
• Final Evaluation: In view of the limited number of applicants to be admitted to the programme, the Department Doctoral Programme Committee will decide, on the basis of merit and by evaluating specific criteria, who are the most suitable candidates to be admitted to the programme. The Committee will exercise its judgment, taking into account the overall quality, merit and feasibility of the research proposal, the quality of the prior research work of the candidate and the candidate’s academic and other relevant qualifications as included in the curriculum vitae and the applicant’s performance during the individual interview, as well as the availability of supervising personnel to take up the prospective candidate.