The MSc in Political Research is relevant for full-time and part-time students who wish to proceed to a PhD or to develop their professional skills and extend their understanding of political research. The course provides detailed training in research methods and a sound base from which to apply for funding at one of the ESRC’s Doctoral Training Centres.
An important feature of the course is the exploration of different theoretical and methodological approaches and their connections to the real world of politics. Classes are taught by internationally recognised experts in politics and public policy and there is a vibrant and welcoming postgraduate community with MSc students from, for example, the USA, Turkey, Greece, Vietnam, India and Romania.
The course provides an understanding of:
- Basic principles of research design and strategy
- A range of research methods and their application
- The management of different types of data and the practical conduct of research
- Subject-specific knowledge appropriate to targeted PhD research.
Target Market
The course is designed to be suitable for two categories of student:
Full-time students who wish to specialise in political research in order to:
- proceed to a PhD by research using the skills acquired from the course
- help them obtain employment in a wide range of political, public sector, voluntary sector and private sector organisations.
- obtain an academic research job.
Part-time students who wish to proceed to part-time PhD study, or those already employed in political organisations, or public or voluntary sector organisations who wish to obtain knowledge and skills to enable them to fulfil such roles more effectively.
Course Structure
The MSc is organised into Core and Optional classes. Students also complete a dissertation.
The core courses are:
- Philosophy of Social Science - introduces questions of the intellectual status of social science, and debates about whether social science is a positivist, interpretative or critical discipline.
- Qualitative Methods - introduces the issues of qualitative research design and the range of qualitative techniques available for research. Both computer-based and other approaches are analysed.
- Quantitative Methods: Survey Methods - introduces the principles and practice of using survey methodology.
- Quantitative Methods: Statistics and Analysis - introduces some of the statistical tools which are available for the analysis of quantitative data and enables students to develop the ability to interpret social scientific data sensitively and sensibly.
Optional units are taught in both Semester 1 and 2 to provide students with a balanced and more specialised curriculum in parallel with the development of knowledge and skills accumulated in the core units.
Students choose two from a range of optional classes. Options may vary from year to year but normally include:
- Political Behaviour
- The European Policy Process
- Perspectives on British Governance
- Territorial Politics in Comparative Perspective
- Feminism and Politics
- Policy Analysis
- European Governance
- Political Parties
- Green Politics
- International Relations Theory In A Global Age
- Difference and Democracy
- The Welfare State In Comparative Public Policy
- European Political Economy
- Comparative Public Policy
Classes average 20 contact hours, with additional computer laboratory sessions for some methods classes. The course is designed not only to give students research skills, but also to enhance their ability to choose appropriate research methods and confront the issues of research design. Personal transferable skills are developed in the context of Principles and Practice of Research Design.
Assessment
Core and optional classes are assessed by a variety of methods including essays, options papers, and group projects and account for half the total assessment. The dissertation of 15,000 words also accounts for half the total assessment.
Duration of Course
12 months full-time; 24 months part-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally possess a first or upper second-class Honours degree in social science from a UK university, or equivalent qualification.
Fees
Fees are quoted for the academic year 2012/2013, and may be subject to review in subsequent years.
Home (UK/EU) Full-time: £3,400
Home (UK/EU) Part-time: £1,700 per annum
Overseas (International) Full-time: £10,200
Overseas (International) Part-time: £5,100 per annum
All fees are subject to ratification by Senate.
Contacts
Dr Stratos Patrikios , Postgraduate Coordinator : MSc Programmes
Heather Stenhouse, Administrative Contact: MSc Programmes
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.