ObjectivesThe course can serve as the first stage of an ESRC funded ‘1+3’ research training programme or for those wanting to acquire specialist research skills in preparation for a doctoral programme. The degree aims to equip students with a combination of the philosophical grasp and the specific techniques required for research in politics. It addresses central issues in the philosophy of social science, political research methods and data analysis in its core modules, and allows students to specialise in a particular area of politics in option modules. These research skills are then applied in an extended dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice. The course involves a variety of teaching and learning strategies, which guide the student gradually towards the implementation of their own, supervised, research-based dissertation. Students are encouraged to think about the implications of different methodological and theoretical approaches, whilst pursuing their own research in their chosen area of interest.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Either a first or a good second class honours degree from a British university or its equivalent, in Politics, History, International Relations or other related subjects.
Academic titleMSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Political Research
Course descriptionCourse modules
Core:
-Knowledge and Method
-Approaches to Political Research
-Introductory Data Analysis
-Research in Context
-Dissertation
Option modules:
-The Modes of Diplomacy
-Democracy in East Central Europe
-American Interventionism since 1993
-Diplomatic Systems
-Democracy and Legitimacy in the EU
-South African Foreign Policy
Teaching and assessment methods
The core modules are examined by mixture of assessed essay and unseen examination. The optional modules are examined by a class presentation and an assessed essay. All teaching is by seminars. MA/MSc students who have passed all forms of assessment will be able to proceed to write a supervised dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words in length