Politics MRes

Birkbeck, University of London

Equipping you with the skills to design and conduct independent research, this MRes Politics is ideal for helping you to develop a research career or prepare for PhD study in politics, public policy and international relations. Why choose this course? It offers you training in research skills, including beginner to advanced social data analysis, qualitative methods and experimental design. It is taught by leading researchers at the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research and the Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life. It is recognised by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for the award of 1+3 studentships which are designed to fund students for a course of postgraduate study combining a taught Master's degree and a PhD. What you will learn This course’s core modules are designed to strengthen your fundamental approaches to social and political research: statistical analysis and qualitative methods. You will then be able to specialise in more advanced methods, including social science experiments and advanced data analysis. Option modules offer you further methods training and deeper understanding across a range of subjects within the broad field of political studies including politics, international relations and public policy. How you will learn All core methods training modules can be studied either on campus or online. You will also have access to pre-recorded lectures, and the course benefits from coursework and seminars that will help you focus on mastering the craft of social research. Your studies culminate in the completion of a research dissertation in which you will apply the skills you have learned to tackle a research question of your choice. This course follows an evening timetable with all classes taking place in the evening.