Research Methods (Politics, International Relations, Security) MA

Course Summary

This is a degree offered in collaboration with other departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences. It is designed to provide a strong all round training in research methods allied to further specialisation within the fields of politics, international relations and security for those intending to go on to register for a PhD. As such it implements the ESRC research training guidelines for '1+3' PhD students, and includes compulsory elements in a wide variety of techniques including statistics and quantitative methods, but contains less subject-specific content than the other MA courses.

Course Learning and Teaching

At the beginning of the academic year, you will go through five-day induction events in which you are informed about University, the School, the MA/MSc courses and the facilities available. This 180 credit one-year MA degree is divided into two core module, with a selection of optional modules. Furthermore, you will submit a dissertation of 60 credits of not more than 12,000 words. Most of the modules are delivered during the first two terms and you will spend the remaining time writing your dissertation.

Usually, a module has 18 contact hours spread over 9 weeks and 132 hours of self-directed learning. The modules are mainly delivered through weekly 2 hours sessions which can either take the form of seminars or one hour of lecture and one hour of tutorial. The form in which seminars are conducted can differ from one module to another. Typically modules would have elements of lectures, discussions, and presentations from students—the extent of each of these components would differ from one module to another.

All modules have written exercise for formative assessments. Upon getting feedback on these assignments, you can meet your lecturers to discuss marks before then eventually completing a summative assessment. Typically summative assessments are 3000 word essays but some modules may be assessed by examination. You can also meet your module coordinators during weekly contact hours or by making an appointment. When you are working on your dissertation during the latter half of the year, you will meet your assigned supervisors for a minimum of 6 hours. You will also have access to the academic advisors whenever there is a need.

Career Opportunities

Our students go on to a wide range of successful careers including civil service and other government agencies, UN/INGOs/CSOs, journalism, media, teaching, law, banking and finance, diplomatic services and risk analysis.

Students need to have UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement. Two satisfactory academic references. In cases of applicants who have significant relevant experience, one work-related reference and one academic reference would be considered appropriate.