International Relations and Security MRes

University of Liverpool

Combine an overview of international relations theories with tailored theoretical and methodological approaches aligned to your proposed research project. Under expert supervision, you’ll produce a major piece of independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge and offers ideal preparation for PhD study.IntroductionThis MRes provides a personalised and focused introduction to postgraduate research. It will enable you to develop into an independent researcher and produce an original research project, supported by an expert in international relations and security.The programme provides intensive preparation for doctoral research and your future career. We’ll guide you through the research process, equipping you with transferable skills, including critical thinking, project management, written and verbal communication, and problem solving.Training in research methodologies will be tailored to international relations and security and your specific research proposal. You’ll co-design a bespoke reading list and individual assessment tasks in preparation for a substantial piece of research.You’ll discover how to develop a research proposal, identify relevant evidence and sources, plan and undertake the research, and analyse and present your findings.Key theories in international relations, from their philosophical roots to contemporary debates, will be explored and their application to current international security challenges examined.You’ll be supported by academic experts in the Department of Politics. Our team of MRes supervisors are actively engaged in political research. Their specialisms include international relations, security studies, political science, political communication, populism and religion.What you'll learnStrengths and weaknesses of key theories in international relationsThe application of international relations theories to key issues in international securityMethodological approaches appropriate to specific research topicsHow to design a robust research proposalHow to identify relevant evidence and sourcesHow to plan and conduct a major piece of original, independent researchHow to collect, interpret and analyse data and present your findingsProject management and problem-solving skillsHow to prepare a bibliography.