MRes Political Science at University of Essex

Programme overview

The MRes Political Science is a two-year postgraduate taught programme (not a research-level degree) that provides rigorous training in research design and methods to prepare students for PhD study in any sub-field of political science, or for employment using research skills. It is taught in the Department of Government at the Colchester Campus.

Department: Department of Government | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Across two years students take modules on theories of political explanation, research design and empirical and mixed research methods, including Championing Your Research Idea and Introduction to Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis I and II, with Government and summer options, while developing a 35,000-word (90-credit) dissertation.

Career pathways

The MRes puts graduates in a strong position for PhD or MPhil research in government and politics, ideology and discourse analysis, international relations, political behaviour and political economy; graduates also work at organisations including the Civil Service, local government, the World Bank, the United Nations, NATO and YouGov.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2.2 degree or international equivalent in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics or United States Politics; OR a 2.2 in any subject including two relevant modules (e.g. comparative political systems, democratic theory, econometrics, political economy, public policy analysis). Also considered: unrelated degree with at least 5 years of work experience (e.g. NGO, UN, government; CV required), a lower class degree with relevant modules passed at 2.2 or above, or a first class degree in any subject. English: IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all components (pre-sessional English pathway available).

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,600 a year. Fees increase for each academic year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 25,075 a year. Fees increase for each academic year of study Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time

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