MRes in Political Science, Goldsmiths, University of London

MRes in Political Science

The MRes in Political Science offers training in quantitative and qualitative research methods through the Graduate School, providing a firm foundation for later MPhil/PhD research. It also aims to develop skills that will be valuable in a wide range of careers.

Length:
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Applying:

Apply now

We recommend that you apply early in the academic year, especially if you intend to apply for funding. Admission is normally by interview except for those students residing outside the UK.

Find out more about applying

Entrance requirements:

For our MRes programme, you should normally hold, or expect to hold a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. The Department is committed to widening participation: we encourage you to apply if you have substantial relevant work experience, but lack the formal qualifications.

In such cases, entrance is by interview and submission of an essay on a topic determined by the Department. Applicants who do not have a relevant first degree are encouraged to approach the Department informally before submitting an application.

If your first language is not English, please check our English Language requirements.

Careers:
Aside from those wishing to pursue MPhil/PhD research, the MRes is especially relevant to those making their careers in political research or in research management. Civil servants and public officials in the early years of their career, and researchers or political assistants are likely to find the MRes particularly relevant to their personal and professional development. Mid-career public servants at local and national levels will benefit from the in-depth training provided.

Skills:
Research; communication; presentation skills.

Fees:
Please see Tuition fees.

Further information:

Please see more detailed information about this programme.

Staff research interests:
Please see Staff research interests.

Contact the department:
Contact Dr Rekha Diwakar

About the department:
Politics

Download a booklet [PDF, 799KB]

Beyond the core units dealing with how to carry out research, and tackling key issues in British/European politics/policy, which cover three units, you are given a range of choices for one optional unit. If you have a passionate interest in current European politics and the politics of the European Union, you will be able to take 'Government and Politics of the European Union'.

You will be able to explore contemporary British politics further through two half-units which deal with 1945 to 1997, and 1997 to the present and there are also options covering global politics and political theory.

Aside from those wishing to pursue MPhil/PhD research, the MRes is especially relevant to those making their careers in political research or in research management. Civil servants and public officials in the early years of their career, and researchers or political assistants are likely to find the MRes particularly relevant to their personal and professional development. Mid-career public servants at local and national levels will benefit from the in-depth training provided.

What you study

Full-time and part-time study

Full-time students complete the programme in one calendar year. Part-time students take two courses in research methods, and option courses to 30 credits in their first year and 30 credits and the dissertation in the following year. The dissertation must be completed and submitted by mid-September of the year of completion.

The MRes consists of three core units and one optional unit (comprised of either one full-unit or two half-units). In addition, you carry out original research, under supervision, and write a dissertation.

Core courses

Qualitative Methods for Research Students (30 credits)
Qualitative Methods for Research Students (30 credits)
Risk in Contemporary Politics (30 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)

Options

You choose 30 CATS from a range of courses offered by the department.

Dissertation and research supervision

You are also required to write a Dissertation of not more than 10,000 words in the general area international studies, the precise topic to be selected with the approval of a member of staff acting as your supervisor.

Assessment

Dissertation; essays.

Register your interest

If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.