Political Research (MSc)

Why this course?

The MSc in Political Research provides you with focused training in research methods. It helps you to develop your professional skills in empirical political science.

The course explores different methodological approaches and their application to real-life political problems. It equips you with key transferable skills in:
- research design
- a range of research methods and their application
- the management of different types of data

See the website https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/politicalresearch/

You’ll study

Along with giving you research skills, this course will enhance your ability to choose appropriate research methods and confront the issues of research design.
It's organised into core and optional classes. You’ll also complete a dissertation.

Study abroad

You can do a research placement through the Erasmus programme.
Options range from Finland to Italy, and from Portugal to Slovakia.

Facilities

Established in 2010, the School of Government and Public Policy integrates the Department of Government with three research centres:
- European Policies Research Centre
- Centre for the Study of Public Policy
- Centre for Elections and Representation Studies

English language requirements

If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Border Agency (please check most up-to-date list) or you have successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you do not need to present any additional evidence.
For others, the School requires a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual component below 5.5. Pre-sessional courses in English are available.
If you are from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), please check English requirements before making your application.

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options

To find out more about the courses and opportunities on offer visit isc.strath.ac.uk or call today on +44 (0) 1273 339333 and discuss your education future. You can also complete the online application form, or to ask a question please fill in the enquiry form and talk to one of our multi-lingual Student Enrolment Advisers today.

Learning & teaching

The MSc in Political Research is designed not only to give you research skills, but also to enhance your ability to choose appropriate research methods and confront the issues of research design. The course is organised into core and optional classes. You'll also complete a dissertation.

You receive training with a strong empirical focus, and supervision in small-group seminars and in individual sessions You’ll receive considerable time and attention from our staff.

Classes average 20 contact hours, with additional computer laboratory sessions for some methods classes.

Part-time students attend classes across two academic years. They then work on their dissertation over the course of 10 months.

Indicative readings:
- Berg, B.L. (2004).Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Pearson
- Box-Steffensmeier, J.M., Brady, H.F. and Collier, D. (2008). The Oxford Handbook of Political Methodology. Oxford University Press
- Gerring, J. (2012). Social Science Methodology: A Unified Framework. Cambridge University Press
- King, G., Keohane, R. and Verba, S. (1994). Designing Social Inquiry. Princeton University Press

Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways like essays, options papers and group projects.
These account for two thirds of the total assessment while your dissertation accounts for one third of the total assessment.

Careers

- Where are they now?
Examples of organisations our graduates work for:
Audit Scotland
Centre for African Family Studies
Centre for Scottish Public Policy
Confederation of Passenger Transport
German Red Cross
Hall Aitken Associates
Health and Social Care Alliance
HMRC
Invicta Public Affairs
Ministry of Finance Iceland
Morgan Stanley
National Centre for Social Research
NHS
Ofgem
Santander Bank UK
Scottish Council for Development and Industry
Scottish Refugee Council
Serco Group
The Improvement Service
The Scottish Parliament
United Nations Development Programme
West and Central Voluntary Network

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.strath.ac.uk/search/scholarships/index.jsp

First or upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in social science.