Political Science MSc

Overview

The MSc Political Science will allow you to apply theories, methods, techniques and concepts to a range of substantive problems, as well as developing analytical skills in key areas of political science research.

You will also have the opportunity to focus your studies on either data analytics or media and democracy. Focusing on data analytics will allow you to expand your analytical abilities through game theory and will give you the opportunity to work with different types of data relevant for quantitative political research and use different types of statistical research methods to answer research questions and test theoretical hypotheses.

By focusing on media and democracy you will learn about methods of analysing political issues in the modern media environment, and will be introduced to a range of concepts and approaches to the study of media and democratic politics. You will also develop the methodological tools required to critically analyse the ways in which the media depict political events, news and phenomena.

Experience opportunities

All students on all our degree schemes, including international students, have access to hundreds of volunteering opportunities through the Leeds for Life scheme. In addition, our dedicated careers team and in-School employability champions can work with you to attain work experience opportunities during and after your course.

Course content

This programme will focus on the development of analytical skills in several key areas of political science research.

You will take a core module in advanced political analysis, equipping you with core theoretical and applied knowledge within political science. You can then choose to focus on either data analytics or media and democracy and further explore your interests with optional modules and a dissertation..

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Political Science MSc in the course catalogue

Modules

_{Compulsory modules}

• Advanced Political Analysis
• POLIS MA Dissertation

PLUS CHOOSE TWO specialist modules from the list below:

• Analysing Data in Political Science
• Conflict, Co-operation and Strategic Decision Making
• Elections and Voters
• Politics, Media and Democratic Engagement
• Research in Technology, Media and Politics

_{Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)}

• The Politics of Brexit
• Contemporary Politics of the Middle East
• International Political Economy
• Popular Culture: World Politics, Society and Culture
• International Relations and the Environment
• Political Theory in Action
• Global Justice

Learning and teaching

A combination of lectures and seminar discussion plus supervision for the dissertation module. You will be expected to do a significant amount of preparatory reading before each session, and emphasis will be on student-led discussion to build critical and reflective confidence in a group environment.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by varying combinations of exam and coursework, depending on the module.

Applying, fees and funding

_{English language requirements}

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Politics and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Politics and Society (10 weeks).

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

_{How to apply}

Application deadlines

• International students: 30 June
• UK/EU students: 31 July

APPLY (FULL TIME) 

APPLY (PART TIME) 

Documents and information you will need include:

• Original or certified copies of your transcripts
• Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
• Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)
• Details of two referees.

_Fees

Please see the website for fees information

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

_{Scholarships and financial support}

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

The course prepares you for a variety of careers including analytics, media and journalism or the Civil Service. Graduates of the programme would also be ideal candidates for PhD programmes for those wishing to pursue a career in academia.

Careers Support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Visit the Political Science MSc page on the University of Leeds website for more details!