MA/PGDip in Politics
University of Birmingham - College of Social Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 10,530 / per year **
Application deadline
30 Aug 2024*
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* deadline for UK students I 7 May 2024 is the application deadline for international students
** For the Masters: £10,530 FT (UK) £5,265 PT (UK) £24,120 FT (International) | For the Postgraduate diploma: £7,020 FT (UK) £16,080 FT (International)
Introduction
Our Masters in Politics offers you insights into the causes and consequences of a variety of different political phenomena across the globe.
On our MA in Politics, you will explore key controversies in political science from a variety of different perspectives. You will be introduced to the major concepts in political science and learn to apply those concepts and approaches to explain the variety of political phenomena across the globe. You will learn through a blend of lectures, seminars and individual research.
The Politics MA examines central questions of political science related to power, the state and the sources of political change. It is designed for students who are either familiar with the study of political science and issues at the undergraduate level or who are enthusiastic to focus on this area of study at the postgraduate level.
You will take two core modules, Doing Political Research and Varieties of Politics that will provide you with a foundation for thinking about the subject. You then design the rest of the programme around your own interests by selecting four modules from a wide range of options. The flexibility of this programme is ideal for those with a broad range of interests in politics or for those who want to construct a curriculum around a particular area of interest.
As a postgraduate student studying for a Masters in Politics, you will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events. You will be welcomed as a member of a variety of research groups, including those focused on British Politics, Asian Politics, Middle East Politics, European Studies, Political Economy, Parties, Voters and Elections. This group includes members of academic staff and postgraduate research students who meet regularly to discuss their own research, recent publications and to organise research events including inviting visiting speakers.
Key issues and questions examined throughout this Masters in Politics include:
- Where does power lie and how is it exercised?
- What is the role of the state and what is its relationship to society?
- Why are democracies not ubiquitous and why do we see a mixture of democratic and non-democratic regimes across the globe?
- Why do democracies vary in their form and content?
- Who wins elections and why?
- What role do electoral systems, social context and campaigning play in determining election outcomes?
- Why does political conflict emerge and how can it be managed?
Why study this course?
- Choose from an extensive range of optional modules
- Study in a supportive environment with research-active political scientists
- Be a part of one or more of the research groups e.g. British Politics, Asian Politics, Middle East Politics, European Studies, Political Economy, and Parties, Voters and Elections
- Participate in a range of intellectual and social events alongside your programme
Gallery
Ideal Students
Who is the programme for?
This Masters in Politics will be of interest and benefit to those interested in government, the civil service, international organizations and NGOs. In all cases, students are encouraged to work closely with staff in a supportive and intellectually-committed environment.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Postgraduate Loans for Masters students
The Postgraduate Student Loan has increased its maximum loan amount to £12,167 (for 2023/2024 entry). For more detailed information visit our Postgraduate funding page.
Scholarships and studentships
See the departmental scholarships and funding pages.
Other funding may be available. International Students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.
For further information contact the School directly or visit StudentHelp.
Curriculum
Compulsory modules
- Doing Political Research
- Varieties of Politics
- Dissertation
Optional modules
You will choose 4 modules from the POLSIS optional modules list. .
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the School have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.
The School takes employability very seriously and as well as linking students to the central careers services, also incorporates opportunities to enhance their employment prospects, including highlighting work experience opportunities, encouraging volunteering in extra-curricular projects (such as student seminars and events) and inviting backgrounds for students to meet.
Careers Networks
The Careers Network provides a dedicated service to help you find work experience or internship opportunities outside of your studies, either part-time during term-time, or over the summer vacation. Right from the start of your degree, you will have access to our interactive careers service, through which many regional, national and international employers advertise their vacancies, and your college internship officers will go out and about to find vacancies that will be useful addition to your CV.