International Business and Politics MRes

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MRes International Business and Politics at Queen Mary University of London offers a unique combination of global business insight and political analysis, helping you understand how economic, social, and political forces shape international markets and organizations. It’s ideal for students aiming to pursue high-level research, a PhD, or strategic roles in multinational companies and policy organizations.

Curriculum structure:

Year (1st & only year – research-focused):
This one-year MRes blends rigorous research training with specialist business and politics study. You will develop essential research skills through modules such as Epistemology, Research Design, Qualitative Methods, and Quantitative Methods and Data, preparing you to design and critically evaluate complex research projects. Alongside this, you can choose four elective modules from options like Global Supply Chain Management, Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development, and Multinationals and Global Business, allowing you to explore how policies, markets, and global value chains interact. The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, where you conduct independent research on a topic of your choice under expert supervision, providing a strong foundation for doctoral study or specialized professional roles.

Focus areas: research methods, political economy, global business strategy, critical analysis of international markets

Learning outcomes: develop advanced research design and analytical skills; apply both quantitative and qualitative methods; understand global business dynamics and political influences; produce an original research dissertation demonstrating autonomy and academic rigour

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program is part of Queen Mary’s School of Business and Management, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an internationally recognized mark of quality in business education

Reputation (employability and research excellence): Queen Mary is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities, and its School of Business and Management has strong research impact and quality, signaling the value of this qualification to employers and academic peers

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, this MRes goes far beyond traditional lectures — you’ll gain hands-on research experience and engage with professional tools and academic communities that bring your learning to life. You’ll develop advanced quantitative and qualitative skills using software like R, and your dissertation project allows you to design and carry out independent research under expert supervision. The School’s lively research culture also gives you the chance to attend seminars and symposia alongside PhD students and peers from partner institutions, providing a true experience of graduate-level research and collaboration:

Opportunities and facilities to enhance your learning include:

Dedicated research training modules that teach qualitative and quantitative methods, including hands-on use of statistical software for data analysis and interpretation.
Participation in the School’s PhD Research Seminar Series and annual Symposium, where you can engage with live academic research and present your own ideas.
Collaboration and networking with students and researchers from partner universities through the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, helping you build important academic and professional connections.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities on the Mile End campus, including media suites with editing tools, collaborative “Think Pod” spaces for group work with video conferencing capabilities, and the Graduate Centre with dedicated postgraduate study areas.
Extensive academic resources such as The British Library, Senate House Library, and other world-class research libraries that support deep dives into literature, data, and historical sources relevant to your dissertation.

These experiences give you practical skills in research design, data analysis, academic communication, and professional networking — all directly applicable whether you pursue a PhD, a research-focused career, or strategic roles in international business and policy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MRes International Business and Politics at Queen Mary University of London are well equipped for careers that combine global business insight with political analysis and research expertise. You’ll develop the skills employers value across sectors, opening doors to roles such as Policy Analyst, International Business Consultant, Research Associate, or Strategic Advisor in multinational organisations:

Support from university services: The Queen Mary Careers and Enterprise Centre offers tailored careers coaching, CV and application guidance, mock interviews, employer networking events, workshops, and internship opportunities. The School of Business and Management also runs mentoring schemes and industry spotlight sessions to help you build a strong professional network.
Employment outcomes: Around 85% of graduates from the School of Business and Management enter employment or further study within 15 months, with an average starting salary of about £30,000 for those reporting outcomes.
University–industry connections: Queen Mary is known for strong engagement with employers and industry events, helping graduates access opportunities across consulting, finance, public policy, research organisations, and international NGOs.
Long-term accreditation and value: As a Russell Group university with AACSB-accredited business programmes, your degree carries international recognition and credibility, supporting long-term career growth.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni move into a range of roles in consulting, finance, public policy, research, and international organisations, demonstrating the versatility and impact of a Queen Mary postgraduate qualification.

Further Academic Progression:
This MRes is an excellent foundation for doctoral study. Many graduates go on to pursue a PhD in International Business, Political Economy, Global Public Policy, or related fields, including opportunities for ESRC-funded research and interdisciplinary doctoral training. You could also continue with specialised master’s degrees in areas such as International Development, Public Policy, Global Governance, or Advanced Business Research, further deepening your expertise and expanding career pathways.