Politics and International Studies MRes

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

This MRes combines cutting-edge training in research methods with deep engagement in global politics and international studies, giving you the skills to analyse data, interpret global trends and conduct rigorous independent research. It’s ideal for students who want to build a solid foundation for academic research, policy work, or data-driven roles in government, NGOs or international organisations.

Curriculum structure

The programme runs for 12 months (full-time) — designed to teach you advanced research skills and let you apply them in a substantial independent project.

In the early part of the MRes, you’ll study core modules like Advanced Quantitative Methods and Advanced Qualitative Methods, which immerse you in statistical analysis, data handling, surveys, interviews and comparative-case design — equipping you with hands-on tools to analyse social and political phenomena.

Alongside methods training, you’ll explore political and international studies themes — for instance Global Political Economy, regional politics (e.g. Asia & the world), human rights, international justice, and broader IR topics — giving you both breadth and depth in understanding global affairs.

In the latter part of the year, you work on an independent research essay / dissertation, applying your methodological skills and thematic knowledge to a research question of your choice — under faculty supervision, this gives you real-world research experience, critical thinking ability, and a strong academic output.

Focus areas

“Political theory & international relations; quantitative & qualitative social-science research methods; global political economy; human rights & international justice; regional politics (e.g. Asia & global south); data-driven political analysis”

Learning outcomes

“You will master advanced research methods (both quantitative and qualitative), learn to design and conduct independent political and social-science research, gain ability to analyse complex global political issues using data and theory, and produce high-quality, policy-relevant or academic-standard research outputs.”

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Bath, the MRes is built around research-led training — not just lectures — so you learn real social-science methods, data analysis, and political research. You also benefit from being part of a vibrant research community in the department, with access to dedicated research-centres, computing and library facilities, and supervision for a full-scale independent research project. These aren’t just “extras” — they are core to the learning experience, letting you build skills that matter whether you aim for a PhD or policy / research-oriented work.

Here are some of the concrete experiential learning supports you get with this MRes:

Access to active research centres and projects: The department’s research section shows that PoLIS (Politics, Languages & International Studies) engages in research on governance, technology and security, violence and conflict, digital politics, and more — giving students the chance to follow or even contribute to ongoing research themes.
Advanced methodological training + dissertation research: The programme emphasises both quantitative and qualitative methods (core modules such as Advanced Quantitative Methods, Advanced Qualitative Methods, social research skills), and culminates in an independent dissertation — giving you hands-on practice in data collection/analysis, research design, and academic writing.
Access to campus research infrastructure & study-space: The university’s main campus includes a library open 24/7 with computing services, information resources, journals, and study spaces — ideal for in-depth literature reviews, data work, and independent study needed for the MRes.
Interdisciplinary exposure and flexibility: The MRes allows optional units across politics and international studies topics (e.g. global political economy, human rights, regional politics, international justice), enabling you to tailor your research interests and skills — a key experiential benefit if you want to specialise or diversify.
Strong preparation for further research or data-driven roles: As per the university, MRes degrees (including this one) are explicitly designed to prepare students for doctoral (PhD) work or “a range of careers requiring data analysis skills.”

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates with the MRes often go on to roles such as Policy Analyst, Research Associate / Social-Science Researcher, International Affairs Advisor / Consultant, or Think-Tank Analyst — because the program gives you strong research and analytical skills, which are valued in government, NGOs, consultancy, international organisations and academia. With University of Bath’s strong employability record, you’ll be well placed for meaningful, high-skilled work soon after graduation.

Here’s how Bath supports you — and what outcomes you could realistically expect:

University employability services: Bath’s central Careers & Employability service helps graduates with CV writing, interview training, employer-network events, and job search guidance — useful when you’re transitioning from study to work.
Strong overall graduate outcomes: As per the latest data, Bath is ranked 6th in the UK for high-skilled employment 15 months after graduation, with 89% of its graduates securing high-skilled jobs.
Good earnings prospects: For politics and related graduates from Bath, one source reports an average salary of around £34,000 within 15 months, with typical 3-year and 5-year earnings rising further for many (bearing in mind variation based on role and sector).
Versatility across sectors and roles: The skills you acquire — quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, political/social analysis — are valued across government, public policy think-tanks, NGOs, consultancy firms, media, and international organisations. This flexibility broadens your employability beyond narrowly defined IR/politics jobs.
Long-term academic credibility: Because the MRes is explicitly designed for research-orientation, it’s a strong foundation if you aim for a PhD or academic research career — making it useful whether you enter the workforce now or plan further study.