Social Science Research (Political Science and International Relations) MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Nottingham

Program Overview

The Social Science Research (Political Science and International Relations) MA at the University of Nottingham is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) program designed for students passionate about diving deep into political research, led by experts tackling real-world issues like security, terrorism, diplomacy, and international political economy. It suits those with a 2:1 degree who want to build advanced research skills for PhD paths, academia, or roles in government, think tanks, NGOs, and beyond, blending core methods training with politics-focused modules and a substantial dissertation.

### Curriculum Structure
This intensive MA equips you with rigorous research skills through a structured mix of core modules. You'll start with 60 credits of core research methods modules to master quantitative and qualitative techniques, then add 60 credits of advanced research methods or politics-specific training—like modules in security studies, diplomacy, or international political economy—and cap it off with a 60-credit dissertation where you conduct original research on a topic of your choice, supported by a supervisor. Teaching happens via lectures, seminars, workshops, and one-on-one guidance from your tutor or dissertation supervisor, with assessments through coursework, exams, and that key dissertation—expect about 200 hours per 20-credit module of guided and independent work.

### Focus Areas
security and terrorism, diplomacy, international political economy

### Learning Outcomes
Develop in-depth knowledge and skills for extensive research; graduate ready for research posts in academic, voluntary, private, and third-sector settings; produce a 60-credit dissertation showcasing your expertise

### Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This program aligns perfectly with ESRC-funded pathways like the Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership, offering a strong foundation for PhD funding and research careers—it's designed for those eyeing academia or policy research, with eligibility for the UK Graduate immigration route post-study.

### Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Nottingham is 1st in the UK and 7th in the world for politics (Complete University Guide Subject Rankings 2026; QS World University Rankings 2026), and the most targeted university by top UK employers (top 10 since 2013, The Graduate Market, High Fliers Research 2024). Graduates land roles like researchers, consultants, and lecturers at places such as the BBC, GCHQ, Reuters, and the EU.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now and let's chat about how this fits your goals: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/course/taught/social-science-research-political-science-and-international-relations-ma

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Nottingham's Social Science Research (Political Science and International Relations) MA, you'll dive into hands-on experiential learning that builds real-world research skills right from the start. You'll master practical methods like qualitative research design, data analysis with political datasets on topics such as voter turnout and social capital, and ethical research organization—all through interactive formats that go beyond lectures. This means working directly with cutting-edge tools and techniques used by top researchers, preparing you perfectly for a PhD, academic career, or policy role, all supported by the Nottingham ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for advanced, ESRC-aligned training.

Here's how you'll gain those practical edges, tailored to this program:
- Group projects and seminars: Engage in small-group discussions, student presentations, workshops, and case study analysis to refine your ideas collaboratively, including exploring research designs from problem identification to data collection.
- Individual dissertation with supervision: Plan, design, and execute your own independent research project on a Political Science or International Relations topic, guided one-on-one by academic staff for deep, personalized skill-building.
- Dataset analysis and quantitative tools: Hands-on work with real political science datasets (e.g., on cabinet duration, demonstrations, and class voting), plus modules on analytical techniques taught via the ESRC DTC.
- Qualitative and interview methods: Practical sessions on individual/group interviews, focus groups, structured/semi-structured styles, and using stimuli like vignettes—drawn from the program's broad social science training.
- Advanced training options: Access 20+ credits of subject-specific or advanced modules across the Midlands Graduate School partnership, including research impact tools and platforms via university research training resources.
- Personalized support: Regular one-on-one chats with your personal tutor, programme director, or dissertation supervisor, plus independent study tied to 200 hours per module of mixed lectures, seminars, and self-directed work.

This program is your launchpad to expert-level research—imagine applying these skills at leading think tanks or universities. Ready to take the next step? Check the full University of Nottingham facilities list here: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/facilities.aspx. Apply now and let's chat about making it happen!

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Nottingham's Social Science Research (Political Science and International Relations) MA, you'll dive into hands-on experiential learning that builds real-world research skills right from the start, using cutting-edge methods and tools tailored to political science and international relations. You'll master practical techniques like qualitative research design, data analysis with political datasets (covering topics such as voter turnout, social capital, and demonstration activity), and ethical research organization through interactive workshops and seminars. This isn't just theory—it's about applying social science methods in small-group discussions, presentations, case study analysis, and independent projects supervised by expert staff from the School of Politics and International Relations and the Nottingham ESRC Doctoral Training Centre.

Here's how you'll gain those practical edges, with specific program features designed for aspiring researchers:
- Group projects and discussions: Engage in small-group seminars, workshops, and student presentations to debate research designs, analyze case studies, and refine ideas collaboratively—perfect for tackling complex political issues.
- Individual dissertation with supervision: Plan, design, and execute your own research project on a politics or IR topic of your choice, with one-on-one guidance from academic staff to hone advanced skills.
- Political science datasets and analysis tools: Work hands-on with real datasets on topics like cabinet duration, class voting, and protest activity, building expertise in data handling and interpretation—no specific software named, but focused on core social science research techniques.
- Qualitative and research design training: Explore problem identification, sampling, interviews, and ethical organization through practical sessions on contrasting qualitative approaches.
- ESRC-aligned advanced training: Access subject-specific modules (at least 20 credits) plus optional advanced options across the Midlands Graduate School partnership, preparing you for PhD-level work.
- Dedicated support facilities: Benefit from personal tutor sessions, program director discussions, and the Nottingham ESRC Doctoral Training Centre for research-focused resources.

This program sets you up perfectly for a research career or PhD—imagine contributing to global politics debates with skills honed at a top-ranked uni. Ready to apply? Check the full facilities and resources here: [University of Nottingham Postgraduate Facilities](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/courses/courses.aspx?level=taught). Let's chat about your next steps!