Mres in Politics And International Relations

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The MRes Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading is a research-focused master’s designed to give you a strong foundation in advanced political and international studies while preparing you for doctoral research or research-led careers in policy, think tanks, international organisations, or academia. This programme suits both students with a politics/IR background and those from other disciplines who want to build thorough research and analytical skills in global politics.

Curriculum structure

Year / Stage One (Research Training + Taught Modules)

From the outset, you’ll receive intensive training in the theory and practice of social science research. You’ll complete compulsory modules such as Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods, Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods and Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences, which together build your capability in designing, analysing and evaluating political research. This training is central to the MRes and underpins the rest of your studies, equipping you with the skills to interrogate data and theoretical frameworks with confidence.

Year / Stage Two (Optional Modules + Dissertation)

Alongside research methods, you’ll be encouraged — in consultation with your supervisor and programme director — to take additional substantive modules offered across the Department of Politics and International Relations, tailored to your intended area of PhD research or specialist interest. These may encompass topics from international relations theory to public policy analysis. You will then complete a major independent research dissertation (13,000–15,000 words), supported by a dedicated supervisor. This project gives you hands-on experience in framing research questions, applying appropriate methods, analysing findings and contributing original insight to the field.

Focus areas:

“Advanced research methods (qualitative, quantitative), philosophical foundations of social science, tailored subject modules in politics and international relations, independent dissertation research.”

Learning outcomes:

“You will develop expert competence in social science research design, critical evaluation of political theory and international relations scholarship, independence in carrying out major research projects, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly and persuasively — qualifying you for research degrees or research-intensive roles.”

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the strongest features of the MRes in Politics and International Relations is its emphasis on hands-on research training and real academic practice — you don’t just learn abstract ideas, you build actual skills used in research careers and doctoral work. The programme embeds research methods (both qualitative and quantitative), small-group seminars, real policy-oriented work and expert supervisor support so that you graduate not only with deep subject knowledge but with practical research techniques you can use immediately in academia, think-tanks, policy organisations or consultancy. This practical edge comes from the way seminars, research training and dissertation work are structured, and from being part of a department that engages regularly with real world politics and global governance through research centres and events.

Here’s how your experiential learning is structured and supported:

In-depth research-methods modules:
• Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods and Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods give you hands-on experience with designing and conducting actual research — from case analysis, interview techniques and archival work to statistical hypothesis testing and data interpretation.
Philosophical & ethical research grounding:
• Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences helps you engage critically with research assumptions, ethics, and methodological decisions — preparing you to make informed decisions in your own research design.
Small-group seminars and interactive classes:
• Sessions are built around discussion, peer debate, presentations and close academic supervision, so you regularly practise communication, collaboration and critical analysis — skills vital for research presentations, academic networking or policy briefings.
Tailored dissertation project:
• Your 13,000–15,000 word dissertation under expert academic supervision is the centrepiece of your practical learning — it’s a real research project where you develop questions, apply methods, analyse evidence and present findings as you would in a professional research environment.
Access to departmental research culture:
• You will be part of the Department of Politics and International Relations’ research community, which hosts seminars with visiting speakers, workshops, and interdisciplinary events across politics, security, diplomacy and public policy — giving you exposure to current debates and professional research networks.
University-wide academic resources:
• The University of Reading libraries and online research resources provide extensive access to journals, archives, databases and specialised software (e.g., bibliographic tools, statistical packages) that you will use for your dissertation and research projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MRes Politics and International Relations at Reading are well-prepared for research-intensive careers and advanced academic study, such as policy analyst, international relations researcher, government advisor or research officer in research institutes and NGOs. Because this programme builds rigorous research training and gives qualification recognition for ESRC three-year studentships, many students transition into PhD research or research roles while others enter organisations needing high-level analytical skills.

Here’s how Reading supports your future progression and what outcomes you can expect:

• University careers support: The University of Reading’s Careers Service provides long-term guidance including workshops, one-to-one appointments, targeted sector advice, employer events and access to graduate job listings — and support continues for up to two years after you graduate.

• Strong graduate outcome indicators: Although specific MRes outcomes aren’t broken down publicly, Politics & International Relations postgraduate degrees at Reading — closely related to this research track — show 95.2 % of graduates in work or further study within 15 months, according to official HESA Graduate Outcomes data.

• Academic and research quality: With 97 % of Politics & International Studies research rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF 2021, employers and doctoral programmes value the depth and quality of research training you receive.

• Preparation for research careers & policy roles: Because your dissertation and methods training are central to the programme, you leave equipped for professional research roles in think-tanks, research units, NGOs, government departments, or pursue doctoral research directly thanks to ESRC recognition that enables eligibility for three-year funded PhD studentships.

• Engagement with experts & research community: Learning from staff whose research influences public policy, international organisations and academic discussions also expands your professional network and credibility when applying to research or policy-focused positions.