Politics (Research) MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Newcastle University

Program Overview

The MA Politics (Research) at Newcastle University is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) program designed for students passionate about diving deep into political science, equipping you with advanced research skills in qualitative and quantitative methods to launch a PhD or research-focused career. It's ideal if you're analytically minded, eager to tackle real-world political issues like security, social justice, and participation, and want ESRC-recognized training that stands out on funding applications or CVs.

### Curriculum structure
In your first (and only) year of intensive study, you'll build a strong foundation through compulsory modules like Thinking about Research (10 credits), Information Skills (10 credits), and Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (20 credits), where you'll master planning research projects, handling data sources, and applying ethical approaches to political questions via seminars, workshops, and practicals. You'll then sharpen your analytical edge with Quantitative Analysis (20 credits) and The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge (10 credits), learning to select data collection methods, evaluate evidence critically, and use stats software for politics-specific problems, all while getting hands-on in team-based sessions. The year culminates in core politics modules like Thinking About Politics (20 credits) alongside 70 credits from the HASS Faculty Research Training Programme, plus your 60-credit Dissertation, where you'll produce a publishable 6,000-word research article on a topic of your choice, supported by ethics training and supervisor feedback.

Focus areas: Specialize in cutting-edge politics research like political theory, international politics (including critical security and environmental policy), political participation, quantitative methods, British politics, global justice, race/ethnicity, gender, and interdisciplinary themes bridging empirical science and theory.

Learning outcomes: Gain advanced knowledge of political science methods for independent research; specialist skills for PhD progression or research-heavy careers; proficiency in qualitative/quantitative analysis, data ethics, and dissemination via dissertations and publications.

Professional alignment (accreditation): ESRC-recognized training via the NINE Doctoral Training Partnership, preparing you for doctoral funding; no formal accreditation but aligns with QAA Level 7 benchmarks for social sciences research.

Reputation (employability rankings): Newcastle's Politics department boasts over 45 expert staff in a supportive, research-led environment ranked highly for wide-ranging teaching in Politics and International Relations; graduates excel in academia, government, NGOs, media, and social research, with strong employability from our pluralistic, real-world focus.

[Official program page](https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/4026f/)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

# Why MA Politics (Research) at Newcastle University Offers Exceptional Experiential Learning

Newcastle's MA Politics (Research) is designed to equip you with genuine, marketable research skills through hands-on engagement rather than passive learning. You'll move beyond theory into practical application from day one, working with cutting-edge tools and methods that researchers actually use in academia and beyond.

The programme combines workshops, practical classes, lectures, seminars, and team-based problem-solving groups to ensure you're not just absorbing content—you're actively doing research. You'll be assessed through multiple formats including essays, research papers, research proposals, and a substantial dissertation, meaning you're constantly developing the ability to conduct, present, and defend original work. Throughout your studies, you'll work closely with personal tutors and research supervisors who provide one-to-one guidance, transforming your learning from isolated to collaborative and mentored.

Beyond the classroom, here's what makes this programme genuinely practical:

- Canvas Virtual Learning Environment: Submit assignments, access course materials, and receive written feedback through an integrated digital platform you'll use in professional research settings
- Compulsory research methodology modules: You'll complete "Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences" (20 credits) and "Quantitative Analysis" (20 credits), giving you dual competency in both research approaches
- Information Skills module (10 credits): Dedicated training in research information literacy—essential for independent scholarship
- The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge module (10 credits): Develops critical thinking about how knowledge itself is constructed and validated in politics
- Newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building: Your dedicated postgraduate space includes a dedicated postgraduate computer room and postgraduate common room, creating an environment where you'll collaborate with peers on complex problems
- Personal academic supervision: Assigned a staff member as your personal tutor who supports both academic and professional development throughout your year
- Access to Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences facilities: Including extensive library collections, language resources, and learning labs designed to support research-driven education

This isn't theoretical—it's training for real-world research independence.

For more details on all available facilities supporting your studies, visit the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences facilities page.

Progression & Future Opportunities

In the MA Politics (Research) at Newcastle University, you'll build practical research skills right from the start through hands-on workshops, practical classes, lectures, seminars, and team-based problem-solving groups that mirror real-world political analysis. You'll dive into modules like Qualitative Methodology, Quantitative Analysis, and Information Skills, using tools like Canvas—our Virtual Learning Environment—for submitting work, accessing module handbooks, course materials, group collaborations, and feedback, all while getting personalized guidance from academic staff, personal tutors, and research supervisors. Based in the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building, you'll have dedicated spaces designed for politics postgrads to sharpen your abilities in a supportive environment.

Here's how that experiential learning comes to life with specific program facilities and opportunities:
- Team-based problem-solving groups in modules to collaborate on political research challenges, assessed via reports, research proposals, and papers.
- Dedicated postgraduate computer room in the Henry Daysh Building for hands-on data analysis and quantitative work.
- Postgraduate common room for peer discussions, networking, and informal group study sessions.
- Canvas VLE as your core digital tool for group assignments, announcements, and research resources.
- Geography laboratories and field equipment available through the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology for politics-related research activities.
- Extensive library and museum collections supporting political research with historical and sociological materials.
- Personal tutor and supervisory support throughout, including access to academic staff for one-on-one research guidance.

This setup equips you with the real skills employers and PhD programs value—imagine turning your dissertation into a launchpad for impactful work in policy or academia. Ready to take that step? Head to our application portal and apply online today—it's straightforward, and you can save progress anytime. For the full facilities list, check [Newcastle University Facilities](https://www.ncl.ac.uk/hass/about/facilities/).