Political Research MRes

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

# MRes in Political Research – University of Aberdeen

The MRes in Political Research is a one-year, research-focused postgraduate degree designed to equip you with advanced training in political science and international relations while developing the methodological expertise needed for doctoral study or professional research careers. If you're passionate about understanding power, governance, and global politics, and you want to develop your own original research project from day one, this programme is an ideal springboard for your academic and professional future.

## Curriculum Structure

Year 1 forms the foundation of your research training, combining rigorous coursework with the early stages of your own independent research project. You'll engage with core research methods modules—both qualitative and quantitative approaches—alongside advanced political theory that provides the conceptual frameworks for understanding contemporary political challenges. Courses such as Politics and International Relations will give you the theoretical and conceptual underpinning essential for the PIR component of your studies, examining central theoretical concepts that anchor your later research work.

Throughout the year, you'll also complete compulsory social science training courses that build your transferable skills for graduate employment across sectors. As the year progresses, you'll work closely with academic supervisors to develop and refine your research proposal, preparing the groundwork for your dissertation. The programme encourages you to tailor your training around specific areas of interest—whether that's political theory, international relations, governance, or policy analysis.

By year's end, you'll submit a 14,000-word research dissertation with a 500-word summary, demonstrating your capacity to conduct independent, theoretically informed research. This dissertation isn't just an assessment; for many students, it becomes the foundation for a PhD research proposal, positioning you perfectly if doctoral study is your next step.

## Focus Areas

Politics and international relations, with specialisms in political and IR theory, postcolonial theory, precarity and affect, aesthetics and politics, temporality, globalisation and global governance, and knowledge production in social science.

## Learning Outcomes

You'll develop the knowledge, understanding, and competence to deploy qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis in theoretically informed research; gain practical, intellectual, and critical skills in a substantive area of your choice; and acquire transferable skills applicable across public, private, and third-sector employment.

## Professional Alignment

If you hold only an undergraduate degree, the MRes is the recommended entry point before pursuing a PhD in Politics and International Relations. The programme equips you with research training that meets the prerequisite expectations for advanced doctoral study and positions you competitively for research-focused roles in government, international institutions, think tanks, and policy organisations.

## Reputation & Employability

The University of Aberdeen's School of Social Science is nationally and internationally recognised for providing rigorous training in social research and equipping postgraduate students with broader transferable skills. Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen is noted as a unique combination in Scotland, focusing on the role of politics, power, states, and governments in an ever-changing global context.

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[Apply now: MRes in Political Research at University of Aberdeen](https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/degree-programmes/1199/social-science/)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Aberdeen, the Political Research MRes immerses you in hands-on research training right from the start, building practical skills in qualitative and quantitative methods through advanced courses and your own supervised project. You'll apply these tools to real-world political topics you choose, developing expertise in data collection, analysis, and critical evaluation—skills that employers in government, policy, and research sectors actively seek. This isn't just theory; it's tailored training in the School of Social Science that prepares you for doctoral work or professional roles, all backed by our world-class facilities like the stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library for cutting-edge resources and collaborative spaces.

Here's how you'll gain that edge through specific program features and resources:
- Advanced research methods training: Core courses in qualitative/quantitative data analysis and social theory, applied directly to your customized political research project, culminating in a 14,000-word dissertation.
- Interactive learning for real skills: Seminars and workshops honing critical thinking, presentation, communication, and policy drafting—taught by PIR experts in politics, public policy, and multilevel governance.
- Supervisory research community: Work closely with supervisors on original political projects, attending research seminars and integrating into Aberdeen's vibrant Politics and International Relations department, including centres like the ICTPR (for conflict/peace studies) and New Europe Centre.
- Top-tier library access: The Sir Duncan Rice Library provides state-of-the-art study spaces, digital archives, and resources tailored for social science research.

This practical focus, combined with Aberdeen's renowned PIR staff, makes the MRes a launchpad for your career—imagine turning your passion for politics into impactful research. Applications are straightforward, and with scholarships like the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship for eligible internationals, now's the perfect time to apply. Check the full facilities list here: [University Facilities](https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/facilities/). Let's chat about your background and get you started!

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Aberdeen's Political Research MRes, you'll dive into hands-on research training right from the start, building practical skills in qualitative and quantitative methods through supervised projects and a major dissertation where you apply what you've learned to real political topics of your choice. This isn't just theory—it's designed to give you the tools to conduct independent, high-quality political research, with access to world-class facilities like the stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library for cutting-edge resources and dedicated spaces for focused study. You'll work closely with expert supervisors in Politics and International Relations, who specialize in areas like political theory, public policy, and global governance, ensuring your practical experience is tailored and impactful.

Here's how the program equips you with experiential learning opportunities specific to political research at Aberdeen:
- Advanced research methods training: Hands-on courses in qualitative and quantitative data collection/analysis, plus advanced social theory, applied directly to your customized political research interests via a 14,000-word dissertation.
- Supervised independent projects: Develop and execute your own original research proposal under guidance from PIR experts, including group seminars for collaborative feedback in the active research community.
- Interactive teaching for real-world skills: Weekly lectures/seminars (six hours typical) using interactive methods to sharpen critical thinking, presentation, communication, interpersonal, and policy drafting abilities—perfect for political careers.
- Dedicated research facilities: Full-time students get office space, computers, internet, and printing in supportive environments; connect with interdisciplinary hubs like the Institute for Conflict, Transition and Peacebuilding (ICTPR) and New Europe Centre for political research projects.
- Top-tier library and campus resources: The Sir Duncan Rice Library provides extensive access to journals, data, and digital tools essential for political analysis, all on a historic yet modern campus.

This practical focus makes the MRes a launchpad for PhD progression or roles in policy, government, or research—students with just an undergrad degree are encouraged to start here. Ready to build skills that stand out? Apply now and let's chat about your fit.

Explore full facilities details: [University Facilities](https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/facilities/)