Politics MA

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Birmingham

Program Overview

The Politics MA at the University of Birmingham is a one-year full-time program (with part-time options for home students) that equips you with essential analytical skills and global insights to lead in government, NGOs, and international organizations, immersing you in a dynamic environment with expert faculty shaping political discourse. It's perfect for ambitious graduates eager to drive real political change through a mix of core research training, flexible optional modules from Political Science and International Studies, and a substantial dissertation, all assessed via coursework, exams, and presentations.

### Curriculum structure
In Semester 1, you'll dive into Varieties of Politics: The Comparative Politics of Parties, Institutions and Regimes, exploring how different political systems, parties, and regimes function across countries, building your ability to compare real-world governance models. You'll also select from a range of optional modules tailored to your interests, like those in international development or political economy, setting a strong foundation for analyzing global political dynamics right from the start.

During Semester 2, the focus shifts to Doing Political Research, where you'll master the principles, methodologies, and practical skills for designing rigorous political studies—preparing you directly for your dissertation and future career research needs. You'll round this out with more optional modules from our Political Science and International Studies list, honing specialized expertise while completing assignments that sharpen your critical thinking.

Across the full program, you'll culminate in the LM Dissertation (60 credits), an independent research project where you'll apply everything learned to tackle a pressing political issue of your choice, guided by our world-leading faculty. This capstone not only fulfills the 180-credit requirement but positions you as a confident, research-ready professional ready to influence policy landscapes.

Focus areas: Comparative politics, research methodologies, global governance, and customizable options in international relations, political economy, and institutions.

Learning outcomes: Gain advanced analytical skills for political research, deep theoretical knowledge of political systems, and practical expertise for roles in policy-making, NGOs, and global organizations.

Professional alignment (accreditation): No specific external accreditation noted, but the program aligns directly with careers in government, international agencies, and diplomacy through its research-focused training and optional modules from related fields like International Development.

Reputation (employability rankings): The Department ranks 1st in the UK for research power in Politics and International Studies (REF 2021), with a significant portion of research rated world-leading, ensuring you're taught by top influencers in the field.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now at: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/subjects/politics-development-and-international-relations-courses/politics-ma

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Politics MA at the University of Birmingham, you'll dive into hands-on experiential learning right from the start, building practical skills through research design, data analysis, and real-world political analysis that employers love. The core module "Doing Political Research" equips you with the principles, methodologies, and tools to conduct your own political research, preparing you perfectly for your dissertation and future career moves like policy advising or think tanks. You'll tackle assessments via courseworks, exams, and presentations that mimic professional scenarios, all while choosing from flexible optional modules in areas like comparative politics, EU global politics, or US foreign policy to tailor your experience.

This practical focus extends through our outstanding facilities and resources in the School of Government—here's what sets it apart::
- Research training and dissertation support: Hands-on module in political research methodologies, leading to a 60-credit dissertation where you apply skills independently.
- Interactive assessments: Group-friendly formats like presentations and courseworks in modules such as "Varieties of Politics" (parties, institutions, regimes) or "The European Union and Global Politics", fostering teamwork on real political debates.
- School of Government facilities: Access to the department's research spaces within our Edgbaston campus, including seminar rooms for collaborative work and state-of-the-art teaching environments.
- Cross-department options: Choose modules from International Development or INLOGOV for broader practical exposure, like policy-making simulations or governance projects.
- Campus-wide resources: Bustling Edgbaston campus with libraries, modern study spaces, and support hubs designed for postgraduate research and group projects.

Imagine putting these skills to work—graduates land roles in government, NGOs, and international orgs because this programme delivers the edge. Ready to apply? Check the full facilities list here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/universities/birmingham/facilities.aspx and secure your spot today—deadlines are approaching for 2026/27!

Progression & Future Opportunities

# Why the Politics MA at University of Birmingham Is Your Next Career Move

The Politics MA at Birmingham offers far more than lectures—it's designed to equip you with real-world research and analytical skills that employers actually want. You'll work directly with leading academics who are actively shaping global political discourse, learning how to design and conduct rigorous political research through hands-on training. The programme emphasises practical learning methods including seminars, tutorials, and workshops alongside lectures, ensuring you're not just absorbing theory but actively engaging with it. This combination prepares you immediately for your dissertation and beyond, giving you genuine expertise to take into your career.

What makes Birmingham's approach unique is the integration of research methodology from day one. You'll complete a dedicated 20-credit core module in "Doing Political Research" that focuses specifically on the principles, methodologies, and practical skills you need—this isn't generic; it's tailored to give you confidence in designing your own studies and navigating complex datasets.

Beyond the classroom, here's what you'll have access to:

- Small, interactive seminars and workshops where teaching utilises a range of learning methods to maximise your engagement
- A substantial 60-credit dissertation that allows you to conduct original research on a topic of genuine interest to you, supervised by experts in your chosen area
- Flexible module selection: You choose 80 credits from optional modules across Political Science and International Studies, plus the option to take modules from International Development or INLOGOV, meaning you can tailor your learning to your specific career goals
- University of Birmingham's research facilities: The university ranks among the top in the UK for research power in Politics and International Studies (REF 2021), meaning you'll benefit from libraries, research centres, and digital resources built to support world-leading scholarship
- £33 million in student support and scholarships to help you focus on your studies rather than financial stress
- Campus facilities and accommodation: A bustling campus with excellent facilities, beautiful grounds, and a friendly community in Birmingham's vibrant environment

The Politics MA doesn't just teach politics—it trains you to become a researcher and critical thinker capable of influencing real-world discourse, exactly as the programme sets out to do.

To explore the full range of facilities, resources, and support available to postgraduate students, visit the University of Birmingham's postgraduate study portal.