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1 Year On Campus Masters Program
University of ManchesterThe MA Political Science – Governance and Public Policy (Research Route) at The University of Manchester gives you strong training in both qualitative and quantitative research, while exploring how governance and public policy are shaped in the modern world. It’s perfect for students who want to understand political processes in depth and prepare for careers in research, government, international organisations, or further doctoral study.
Curriculum Structure
This is a one‑year full‑time (or two‑year part‑time) master’s programme where you move from core research foundations to specialised study and a substantial research project:
Early/Foundational Learning: In the first part of the year, you will build essential research skills and theoretical knowledge through units like Research Design and Skills, Comparative Political Analysis, and Tools and Techniques of Applied Quantitative Methods. These modules give you both the methodological tools and analytical thinking needed for advanced research.
Thematic & Applied Work: As the programme progresses, you will explore governance and political dynamics through core units such as Governance and the State and Understanding Political Change, while also choosing optional modules like European Politics and Policy Making, Global Governance, or Politics and Data Science. This combination blends theory with real-world political contexts.
Dissertation & Independent Research: The final stage is your major research dissertation, where you conduct original research on a topic of your choice under academic supervision. This capstone project allows you to demonstrate your ability to apply the research methods and knowledge you have learned to a meaningful political question.
Focus Areas
Governance frameworks, policy-making processes, political change, qualitative and quantitative research design, comparative politics, and specialist optional strands such as EU policy, global governance, or data-driven politics.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will develop advanced analytical and research skills, a deep understanding of state and policy dynamics, and the ability to communicate complex political insights effectively to diverse audiences.
Professional Alignment and Accreditation
The programme is regulated by the Office for Students, ensuring high teaching standards and academic support. Its research focus and methodological training prepare graduates for careers in policy analysis, public sector research, consultancy, and further academic work.
Reputation and Employability
The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s leading universities for politics and public policy research. This master’s is delivered within a highly respected politics department, and graduates are well-targeted by top employers, reflecting strong professional outcomes.
At Manchester, this master’s programme goes beyond traditional lectures by giving you practical, hands-on experience in governance and public policy. You’ll actively apply research methods, work with policy organisations, and engage with the broader political community through workshops, seminars, and events. The programme is designed to connect you directly with practitioners, decision-makers, and researchers, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed for real-world policy work.
Experiential learning at Manchester includes:
Policy@Manchester engagement: Attend talks, seminars, and discussions hosted by the Policy@Manchester institute, giving you exposure to current policy debates and the chance to meet politicians, policy makers, and researchers.
Professional experience placements: Opportunities to undertake placements with policy makers in and around Manchester, offering first-hand insight into how policy work unfolds in practice.
Interactive research environment: Participate in department-wide research seminars and specialist events, testing your ideas and expanding your academic and professional network alongside postgraduate peers and academics.
Collaborative learning and group work: Engage in workshops, student-led presentations, debates, and group projects where you apply political analysis and research skills collaboratively, mirroring the teamwork and communication skills valued in policy roles.
Library and research facilities: Access one of the UK’s best-resourced academic libraries and networked study spaces, using extensive political science collections and digital tools for data and literature review.
Graduates from the MA Political Science – Governance and Public Policy (Research Route) are well-prepared to step confidently into careers where they can make a real impact on public life and policy. Typical roles include policy analyst in government or NGOs, research associate in think-tanks, public affairs consultant, or analyst in international institutions. The programme equips you with research, critical thinking, and communication skills that employers value across the public, private, and third sectors:
Career support services: The University’s Careers Service offers tailored guidance during your studies and for two years after graduation, including help with CVs and applications, practice interviews, job listings, and sector-specific advice to improve your employability.
Targeted employer engagement: The University of Manchester is highly sought after by top graduate employers, giving you strong visibility with recruiters. Politics graduates have gone on to work with organisations such as the British Red Cross, the Home Office, the House of Commons, the NHS, KPMG, BNY Mellon, and Boeing.
Relevant experience and networks: Through Policy@Manchester and placement opportunities with policy makers, students can build professional connections and practical experience that support their transition into careers in public service, research, consulting, or international institutions.
Skills and long-term value: The research design, data analysis, writing, and communication skills you develop are highly transferable, providing a strong foundation for career progression and leadership roles in policy, governance, and beyond.
Further Academic Progression:
If you are interested in further study or a career in research or academia, this master’s provides excellent preparation for doctoral research. Many graduates go on to pursue a PhD in Politics, Public Policy, or related fields, using the research methods and dissertation experience from this programme as preparation for independent, advanced research.
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programmeApplicants must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a First or Upper Second classification, or an equivalent overseas qualification, in any discipline.Academic assessment considers the degree subject, achieved grades, and the reputation of the awarding institution.English language requirement: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and no component below 6.5, or TOEFL iBT 100 overall with 25 in writing and no section below 22 (TOEFL institution code: 0757).India: Applicants typically need an overall score between 60–80%, depending on the grading scale and the quality of the awarding university.USA: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, with 3.3 or above preferred.China: Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised Chinese university with a minimum overall average of 80% or a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.Local and central governmentCivil Serviceinternational and supranational institutions such as the UN and the EUresearch roles in think‑tanks and policy institutespolicy analyst in public sector organisationsconsultancy roles in management and policy consulting firms
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