MA Politics (Research)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The MA Politics (Research) gives you the opportunity to explore political ideas, debates, and research methods while shaping your own academic path through flexible optional units and a substantial dissertation. It is ideal for curious and ambitious students who want to become independent researchers, policy analysts, or future PhD candidates by examining politics from theoretical, comparative, and methodological perspectives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time Master’s)
In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in political research, theory, and discussion. Core units such as Qualitative Research Methods, Research Design and Skills, Debating Justice, and Democracy: Theory and Practice will help you develop the skills to ask critical questions and tackle them rigorously. Alongside this, you can choose optional units from topics such as Gender in Comparative Politics, Global Governance, or Tools and Techniques of Applied Quantitative Analysis, allowing you to focus on the areas that interest you most.

Dissertation (Research Project)
A key part of the program is the 12,000–15,000-word dissertation, where you will carry out independent research on a political topic of your choice under expert supervision. This project brings together your learning from the year and provides excellent preparation for academic publishing or progression to a PhD.

Focus Areas

Political theory, comparative politics, democracy and justice, substantive policy fields (such as environmental politics or EU governance), research design, qualitative and quantitative methods.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and conduct sophisticated political research, critically analyse complex political problems, communicate findings effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, and apply interdisciplinary insights to real-world political challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While this is not a professionally accredited program, it is eligible for the ESRC 1+3 NWSSDTP pathway, offering a fully-funded route into PhD study—ideal for those aiming for a research career in academia or policy.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Manchester is ranked among the top 10 in the UK and top 40 worldwide for Politics (Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2025). It is also one of the most targeted UK universities by major graduate employers in sectors ranging from government to consulting.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On this programme, you won’t just read about politics — you’ll actively engage with it. From the start, you’ll gain hands-on experience through research activities, group discussions, and methods workshops that develop practical skills in analysis, working with data, and shaping research questions. The teaching blends seminars, debates, and interactive sessions where you present your ideas and collaborate closely with peers. You’ll also be part of the department’s research community, giving you exposure to cutting-edge political research and debates beyond the classroom.

These experiences include:

Active participation in seminars and workshops, including presentations, debates, student-led discussions, and group projects that mirror real research collaboration.
Specialist training in research design and methods, applying practical tools such as qualitative techniques, quantitative analysis, and research proposal development to your own dissertation topic.
Opportunities to engage with Policy@Manchester, attending talks and connecting your work with real public policy discussions.
Involvement with research centres such as the Manchester Centre for Political Theory (MANCEPT) and other interdisciplinary research groups across politics, public policy, and global issues.
Access to excellent library resources and support, including collections, workshops, and skills modules to help with research and writing.
Participation in guest lectures, public talks, and networking events that broaden your professional insight.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme go on to a wide range of rewarding roles where their research skills, analytical thinking, and political expertise really make a difference. Typical careers include policy analyst, public affairs consultant, researcher in think-tanks or NGOs, and roles in government or civil service. You’ll be prepared to work across the public, private, and third sectors, and your training also provides an excellent foundation if you plan to continue to doctoral study, supported by Manchester’s strong reputation for graduate employability.

Here’s how the University supports you and what you can expect as you move forward:

Access to the University’s Careers Service, offering personalised guidance on CVs, interview preparation, careers fairs, and professional networking both during your course and for up to two years after graduation.
Recognition by top graduate employers, as the University of Manchester is one of the most targeted institutions in the UK, helping your degree stand out in competitive job markets.
Alumni of politics-related courses have gone on to work in respected organisations, including central and local government, international institutions, research institutes, consultancies, and NGOs.
Your research and analytical training equips you with highly transferable skills in data analysis, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, all highly valued in roles that require complex problem-solving.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to deepen your expertise, this MA offers eligibility for a fully funded ESRC 1+3 doctoral pathway, providing a smooth route into a PhD in Politics or a related field. Many graduates also choose to pursue doctoral study at Manchester or other leading universities, preparing for careers in academia, research institutes, or specialised policy roles.