MSc in Politics Research

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Oxford

Program Overview

This one-year master’s degree provides advanced training in political science research methods, preparing students for doctoral study or careers in policy, government, and international organisations. It suits graduates who want to develop strong methodological skills while exploring substantive areas of politics, combining structured coursework with independent research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, one year only)

The MSc in Politics Research is designed as a research training programme. You’ll complete core classes and tutorials in politics, alongside a structured research methods training programme. This includes courses such as Research Design in Politics, Statistics and Causal Inference, and Qualitative Methods, ensuring you develop both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills. You’ll also work closely with an academic supervisor to produce a substantial master’s thesis, applying your methodological training to an original research project.

Focus Areas

Political science, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, research design, statistics, causal inference, qualitative methods, thesis research.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master advanced research methods, gain substantive knowledge of politics, and develop the ability to conduct independent, original research suitable for doctoral-level study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Delivered by Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), a globally recognised centre for political science research.
Supported by DPIR’s research centres and programmes, including seminars, workshops, and visitors’ programmes that connect students with leading scholars of international repute.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Oxford consistently ranks among the Top 5 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The DPIR is internationally renowned for excellence in political science and research training.
Graduates progress into doctoral study at Oxford or other leading institutions, as well as careers in government, diplomatic services, NGOs, and senior private sector roles requiring advanced analytical expertise.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Oxford MSc in Politics Research is designed as an immersive research training programme, giving students hands-on experience in designing, conducting, and presenting political science research. Rather than focusing only on theory, the course equips you with practical skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods, while embedding you in Oxford’s vibrant academic community. You’ll gain direct exposure to seminars, supervised projects, and world-class facilities that prepare you for doctoral study or analytical careers.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into the MSc in Politics Research:

Research Methods Training: Formal instruction in statistics, causal inference, and qualitative methods ensures you develop advanced analytical skills for empirical research.
Core Course in Research Design: You’ll learn how to structure political science projects, from hypothesis formation to methodological execution, mirroring the work of professional researchers.
Individual Supervision: Each student works closely with an academic supervisor to produce a substantial master’s thesis, gaining one-on-one guidance in research design, argumentation, and scholarly writing.
Seminars and Colloquia: Participation in DPIR research seminars and workshops allows you to present your work, receive feedback, and engage in debate with leading academics and peers.
Oxford Libraries: Access to the Bodleian Libraries and the Social Science Library provides unparalleled resources, including extensive collections in political science, government, and international relations.
Digital Tools and Data Resources: Training includes exposure to statistical software and datasets used in political science research, ensuring you graduate with practical technical competence.
Research Centres and Networks: You’ll benefit from engagement with DPIR’s research centres, which host workshops and conferences with visiting scholars, offering direct exposure to international research networks.
Collegiate Environment: As part of Oxford’s college system, you’ll join a vibrant academic community, with opportunities for interdisciplinary discussion and networking across the humanities and social sciences.

This combination of methodological training, supervised research, and access to world-class facilities ensures you graduate not only with advanced knowledge but also with practical, research-ready skills that prepare you for doctoral study or high-level analytical roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Oxford’s MSc in Politics Research are exceptionally well-prepared for doctoral study and advanced analytical careers. Many go on to become university lecturers, policy analysts, research fellows, or advisors in government and international organisations, while others pursue roles in NGOs or think tanks. The program’s rigorous training in research design and methods ensures you’ll graduate with both intellectual depth and practical skills:

University Services: Oxford’s Careers Service offers tailored support for graduate students, including one-to-one career consultations, employer events, and access to the Oxford University Careers Network, which connects you with alumni working in academia, government, and NGOs.
Employment Stats: Oxford consistently ranks among the Top 5 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2025), with graduate employability recognised globally. MSc graduates are highly competitive for funded doctoral places and policy research positions.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) hosts collaborations through its research centres and networks, offering direct exposure to international research communities and policy debates.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The MSc is formally recognised as a research training pathway, ensuring graduates meet the highest standards for doctoral-level study and long-term academic credibility.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into doctoral study at Oxford or other leading universities, as well as careers in government ministries, diplomatic services, NGOs, and senior private sector roles requiring advanced political analysis.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc in Politics Research, students typically continue into the Oxford DPhil in Politics, building on their master’s thesis and methodological training. This progression allows graduates to develop original research projects, publish in leading journals, and prepare for academic careers or high-level policy roles.