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The MSc Political Research at the University of Strathclyde is designed for students who want to understand politics not just in theory, but through evidence, data, and real-world analysis. It is an excellent choice if you are interested in policy research, government work, think tanks, consultancy, or progressing to doctoral study, as the programme focuses on building strong, practical research skills used by professionals and academics alike.
Curriculum Structure
Core Study (Year 1 – Full-time)
You begin by developing a solid foundation in how political research is actually conducted through Principles of Research Design, where you learn how to frame meaningful research questions, design studies, and evaluate political evidence critically. This is complemented by Quantitative Methods 1, which introduces you to statistical analysis and data handling techniques commonly used in political and policy research.
Advanced Methods and Optional Study
As you progress, you build on these skills with further methods training, including advanced quantitative analysis, while tailoring your studies through optional modules. Options such as Policy Analysis allow you to explore how policies are designed and evaluated, while modules like International Institutions and Regimes or Contemporary International Relations help you apply research tools to global political challenges.
Dissertation (Final Stage)
The programme culminates in an independent dissertation, where you apply your full range of research and analytical skills to a topic of your choice. This project allows you to demonstrate your ability to carry out rigorous political research, often aligned with real policy debates or academic research agendas.
Focus Areas (in a string)
Political research methods, quantitative analysis, research design, policy analysis, international institutions, comparative and international politics.
Learning Outcomes (in a string)
Advanced research design skills, strong data analysis capability, critical evaluation of political evidence, and the ability to conduct independent, policy-relevant or academic research.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
Delivered by the School of Government and Public Policy, the programme is academically rigorous and professionally aligned with careers in policy research, public administration, consultancy, and academia.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Strathclyde has been named UK University of the Year and Scottish University of the Year by major national league tables, reinforcing the strong employability value of its postgraduate degrees.
Throughout the MSc Political Research, students gain hands-on experience in applying political research methods to real data and contemporary political problems, supported by Strathclyde’s strong research environment and specialist facilities. The programme places a strong emphasis on practical research training, ensuring graduates are confident using professional-level tools and methodologies used in policy and academic settings:
Training in quantitative data analysis using statistical software applied to real political datasets
Research-led teaching delivered within the School of Government and Public Policy, known for its empirical and policy-focused research culture
Access to Strathclyde Library, including specialist political science databases, government publications, and academic journals
Dissertation supervision by active researchers, allowing students to align projects with current policy debates or academic research
Opportunities for independent and group-based research tasks embedded within taught modules
Exposure to policy-relevant research through seminars and research-informed teaching
Graduates of the MSc Political Research leave with a strong analytical skill set that is highly valued across the public, private, and third sectors. The programme prepares students for research-focused roles where evidence-based decision-making is essential, including positions such as Policy Analyst, Research Officer, Public Affairs Consultant, and Government or NGO Researcher.
This career preparation is supported through the following pathways and services:
Careers Service at Strathclyde, offering tailored career guidance, employer engagement, and skills development workshops
Strong alignment with public sector, policy institutes, and consultancy roles that value quantitative and research expertise
Transferable skills in data analysis and research design that support competitive salaries in research and policy-focused roles
Academic credibility that supports long-term progression into senior research, advisory, or leadership positions
Proven graduate outcomes across government bodies, research organisations, NGOs, and international institutions
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates are well prepared to progress to PhD study in Politics, Public Policy, International Relations, or Political Research, either at Strathclyde or at other leading universities worldwide, thanks to the programme’s strong emphasis on research design and methodology.
First-class or Second-class Honours degree, or international equivalent, in social science.IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)TOEFL (ibt): 80 overall, with the following minimum scores in each component: Listening: 17 Reading: 18 Speaking: 20 Writing: 18.India: Overall 60% is a general entry requirement university understand that the marking system in some states and national universities make it harder to achieve 60%, therefore they will accept 55% from University of Mumbai, University of Calcutta, University of Delhi etcChina: GPA from a four-year undergraduate degree must be: over an average of 70% for 211/985 universities over an average of 75% for the rest of Chinese universitiesUSA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale. Some courses may accept a lower GPA and will take into consideration your supporting documents.Government OfficerPolititionLobbyist ProfessionsBusiness FieldsJournalism Occupations
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University of Strathclyde
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