Postgraduate study in Politics

By choosing Sheffield for postgraduate study, you’ll become a part of a friendly and diverse department with high standards and major strengths in research and teaching.

At MA level, you’ll be able to explore your interests across the discipline of Politics through our range of flexible Masters courses. Research students can study for an MPhil or PhD with outstanding support from some of the most prominent academics in the field.

Plus, all of our postgraduate students are welcomed into our research community, with unique opportunities to expand horizons through masterclasses, ‘teach-ins’ and other exclusive events.

Taught Masters degrees

There are many reasons to take a Masters degree. You may want to explore the issues you’re passionate about at a higher level. Perhaps you’re planning a career in research, and want the best possible start to your postgraduate study. Or maybe you’re seeking a way to make your CV stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive job market.

Whatever you’re looking for from your degree, we can offer you a choice of 14 taught Masters courses, and the support you need to get to where you want to be. All of our courses can be studied full-time or part-time, giving you the maximum flexibility to combine study with work or other commitments.

All Masters courses are taught by our world-leading team of academics, who will support you to develop your personal interests within Politics. You’ll enjoy outstanding teaching – in the last assessment by the Quality Assessment Agency, our teaching received top marks of 24 out of 24. Plus, there are regular opportunities to meet your tutors one-on-one to discuss your ideas and questions.

Several of our programmes extend beyond the discipline of Politics. We offer several joint programmes, including Political Theory (with the Department of Philosophy) and Global Politics and Law (with the Department of Law).

Taught Masters courses
Funding, scholarships and bursaries

A great place to be

The University’s library and IT facilities are second to none. The award-winning Information Commons is open 24 hours a day, with 1300 study spaces and over 500 PCs. We invest heavily in digital learning resources to help you find information quickly and easily, wherever you are working.

You’ll attend events and meetings at the Elmfield building, the home of our department. Just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Sheffield and central University facilities, it's tucked away in delightfully quiet and leafy surroundings. But inside the building, you’ll soon experience the buzz of our thriving Graduate School. There’s an exclusive Common Room for postgraduates, with a quiet area for study and computer work, alongside a space for collaboration and socialising. Plus, the Department regularly plays host to visiting speakers and lively debates.

Resources and facilities
Graduate School

PhD and MPhil degrees

Sheffield is one of the best places in the UK to undertake an MPhil or PhD in Politics - find out why here.

Research Degrees at Sheffield