The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

Politics with Research Methods - MA

Department of Politics, Faculty of Social Sciences

We are the UK's number one politics department for research. Our taught courses give you the grounding to make sense of a constantly changing political landscape.

About the course

1 year full time/2 years part time

This course will prepare you for MPhil and PhD research, and is designed to the ESRC's new research training guidelines.

You'll develop skills in three complementary areas: generic social science methods training, politics or international relations methods training, and specialist training in one area of politics or international relations.

Entry requirements

For all our courses you'll need at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent), plus supportive references from previous tutors. If you have different qualifications, we'll look at your application on its individual merits.

English language requirements for overseas students

Our standard requirements for non-native English speakers are: IELTS 6.5, (with a minimum of 6.5 in essay writing), or TOEFL 600 (with a minimum of 4.5 in written English), or TOEFL computer-based minimum of 250, or TOEFL internet-based test minimum of 90.

Entry requirements for international students 

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Core modules

Generic Training modules:

  • The Research Process
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Qualitative Methods

Subject-Specific Training modules:

  • Advanced Political Analysis
  • Methods in Politics/International Relations

Optional modules

Choose one from a range including:

  • Theories and Issues in International Political Economy
  • The Political Economy of Globalisation
  • Governance and Politics of the European Union
  • The Politics of International Law
  • Democratisation
  • Global Governance
  • Human Rights
  • Theory and Practice of International Relations
  • Political Thought and the Rights of War and Peace
  • The Global Politics of the Environment and Climate Change

Teaching

  • Seminars

To complete the MA successfully you must earn a total of 180 credits. Most core and optional modules count for 30 credits each. Your dissertation, produced over the summer after the taught element, counts for 60 credits.

Assessment

  • Essays
  • Other forms of written work

For the module assessments and the dissertation, you’ll need a mark of 50 per cent or above. If you don't complete the dissertation, 120 credits will get you a Graduate Diploma.

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: pol.grad@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 1642

Ailin Martinez Alvarez, MA Global Politics and Law

Where your masters can take you

A postgraduate degree in politics is a strong foundation for a range of careers, from government and other public sector organisations to companies in the private sector, consultancies, non-governmental organisations and think-tanks. A postgraduate research degree is essential if you want an academic career.

"I enjoyed studying and living in Sheffield a lot, especially the good contact with the tutors. The staff at the department were always very friendly and helpful when there were any problems. Since my return to Germany, I think of Sheffield often. At the moment, I work as a freelance journalist. My degree was very helpful in getting the job."
Oliver Kiessler, Politics MA Graduate

Our department

The last Research Assessment Exercise rates us joint first in the UK for research. The Times Good University Guide 2010 places us among the UK's top three politics departments overall. Our reputation is international.

You'll be part of a close-knit community of 200 postgraduate students. To encourage your development we've brought everyone together, forming our politics graduate school in autumn 2008. Our team of 25 expert academic staff will help you develop your interests and skills.

A strong foundation for a career in the public or private sector.

Our resources

You'll have access to the university’s modern facilities, including the brand new Information Commons. In the department, get involved in student-led activities like the Politics Society and the Postgraduate Global Development Group.

Our cosmopolitan graduate community means you'll mix with people from all corners of the world.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form