How do political scientists explain political outcomes? How does normative theory inform empirical research? How do political science approaches differ from historical accounts of political phenomenon? How can political science be used to analyse the real world? MRes Politics is a two-year programme, designed to give you additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. You will take a range of compulsory modules in research and theory across the two years, alongside optional modules allowing you to pursue your own interests. This includes two intense research modules in the summer of your first year. You will also write a 35,000 word dissertation. Our MRes Politics offers an excellent preparation for PhD research in the field, combining modules covering all aspects of politics with additional training in research design and research methods. You learn how to develop theories, conduct research, and explore the empirical implications of theoretical models using the most appropriate empirical methods. From the very beginning, we invite you to work on your own research, which prepares you for further study at PhD level or for research jobs in a range of non-academic settings.

Our graduates go on to enjoy influential careers in British, European and international politics. This includes working as an MP, being the Speaker of the House of Commons and employment as political lobbyists or staff assistants to MPs and MEPs. Our graduates also work in the Civil Service and in local government, hold posts with the World Bank, the United Nations, NATO, YouGov and YouGov America, work for the armed forces or in finance and business, or undertake further research and teaching. Our graduates acquire a wide range of methodological, analytical and statistical skills that make them highly adaptable and attractive to employers. Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.