Master of Research in Political Science

Our MRes gives you additional rigorous training in research design and methods compared to an MSc or MA, preparing you for PhD research in any sub-field of political science.
You learn how to ask questions across political science, developing theories, conducting research, analysing data and exploring the empirical implications of theoretical models empirical methods. You learn to draw your own conclusions as to which approaches are appropriate for the questions they want to ask and answer, and gain a thorough and rigorous understanding of such research tools.
You study modules on theories of political explanation, research design, and empirical and mixed research methods across your two years, whilst developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

An MRes puts you in a particularly strong position to succeed in a research degree. We offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields:government and politics, ideology and discourse analysis, international relations, political behaviour, political economy

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.

A 2.2 degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Studies, American Studies, United States Politics, Economics, Finance or Statistics.
A 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to:
Comparative Political Systems, Constitutional Democracy

Official transcript(s), in English or a certified translation of your academic results to date, showing marks or grades, must be provided at the time you make your application. (Transcripts are not required from current or previous University of Essex students, or from students who have previously completed a degree at Colchester Institute awarded by the University of Essex).

IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
TOEFL IBT - 88 overall with minimum component scores: Listening: 17 Reading: 18 Writing: 24 Speaking: 20