Program Overview

MRes Political Economy

The MRes Political Economy is a two-year course designed to provide additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. Students study modules on political economics and research methods across their two years, while developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

Overview

Based in the Department of Government, this course covers all aspects of modern political economy, including micro and macroeconomics, the quality of governance, monetary policy choices, mathematical methods, environmental policies, and market failure. The course is run jointly between the Department of Economics and the Department of Government, offering excellent preparation for PhD study.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.2 degree or international equivalent in one of the following subjects: American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics, or United States Politics.
• Alternatively, a 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules, such as Comparative Political Systems, Constitutional Democracy, Contemporary World Affairs, Current Affairs, Democratic Theory, Econometrics, European Integration/Dynamics of Integration, Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy, Game Theory, Governmental Processes/Systems, Human Rights, Ideology and Political Analysis, International Economic Law, International Economic Relations, International Trade/Business Law, International Law, International Public Relations, International Security, International Trade/Business Law, Law of Armed Conflict, Micro/Macro Economics, Peace Studies, Philosophy (MA Political Theory only), Political Conflict, Political Decision Making, Political Economy, Political Sociology, Political Studies, Public Administration, Public International Law, Public Policy Analysis, Quantitative Reasoning, Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Terrorism, Theories of Development.
• Applicants with a degree in an unrelated subject and at least 5 years of work experience may also be considered.
• Applicants with a lower class degree where relevant modules have been studied with marks of 2:2 or above may be considered.
• Applicants who have achieved a first-class degree in any subject may also be considered.

International and EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. International students should contact the University for more information on qualifications accepted.

English Language Requirements

If English is not the first language, students require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

Structure

The course structure includes:

• Comparative Political Economy
• International Political Economy
• Research Design
• Quantitative Methods
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Mathematical Methods
• Microeconomics
• Optional modules from the Department of Government or Economics
• A 35,000-word dissertation

Teaching

Courses are designed to provide an advanced understanding of either the politics of a geographical area or an aspect of the discipline. Students learn through discussion, problem-solving, lab sessions, and national conferences.

Assessment

Coursework comes in the form of essays, simulations, presentations, and in-class tests. The dissertation is guided by an appropriate supervisor.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣11,025 per year
• International fee: ｣23,875 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
• Scholarships, bursaries, or discounts may be available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

After completing the MRes Political Economy, students are well-prepared for a research degree, such as a PhD. Many graduates go on to work in high-profile organizations, including the Civil Service, local government, the World Bank, the United Nations, NATO, and YouGov. Others pursue careers in academia, research, or data science.