Program Overview

Overview

The Politics (Research) MA is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed for doctoral research in politics or to pursue a research-focused career. The program aims to develop students' skills in planning, managing, and disseminating research, as well as their knowledge and understanding of data collection methods and critical evaluation of various sources.

What You'll Learn

Students on the Politics (Research) MA will learn through a range of compulsory and optional modules, including:

• Thinking about Research
• Information Skills
• Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Quantitative Analysis
• The Making and Unmaking of Knowledge
• Thinking About Politics
• Dissertation Optional modules may include:
  • Political Geographies of the Middle East
  • Migration, Displacement and Global Challenges
  • Social Media Regulation: Law, Policy and Society
  • European Union: Policy and Politics
  • American Foreign Policy
  • Development, Environment and International Politics
  • The United Nations: Policy, Politics and Power
  • Principles of Data Science for Political Research
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Theoretical Foundations
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Public Policy Projects
  • Global Security: Politics, Space and Society (P)
  • Critical Approaches to Environment and Society
  • Global Sex Global Race
  • Perpetual Wars? Crime, Policing and (in)Security

How You'll Learn

Teaching and learning on the Politics (Research) MA take place through a range of methods, including:

• Workshops and practical classes
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Team-based problem-solving groups Assessment methods may include:
  • Computer assessment
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Report
  • Research proposal
  • Research paper
  • Written exercise Students will also have access to support from academic staff, personal tutors, and research supervisors, as well as the University's Student Services Team.

Your Future

The Politics (Research) MA can form the training component of a 4.5 funding application to the ESRC NINE Doctoral Training Partnership. The program is also valuable for many non-academic careers, including those in national and local government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, social research, and the media.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked:

• 42% of research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for Politics and International Studies - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

As a politics student, you will be based in the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry:

• Home students: £11,400 (full-time), £5,700 (part-time)
• International students: £26,500 (full-time) The University offers a range of scholarships, including the Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for the Politics (Research) MA include:

• A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in international studies/politics or a related subject
• Relevant professional experience may also be considered English Language requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-skills)
• Pearson: 62 overall (with a minimum of 59 in all sub-skills)
• Duolingo English Test: 105 overall (with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills)
• TOEFL: 90 overall (with a minimum of 19 in all sub-skills)

How to Apply

The course starts in September, and there is no application closing date. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK. The deposit is non-refundable but will be deducted from tuition fees when you register. Programme codes:

• Full-time: 4026F
• Part-time: 4026P

Open Days and Events

The University regularly hosts open days and events, both on campus and overseas. These events provide an opportunity to meet with staff and students, learn more about the program, and get a feel for the University's campus and facilities.

Get in Touch

For more information about the Politics (Research) MA, please contact the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. You can also find out more about the University's admissions policy and procedures on the University's website.