Political Science MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Political Science at the University of Leeds equips students with advanced research skills and knowledge to navigate global political challenges. Through compulsory modules on data analysis, data collection, and research dissertation, students develop analytical and empirical capabilities. Optional modules allow for specialization in areas such as terrorism, elections, and gender and development. Graduates are equipped for careers in research, governance, and the third sector.

Program Outline

MSc in Political Science - University of Leeds

Degree Overview:

The MSc in Political Science is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become confident researchers, capable of taking leadership over societal responses to political and social challenges. This program prepares students for careers in governments, global institutions, NGOs, media, and for future doctoral study. The program aims to:

• Provide the intellectual resources needed to understand and respond to current local, national, and global political challenges.
• Develop the ability to investigate and uncover the underlying social and political dynamics that have led to the formation of these challenges and potentially, the key to their resolution.
• Prepare students for future doctoral study.

Outline:

The program offers a flexible structure with three compulsory modules and a selection of optional modules. This allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

Compulsory Modules:

• Analysing Data in Political Science (30 credits): This module introduces students to statistical methodologies used by social scientists and policy researchers.
Students learn to understand, conduct, and apply advanced statistical methods to social and political issues, including descriptive analysis, measures of association, multivariate techniques, and visual presentation of findings.
• Data Collection in Political Science (30 credits): This module provides intensive training on how to collect empirical data in political science.
Students gain knowledge and practical experience in operationalizing and measuring concepts relevant to social, economic, and political research, evaluating data collection techniques, designing data collection instruments, and clearly explaining data collection techniques.
• Research Dissertation in Political Science (60 credits): This module equips students with the skills necessary to design, conduct, and report research in Political Science.
Students learn to formulate research questions, design research projects, and report research findings. Through in-depth reading on research design, workshops, peer feedback, and independent research projects, students gain the knowledge and practical experience to evaluate the research of others and conduct their own research.

Optional Modules:

Students choose 60 credits from the following modules:

• Politics, Media and Democratic Engagement (30 credits): This module examines the role of media in democratic politics, including the impact of traditional and new media platforms, citizen journalism, fake news, and the relationship between media and populism.
• Terrorism (30 credits): This module provides a nuanced understanding of terrorism, exploring its causes, the relationship between media and terrorism, and the differences between contemporary terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS.
• Counterterrorism (30 credits): This module examines different historical and contemporary counterterrorism strategies, evaluating their effectiveness and exploring the influences that shape counterterrorism policy.
It examines different explanations for voting decisions, contemporary voting developments like polarization and disengagement, and the influence of campaigns, electoral systems, and party systems on voting behavior.
• Research & Project Skills - Experiential Learning (30 credits): This module allows students to engage with and apply research and project skills in contexts of social change and development intervention.
Students participate in experiential learning in a relevant organization or project, applying research and project planning skills while developing their critical reflective practice. Students consider different approaches to integrating gender issues into international development and assess the extent to which government agencies and NGOs are "gender aware."

Assessment:

Modules are assessed through the practical application of research skills in literature reviews, research reports, and research proposals. The program culminates in an 8,000-word dissertation where students pursue their own research interests under the supervision of an expert colleague.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, and online learning. Students are expected to engage in significant preparatory reading and participate in student-led discussions to build critical and reflective confidence. Teaching is delivered by expert academics, industry professionals, and trained postgraduate researchers.

Careers:

Graduates of the MSc in Political Science are well-placed to pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Third sector
• Local, national, and international governance
• Economic, social, and political think tanks
• Private enterprise
• PhD programs in social and political research
The School of Politics and International Studies provides dedicated careers support, including a Careers Consultant, guest speaker events, and access to the University's Careers Service.

Other:

The program is enriched by the practical experience and innovative research of staff in the Centre for Democratic Politics and the Centre for Global Security Challenges. Students are encouraged to engage with these research centers to develop their skills within a supportive research environment.

UK fees:

£12,750 (Total)

International fees:

£24,500 (Total)