MA/PGDip in Politics

Our Masters in Politics offers you insights into the causes and consequences of a variety of different political phenomena across the globe.

On our MA in Politics, you will explore key controversies in political science from a variety of different perspectives. You will be introduced to the major concepts in political science and learn to apply those concepts and approaches to explain the variety of political phenomena across the globe. You will learn through a blend of lectures, seminars and individual research.

The Politics MA examines central questions of political science related to power, the state and the sources of political change. It is designed for students who are either familiar with the study of political science and issues at the undergraduate level or who are enthusiastic to focus on this area of study at the postgraduate level.

You will take two core modules, Doing Political Research and Varieties of Politics that will provide you with a foundation for thinking about the subject. You then design the rest of the programme around your own interests by selecting four modules from a wide range of options. The flexibility of this programme is ideal for those with a broad range of interests in politics or for those who want to construct a curriculum around a particular area of interest.

As a postgraduate student studying for a Masters in Politics, you will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events. You will be welcomed as a member of a variety of research groups, including those focused on British Politics, Asian Politics, Middle East Politics, European Studies, Political Economy, Parties, Voters and Elections. This group includes members of academic staff and postgraduate research students who meet regularly to discuss their own research, recent publications and to organise research events including inviting visiting speakers.

Key issues and questions examined throughout this Masters in Politics include:

• Where does power lie and how is it exercised?
• What is the role of the state and what is its relationship to society?
• Why are democracies not ubiquitous and why do we see a mixture of democratic and non-democratic regimes across the globe?
• Why do democracies vary in their form and content?
• Who wins elections and why?
• What role do electoral systems, social context and campaigning play in determining election outcomes?
• Why does political conflict emerge and how can it be managed?

Why study this course?

• Choose from an extensive range of optional modules
• Study in a supportive environment with research-active political scientists
• Be a part of one or more of the research groups e.g. British Politics, Asian Politics, Middle East Politics, European Studies, Political Economy, and Parties, Voters and Elections
• Participate in a range of intellectual and social events alongside your programme

The College of Social Sciences brings together over 450 academics (including 90 professors) and over 360 professional staff across a range of disciplines and interdisciplinary fields. Around 25% of our staff are international and combined with over 42,500 global alumni representing over 185 countries, our work impacts all areas of society grounded in the key disciplines of business, economics, education, government and society, and social policy.

Why study at the University of Birmingham?

• We are a global Top 100 University and are ranked top 20 in multiple UK league tables
• We have been named the most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2021
• 87% of our research has a global impact (REF 2014)
• Numerous UoB alumni and staff have been involved with work recognised with Nobel prizes
• There is a wealth of employability support services available to students. The College and our Careers Network can provide you with practical advice and skills for career development. We also have excellent industrial links with global companies, such as Rolls Royce and Jaguar Land Rover, which allow opportunities for our students to gain insight and experience of the industry.
• You could receive a Commonwealth Scholarship worth £3,000 or a Global Masters Scholarship worth £10,000 if you start your studies in September 2021. Information and eligibility criteria for both awards is available on our website.