Course summary

The MA in Political Science and International Relations provides extensive postgraduate training in research methods, application of political concepts and theories, skills, and the development of an advanced understanding of politics and political science more broadly. The MA enhances employability of graduates through skills training, alongside training for potential doctoral research. The MA offers a range of optional modules that enables you to specialise or generalise in key areas of political studies including British Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Comparative Politics. The MA also provides comprehensive methods training to equip you with the skills required for doctoral research, and/or a wide range of careers in fields such as journalism, business, the Civil Service, Central Government, Local Government, charities, and education. Dr Andrew S. Roe-Crines is the Programme Lead for the MA and can be contacted at [email protected]. If you are interested in applying or if you have any questions whilst undertaking your programme of study, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Roe-Crines to discuss the programme. Why Department of Politics? Breadth of study We are able to offer an excellent range of modules providing both a national and international focus, giving students plenty of choice. Pathways offer students module choices to develop their own specialist interests. Personal atmosphere The staff at the Department of Politics work to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Due to the small size of the seminar groups and the MA-programme in general, lecturers know students individually, and are easily accessible. This stands in stark contrast to the vast and anonymous lectures in some competing MA-programmes at other Universities. Research-active staff The University of Liverpool is a Russell Group member, an organisation of leading research and teaching Universities in the UK. All staff are actively researching and publishing in their fields and have national and international reputations. This provides huge benefits for the MA programme as this translates into the classroom. Courses are based on the latest research and give students insight into cutting-edge developments in their fields. Employability Studying Politics develops critical and research skills valued by employers – data collection and analysis, problem-solving, argument and self-expression. Graduates have achieved much success in areas such as broadcasting, journalism, the civil service, government (local, national and European), marketing, public relations and academia. Positive and flexible We offer postgraduate degrees and adopt a positive and flexible policy towards the requirements of overseas and/or part-time students, including effective timetabling on taught programmes, facilitation of language training, help with practical problems where appropriate, etc. The department fully embraces the University’s Equal Opportunities strategy and works closely with the Student Welfare and Disability Team and the International Office to provide appropriate facilities for students with additional needs including English language support. Teaching and Research Environment The University library is well-resourced, up-to-date and easy to use, with particularly good collections in Politics and allied subjects. There are multiple copies of all of the main teaching texts. You'll be able to take advantage of the strong programme of activities (conferences, guest lectures, seminars) organised by the Europe in the World Centre (www.liv.ac.uk/ewc).