Course summary
Gain Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-approved research training in politics and international relations. Build a thorough grounding in practical methodological skills through hands-on experience and the critical exploration of relevant examples and case studies. This programme is particularly suited to those seeking a career as a social science researcher or continuing to PhD level, including ESRC-funded doctoral study. Learn skills that are critical for the active researcher invested in qualitative research methods. Explore a vast range of different interventions, including interviews, focus groups, document research, and creative approaches and understand how, when, and why to operationalise this range of methods. Discover how to locate secondary data sources, judge the appropriateness of applying quantitative methods to answer specific social scientific questions and apply statistical methods to analyse quantitative data at an intermediate level. Be challenged and inspired by internationally renowned scholars addressing some of the most important topics that face us today. Join a diverse, innovative community that's building the tools to create positive change in the world. Produce a dissertation that demonstrates your ability to design and manage a research project, carry out detailed academic analysis and present your data to the highest standard. Graduate with a deep understanding of the research process, alongside ethical considerations and philosophical principles that will render you capable of pursuing high quality research.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/msc-social-science-research-methods-politics.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline. Applicants must have evidence of at least one quantitative and one qualitative module/unit at 2.1 or equivalent. * Examples of acceptable Quantitative units include: Data Analysis; Data Mining; Programming; Quantitative Research Methods; Research Design and Practice; Statistics; other relevant modules where quantitative research training or skills can be demonstrated. * Examples of acceptable Qualitative units include: Behavioural Studies/Research; Comparative Politics/Research; Qualitative Research; Social Research; Survey; other relevant modules where qualitative research training or skills can be demonstrated. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing: * evidence of significant, relevant work experience in sectors such as NGOs, Think Tanks, Government Departments, Research/Social Research Institutes, Third Sector research organisations and other relevant placements (minimum of six months in a paid or voluntary role). * a postgraduate qualification in any discipline. Specific module requirements would still apply. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £15200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £15200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £15200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £15200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £15200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29300 | Year 1 |
| International | £29300 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU