COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Political Science – Democracy and Elections (Research Route) offers a rigorous curriculum that combines core modules in political theory, research design, and applied quantitative and qualitative methods with opportunities for specialised study. Core modules include Political Parties in Contemporary Britain, which examines party structures, behaviour, and electoral dynamics, and Understanding Political Change, which explores shifts in political systems, institutions, and voter behaviour. Research Design and Skills, along with Tools and Techniques of Applied Quantitative Analysis, equip students with the methodological expertise to conduct robust empirical research, while Philosophy of Politics Research encourages critical engagement with theoretical foundations in political inquiry. Qualitative Research Methods provide complementary skills in analysing non-numerical data, enabling students to examine democratic processes and elections from multiple perspectives. The program culminates in a Dissertation, allowing students to undertake independent, in-depth research that demonstrates mastery of research techniques and analytical reasoning. Optional modules, such as Comparing Capitalisms in the Global Political Economy, Governing in an Unjust World: Justice and International Relations, and European Capitalisms: Crises, Transformations and Contestations, allow students to explore comparative, international, and thematic aspects of political economy and governance. By integrating theory, empirical methods, and specialised study, the program prepares graduates for careers in research, policy, government, and consultancy, as well as for progression to doctoral study.