COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Public Opinion and Political Behaviour provides a structured study of how public attitudes are formed, measured, and translated into political action. Central to the program is a choice between major research projects, supported by core modules that develop both theoretical and practical expertise. Students begin with Public Opinion and Political Behaviour: Theories and Issues, which introduces the key debates surrounding how opinions are shaped and how they influence political participation. This is complemented by Public Opinion and Political Behaviour: Methods and Practices, which equips students with the skills to design surveys, analyse data, and apply empirical methods to real-world political questions. The compulsory Research Design module strengthens these foundations by teaching how to plan and conduct rigorous political science research. Alongside the core modules, students can select from a wide range of government options, allowing them to specialise in areas such as democracy, political institutions, comparative politics, or quantitative analysis, amounting to either 30 or 45 credits. Dissertation Preparation, though non-credit bearing, ensures students are supported as they design and execute their final research project. Altogether, the course combines theoretical insights with methodological training, enabling graduates to critically evaluate and conduct research into public opinion and political behaviour.