MSc Comparative Politics (Research)

About the MSc programme

This programme is based in the Department of Government| and is a good preparation for further research work or for a career in media, political consultancy, international organisations, public administration or the private sector.

Comparative politics is the comparative study of political systems. In MSc Comparative Politics (Research) we look for sophisticated analytical answers to such basic political questions as: 'why are some countries democratic while others are not?'; 'why are some countries torn by ethnic conflict?'; 'do constitutions matter?'; 'what is the impact of global capitalism on state sovereignty?' Addressing these and similar questions, the programme offers courses in the fields of democratisation, nationalism and ethnicity, comparative political economy as well as a wide range of country and area specific options. Our programme is methodologically eclectic yet rigorous, with an emphasis on historical approaches. Graduates from our MSc have gone on to successful careers in politics, media, NGOs, foreign service, finance and academia.

Students must take papers to the value of four full units as shown. All students are required to write a 10,000 word dissertation. Note that some of the courses must be taken together. Part-time students may take up to four courses in their first year.

Compulsory courses

(* half unit)

• Foundations of Social Research
• Introduction to Comparative Politics*
• Dissertation

Options

Choose to the value of one and a half units from MSc Comparative Politics| options.

This may include a half unit course from another department (with the consent of the convener of MSc Comparative Politics and the teacher of the course).
Some options may be closed to students, if, in the opinion of the course convener, they lack the appropriate methodological background.