MRes Politics and International Relations

The purpose of this programme is to prepare you for doctoral study, at Reading or elsewhere, in any area of Politics and International Relations. It is suitable for both graduates in Politics and/or International Relations and students with a background in other academic subjects.

You can select any modules that are offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations. You are, however, required to undertake thorough research training, delivered via three modules:

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences.

This training forms the basis of your 13,000-15,000-word dissertation, supported by an expert adviser with knowledge of your area. The programme has Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognition; at its conclusion, graduates are therefore qualified to apply for three-year (as opposed to 1+3) ESRC studentships.

Learn more about our experts

A strong foundation for future doctoral study

You will be fully prepared for doctoral research in any sub-discipline of Politics and International Relations, such as:

Diplomacy
Strategic Studies
Public Administration
Political Theory.

Besides the research training modules, you’ll be encouraged to tailor your studies to your future PhD research area. This approach aims to facilitate the completion of your doctoral dissertation within the three years allotted by most funding bodies.

The high degree of focus distinguishes our MRes programme from a more generalist MA. If you are unsure about the implications, we encourage you to consult our programme director.

Department of Politics and International Relations at 澳门六合彩开奖记录

Recognised for research quality: 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output)
Wide-ranging expertise: Our areas of strength include Applied Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Policy Analysis, Conflict, Security, Strategy and International Relations.
Research-led, relevant teaching: Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues. Learn more about how we engage in real-world politics.
Exciting optional modules: Across all of our master's degrees, you’ll have the flexibility to study the subjects you're most passionate about.

Wide variety of teaching and assessment methods: Teaching primarily occurs through small discussion-based seminars, supplemented by lectures and other activities. Assessments range from traditional essays and oral presentations to various ‘real-world’ assignments such as policy papers.

Overview

You can select any modules that are offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations. You are, however, required to undertake thorough research training, delivered via three modules:

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
Philosophical Issues in the Social Sciences.

Diplomacy
Strategic Studies
Public Administration
Political Theory.

Department of Politics and International Relations at 澳门六合彩开奖记录

Recognised for research quality: 97% of our research outputs are rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, meaning that the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is 6th highest in the UK for research outputs (Times Higher Education analysis of the latest REF 2021 – Politics and International Studies, when scoring by GPA Output)
Wide-ranging expertise: Our areas of strength include Applied Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Policy Analysis, Conflict, Security, Strategy and International Relations.
Research-led, relevant teaching: Our academics regularly feature in academic literature and the media, offering their expertise on current issues. Learn more about how we engage in real-world politics.
Exciting optional modules: Across all of our master's degrees, you’ll have the flexibility to study the subjects you're most passionate about.

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2.2 level or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. All of our programmes are appropriate for students from any disciplinary background, although a degree in politics, economics, international relations or a related field is preferred. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

Philosophy of Social Science

Prepare for future doctoral study as you explore the philosophical, methodological, and ethical questions that are inseparable from research design in politics and international relations. You’ll learn how to reflect upon ethical questions that have risen from your own research and state your own methodological assumptions.

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Learn the basics of research design and discover a range of widely used qualitative research methods. You’ll focus on case studies, case analysis, process-tracing, historical approaches, archival research, interview techniques, critical discourses and analysis, ethnographic methods and qualitative comparative analysis.

Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods

Learn the basics of research design and discover a range of widely used quantitative research methods. Consider the best practices for the collection and analysis of information about human behavior and learn to test hypotheses using such methods.

Optional Modules

Politics of Public Policy

Discover how policy decisions are made and implemented. You’ll gain an understanding of the making, application and effects of public actions, and consider how these vary across policy areas and policy-making venues.

International Relations Theory

Investigate the main theories of international relations and discover how to critically examine and evaluate competing theoretical arguments. You’ll master the ability to reach and defend clear conclusions about such arguments and explore the contemporary international order through a theoretical lens.

International Security Studies

Examine the nature and objectives of security politics from different perspectives, exploring traditional theories of security and critically examining newly emerging concepts such as ‘human security’, ‘risk society’ and the way scholars and practitioners address new threats to security.

Contemporary Diplomacy

Gain an understanding of the concepts and practices of contemporary diplomacy, including the evolution of diplomatic practice since the Second World War across a range of actors including states, international organisations and non-state actors. You’l become familiar with key academic works on the subject, as well as ideas and concepts related to diplomacy and how diplomacy relates to the complex process of policymaking.

Terrorism in a Globalising World

Consider the central issues and theoretical dimensions in the study of terrorism in a globalising world. You’ll explore the complex nature of asymmetrical conflict, the evolution of different terrorism types, the internationalisation of terrorism, the phenomenon of suicide attacks, challenges to counter-terrorism, and the ongoing war against terror.

Worlding International Relations

Study the history and current development of international relations as you address the challenges formulated in diverse parts of the world and the Western dominance of the field of international relations. You’ll consider how scholars think about central concepts such as sovereignty, the state, war, peace, religion, and the ‘international’ using non-Western approaches

Building Peace

Consider the challenges of building peace in conflict-affected states and the involvement in domestic politics of such states by donor states, UN peacekeepers and multilateral institutions. You’ll evaluate different approaches to building peace and examine the record of peace and state-building operations in war-torn states.

NATO Strategy during and after the Cold War

Study NATO’s Strategic Concepts that have developed since its formation in 1949. You’ll assess the applicability of concepts to relevant time periods as you draw on historical examples that illustrate the concepts applicability.

International Organisations in Global Politics

Evaluate different approaches to building peace in fragile and conflict-affected states. You’ll examine post-conflict institution building and security sector reform, the different actors involved in these activities, and particular cases of peace-building, such as Kosovo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Liberia.

Strategic Studies

These are the modules that we current offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

The purpose of this programme is to supply a portable qualification that will satisfy a university or a potential employer of your competence to undertake doctoral research. Besides universities and public sector bodies, it offers excellent preparation for careers within think tanks or NGOs.

澳门六合彩开奖记录