Politics Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

The MRes in Politics at Birkbeck, University of London, is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to conduct independent research in the fields of politics, public policy, and international relations. This programme is particularly well-suited for those aspiring to pursue a PhD or establish a research career in political science. The course offers a comprehensive training regimen that includes both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the academic and professional landscape.

Why Politics at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck is renowned for its commitment to research excellence and is highly regarded within the academic community. The university's Politics programme is taught by leading experts in the field, affiliated with the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research and the Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life. Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment that includes seminars and conferences featuring prominent scholars. Additionally, Birkbeck's central London location provides unparalleled access to key political institutions and rich research resources, enhancing the educational experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the MRes in Politics for the academic year 2026-27 are as follows:

• Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,000 per year
• Full-time international students: £22,230 per year
• Part-time international students: £11,115 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The MRes in Politics comprises a well-structured syllabus that includes core and optional modules, allowing for both depth and breadth of study:

• Advanced Topics in Quantitative Social Research
• Applied Social Data Analysis in R
• Experiments in Social Science
• Qualitative Research Design
• Chinese Politics in Comparative Perspective
• Emerging Powers in World Politics
• Food, Politics, and Society
• Global Politics, Governance and Security
• Governing Global Capitalism
• International Political Economy
• Nationalism, Religion, and Conflict
• Political Communications: Media, Campaigns, and Citizens

Students will also complete a dissertation, allowing them to apply their research skills to a topic of their choice, further solidifying their knowledge and expertise in the field.

Careers with Politics

Graduates of the MRes in Politics can expect to enter a variety of career paths that leverage their research and analytical skills. Alumni have found positions in government, advisory bodies, higher education, journalism, and the voluntary sector. Potential job titles include:

• Civil Service fast-streamer
• Higher education lecturer
• Government social research officer
• Politician’s assistant
• Local government officer
• Newspaper journalist
• Public relations officer

Birkbeck also provides robust career support services to assist students in navigating their professional journeys and achieving their career aspirations.