Politics and Public Policy – (M.Sc.)

The first semester programme consists of modules on the main approaches to political analysis, research design and British politics. These are followed in the second semester by a module on how to research and write a dissertation, plus options on political parties, public opinion and public policy. The dissertation, which is researched and written over the summer and comprises a third of the overall assessment, provides an opportunity to undertake research in an area of politics and public policy of particular interest.

Special Features
* Vocational orientation: graduates with Masters degrees in Politics find jobs not only in national and sub-national government but also in the private and voluntary sectors, both of which need staff who know how to deal with government.
* Research orientation, as reflected in the attention given to preparing for and writing a dissertation: graduates are well-placed not only to engage in and evaluate research in their future career, but also to undertake research for a PhD.
* Focus on understanding the main approaches to political analysis today, such as party system analysis and policy network analysis, and on applying selected techniques to contemporary problems and issues.
* Substantive focus on political parties, public opinion and public policy in Britain and elsewhere.
* Access to excellent IT and library facilities.