Program Overview

The MRes in Political Science is a research-intensive postgraduate degree that offers students the opportunity to pursue a research project aligned with their supervisor's expertise. The program is designed for those with an interest in political science and public policy research.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time

Study with Us

The MRes in Political Science allows students to further their knowledge and develop their research skills, tailoring their studies to suit their own research interests and career objectives.

Why this Course?

The MRes in Political Science offers students the opportunity to pursue a research-intensive postgraduate degree, contributing to their supervisor's research programme and completing an independent research project. The program is designed for those with an interest in political science and public policy research, training students in research design and methods through two required courses.

Course Content

The MRes includes two required methods modules: Principles of Research Design and an additional advanced methods or other course fitting the research proposal, as agreed with the supervisor. All other time in the program will be dedicated to working on a supervisor-linked research project.

Modules

• Semester 1: Principles of Research Design
• Semester 1 or 2: Advanced Methods or Topics Course
• Semester 1 and 2: MRes Dissertation in Politics

Available Supervisor-Led Research Projects

Several research projects are available, including:

• For or against algorithmic governance
• Disability & political representation
• The political economy of pension fund investment regulation
• Democratic citizenship and the stability of democratic regimes
• Voter behaviour in the developing world
• The survey response in the developing world
• Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS): implementation & best practices
• Impact of the low carbon heat & transport transition on groups with protected characteristics
• The distributional impact of social tariffs in tackling fuel poverty
• Comparative analysis of offshore wind policy: UK & China
• Public attitudes to carbon capture & storage (CCS)
• Impacts on local communities from the decarbonisation of industries
• Scottish perceptions of nuclear generation
• The conditions for developing a hydrogen economy in Scotland

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: A first or strong undergraduate degree, a strong undergraduate thesis, or employment experience that justifies interest in pursuing the MRes degree.
• English language requirements: An English language minimum score of 6.5 (with no component below 6.0).

International Students

The University of Strathclyde has a thriving international community with students from over 140 countries. International students may be eligible for scholarships and can find more information on the university's website.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £5,006
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £5,006
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £19,850
• Additional costs: International students may have associated visa and immigration costs.

How to Fund Your Course

Students from Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland may be eligible for support from their respective student finance agencies. International students can find information on scholarships and funding on the university's website.

Apply

To apply, students should initially contact potential supervisors with an expression of interest in the available MRes opportunities. The application should include:

• Full contact details
• Transcripts and certificates of previous degrees
• MRes project and supervisor to which applying
• Research statement of 500 to 750 words, directly responding to the specific MRes opportunity available
• Two references, one of which must be academic
• Funding or scholarship information
• Proof of English language proficiency (if English is not the first language)

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation