MA Political Science
University of Essex
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Politics
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Course info

How do political scientists explain political outcomes? How does normative theory inform the way researchers approach their work? How do political science approaches differ from historical accounts of political phenomenon? How can political science be used to analyse the real world?Our MA Political Science gives a general overview of such topics, and as our most flexible postgraduate course offers you a very wide choice of optional modules. You explore the main theoretical approaches to the ...Read more

How do political scientists explain political outcomes? How does normative theory inform the way researchers approach their work? How do political science approaches differ from historical accounts of political phenomenon? How can political science be used to analyse the real world?

Our MA Political Science gives a general overview of such topics, and as our most flexible postgraduate course offers you a very wide choice of optional modules. You explore the main theoretical approaches to the study of politics and look at what the basic theoretical framework required to conduct research in political science is.

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research, and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014) and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began.

Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

Our graduates from this course can expect to find jobs in market research, the media and central or local government. It also provides a foundation for further research in political science. You will gain key employability skills such as analytical reasoning, research design, and report writing.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:

  • The Civil Service
  • Local government
  • The World Bank
  • The United Nations
  • NATO
  • YouGov and YouGov America

We also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
46th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
What students say
J
Jack
01 Feb 24

It's a really open and safe environment with supportive student reps and..Read more

G
Gabriella
01 Feb 24

THE STUDENT SUPPORT, THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, FACULTY AND STUDENT..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 1)
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Entry requirements

A 2.2 degree in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics, or United States Politics or a 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to: Comparative Political Systems; Constitutional Democracy; Contemporary World Affairs; Current Affairs; Democratic Theory; Econometrics; European Integration/Dynamics of Integration; Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy; Game Theory; Governmental Processes/Systems; Human Rights; Ideology and Political Analysis; International Economic Law.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Politics reviews

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Politics
J
Jack
01 Feb 24
Global Studies with Politics BA (Hons)
It's a really open and safe environment with supportive student reps and...
Read more
G
Gabriella
01 Feb 24
Social Change BA (Hons)
THE STUDENT SUPPORT, THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, FACULTY AND STUDENT...
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Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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