Politics Research

The MSc in Politics Research provides an advanced level of formal training in research techniques and methodology, and enables you to acquire advanced level substantive knowledge in this sub-area of the discipline.

If you are successful on the degree you will attain a proven competence in quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will demonstrate competence in a variety of further and more advanced techniques of data collection, data handling and data analysis. You will design your research project, and will write a short thesis under expert supervision.

Upon the successful completion of your MSc, you will be expected to continue your studies in pursuit of a research degree (DPhil) in a relevant area of political science. You should include at least some indication of the topic of your eventual doctorate in your application. Do not worry if you do not yet have a detailed thesis outline: the MSc programme is intended to help you to develop a detailed research proposal.

The DPIR is internationally recognised as a leading centre for teaching and research in politics and counts among its members a number of acknowledged authorities within these disciplines.

As an MSc in Politics Research student you would have to attend and complete the core classes and tutorials in comparative government or in European governance and a programme of research methods training, which includes core courses in statistics and research design and specialised elective courses.

The MSc examination comprises four parts and you must pass all parts of the examination to be awarded the degree:

• a single, three-hour written examination paper in comparative government or in European governance
• a research design proposal in preparation for your thesis
• research methods training courses assessment
• a thesis of no more than 15,000 words.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Politics and International Relations and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Politics and International Relations.

Graduate work in politics will prepare you for an academic career in the field, either in Oxford or elsewhere, but the DPIR also celebrates the substantial number of its graduates working in government, in diplomatic services, and in senior positions in the private sector.

The DPIR is committed to engaging with its alumni community. The alumni programme is now underway and includes an annual publication ('Inspires’), a website forum, alumni networks and tailored events.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations

International Relations DPhil

International Relations MPhil

Political Theory Research MSc

Politics DPhil

Politics (Comparative Government) MPhil

Politics (European Politics and Society) MPhil

Politics (Political Theory) MPhil

Politics Research MSc

Next
Entry requirements