The MA in Politics is designed to provide a high level training in the core components of contemporary political study. 

It provides a solid grounding in research skills and theoretical approaches to politics.  It then allows students to select options that focus on global, comparative and/or British politics as well as political theory and philosophy. 

The degree is enriched by opportunities (awarded on a competitive basis) for work-based placement learning either through the Wales for Africa programme or placements arranged with government organisations in Wales. 

There is a consistent focus on transferable skills development throughout the scheme, with part two of the degree focusing on the completion of a high-level 20,000 word dissertation. 

Programme Details

Part I of the MA consists of 120-credits of compulsory and optional modules that provide training in research skills and theory, allow you to study particular topics with experts in the field, and prepare you for the 60-credit Dissertation which constitutes Part II of the scheme. The MA can be pursued full-time or part-time. Full-time students complete Part I over two semesters, in one academic year; part-time students normally complete Part I over four semesters, in two years.

The compulsory modules for this degree are:-

• Governance: from state formation to global governance
• Comparative politics in the new world order
• Approaches to political theory: the challenge of democracy
• Conceptual issues in the theory and practice of social science
• Research process and dissertation

The optional modules for this degree are:-

• Civil society and international development
• Continental political thought
• Drug policy and human rights
• Global political economy
• Human rights and humanitarian intervention
• New technology and social conflict
• Political economy of media
• Politics and policy in Wales
• Politics in contemporary Britain
• Postcolonialism, Orientalism and Eurocentrism
• Rethinking global politics

Weblink to descriptions of masters modules in Political and Cultural Studies.

Entry Requirements

We welcome students from all over the world with a range of backgrounds and qualifications. The typical entry requirement is a minimum of a lower second class BA degree (with an overall average of at least 55%) or equivalent, in Politics, International Relations or a related subject area.  Overseas students are expected to possess and IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if English is not their first language. Relevant work experience is also taken into consideration.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are employed in diverse and dynamic vocations such as government and politics, foreign affairs and diplomatic corps; humanitarian organisations; marketing, sales and advertising; commercial, industrial and public Sectors; education; business, law and finance; art, design and culture; journalism, media and PR.

Books written by academics associated with the degree include:

For enquiries, please contact Dr. Jonathan Bradbury