An MA by Research in one of the programmes offered in PCS gives you the chance to pursue a major research project based around your own passions and interests, leading to a qualification which can open the door to an academic career or boost employment prospects outside academia. It will give you the freedom to explore a topic of your choosing and develop a methodology under the close supervision of two experienced academics but without attending regular classes as required in taught programmes.

Typically, you will work closely with your supervisors, meeting them regularly, in many instances fortnightly, in the first term and at regular intervals thereafter. Meetings are logged and goals agreed each time.

Students enrolled in the MA by Research are required to attend skills and training courses at College and University level. You may also be expected to give presentations to other research students and staff at departmental seminars and attend the postgraduate conference of the College of Arts and Humanities which is held in October.

The MA by Research is ideal for those who want:

• an MA qualification in areas where taught programmes are not offered;
• the experience of a research degree without committing to a PhD at the outset.

Research proposals are invited on any topic for which staff in PCS can provide supervision. It is a good idea to enter into discussions about your research project with the Department's Director of Postgraduate Research, Professor Roland Axtmann (r.axtmann@swansea.ac.uk), before drawing up an initial proposal and starting the application process. 

MA by Research - You should hold or expect to achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in a related subject or hold relevant work experience. If you hold a qualification from a non-UK institution please see our academic entry requirements for International qualifications (non-EU).

If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 6.5 in each component). A full list of acceptable English Language tests can be found at: www.swansea.ac.uk/english-tests. 

Applicants to this programme would normally be expected to meet the minimum entry requirements indicated above. The College/School reserves the right to ask for higher academic grades and qualifications. Admissions decisions take into account not only prior academic qualifications, but also factors including the standard of the research synopsis/proposal submitted by the applicant, their performance at interview (if required), intensity of competition for limited places and relevant professional experience (where appropriate).

Apply online and track your application status at www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline.

You may enrol in September, January, April or July.

Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2018/19 are as follows:

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information on fees and how to pay on our tuition fees page.

If your course starts in January, April or July 2018 please refer to the 2017/18 fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It is now possible for some students to study part-time under the Tier 4 visa route. This is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category. Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

The tuition fees do not cover the costs of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying costs.

There are no mandatory additional costs specified for this course.

At any one time, the department has over forty research students who work together with their supervisors on their projects.  

In the area of International Relations and Development Studies, the department has expertise in International Security and Strategic Studies; the international politics of space; gender, childhood and child soldiers; North- and South East Asia; West Africa; transitional justice and international crimes; post-war reconstruction; multi-nationals and corporate social responsibility; governance and international development, including aid policy and practice; the role of civil society organisations in development contexts; human rights and international development; history of military thought and military culture; European diplomatic history.

In the field of history of political thought, political philosophy and political theory, there is research expertise in European political thought; democratic theory; political and moral philosophy; Ludwig Wittgenstein; neo-Kantian ethics; human rights; just war theory and international ethics; philosophy of religion; philosophical anthropology; postcolonialism and Orientalism. 

Discover more about the Department of Political and Cultural Studies:  

www.swansea.ac.uk/politics

Your are assessed on the basis of a thesis of about 40,000 words.

The College of Arts and Humanities has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information above is accurate and up-to-date when published but can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Please note that this page should always be read in conjunction with University regulations governing research degrees http://www.swansea.ac.uk/registry/academicguide/ .