Programme structure: Social Science Research Methods (Politics) (MSc) - what's running in 2026/27

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

    This section describes which Units you will take in which year of study. It indicates which units are mandatory and where you will be able to choose. The overall pass marks you will need to achieve in order to progress or achieve an award are shown. The full regulations concerning progression and completion are held in the University's Regulations and Code of Practice. Any particular aspects of your programme that are unusual will be highlighted. If any Units are must pass this will be shown below. The linked unit specifications detail any additional requirements.

    What do the Levels represent?

    What do the teaching blocks (TB) mean?

    If you are selecting optional units, ensure that you have a balanced workload through the year.

  • Year 1 (2026/27)

POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PATHWAY

Unit name Unit code Credit points Status Teaching Block
Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences SOCIM0013 20 Mandatory TB-1
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences SOCIM0011 20 Mandatory TB-1,TB-2
Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences SOCIM0012 20 Mandatory TB-1
Dissertation POLIM1001 60 Mandatory AYEAR
At least 20 credit points from the following list:
Advanced Qualitative Research SOCIM3132 20 Optional TB-2
Advanced Quantitative Research POLIM0064 20 Optional TB-2
Plus 40 credit points from the list of Politics optional units:
European Security POLIM0019 20 Optional TB-2
China's International Relations POLIM0023 20 Optional TB-2
The Politics of (Un)sustainability POLIM0028 20 Optional TB-1
The Middle East in International Relations Theory POLIM0037 20 Optional TB-2
China’s Political Economy: Trade and Finance in China POLIM0040 20 Optional TB-2
Transitional Justice in the Aftermath of Conflict POLIM0049 20 Optional TB-2
Global transformations: Issues and Trajectories POLIM0059 20 Optional TB-2
Gender and Development POLIM2032 20 Optional TB-1
Managing and Evaluating Development POLIM2036 20 Optional TB-2
Society, Politics and Climate Change POLIM0055 20 Optional TB-1
Gender, Masculinity/ies and International Relations POLIM3016 20 Optional TB-2
Foreign Policy Analysis POLIM3017 20 Optional TB-2
Climate Crisis and International Security POLIM0052 20 Optional TB-2
Researching Organisations, Institutions and Management EFIMM0045 20 Optional TB-2
Vulnerabilities, Capacities and Disasters POLIM0058 20 Optional TB-1
Advanced Quantitative Research POLIM0064 20 Optional TB-2
ESRC students must take the following units instead of SOCIM0011 and SOCIM0013:
Introduction to Research Methods in the Social Sciences SSLFM0001 20 Optional TB-1
Digital Methods and Data Skills SSLFM0002 20 Optional TB-1
MSc Social Science Research Methods (politics)   180    

Award requirements

The pass mark set by the University for any level 7 unit is 50 out of 100.

For detailed rules on the award of credit, reassessment and award of a qualification please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.

Degree classifications:

A classification will be awarded in the following qualifications:

  • Taught postgraduate Masters degree, including a Master of Research (MRes)
  • Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications
  • Exit awards of Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates in designated programmes (as described in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.

A classification is not awarded for exit awards where students are required to withdraw from the programme on academic grounds.

The overall final programme mark is calculated as the average of all unit marks in the programme, weighted by credit point value.

The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:

  • Distinction = final programme mark of 70+
  • Merit = final programme mark of 60-69
  • Pass = final programme mark of 50-59
  • Fail = final programme mark of 49 or less

* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.

Diploma/certificate stages:

To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 100 must be at level 7.

To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level 7.

Related links