School of Social Sciences

Politics MA

Year of entry: 2025

Course length: 12 months full-time | 24 months part-time

About the course

This MA pathway is designed for generalists who wish to gain a degree in Political Science but do not want to follow a particular area. With units available on a vast array of topics, you’ll be able to tailor the course to fit your interests

Drawing on inspiring academic expertise, you will explore the latest perspectives in political analysis and theories alongside research methodologies in political science.

You will also choose from a range of fascinating optional units to expand your knowledge.

Join one of the UK's Top 5 universities for Politics and International Studies

(Times Higher Education Rankings 2024)

Tailor your degree to fit your interests, with an array of optional course units

Our graduates are among the most targeted by top UK employers

(High Fliers 2024)

Compulsory Units

Comparative Political Analysis
Research Design and Skills
Dissertation

Optional Units

The Politics of Money and Finance
Political Parties in Contemporary Britain
Governing in an Unjust World: Justice and International Relations
The Ethics Of Killing
Tools and techniques of applied quantitative analysis
Understanding Governance
Critical Globalisation Studies
The European Union: Politics and Policy Making

These are examples of units offered in 2023/24 and are subject to change.

See the full list of units and find out more on the full course profile >

Where will your degree take you?

Equipped with specialist knowledge, a top education and outstanding multidisciplinary skills such as research, debate, problem-solving and communication, our Politics graduates go on to a variety of highly rewarding careers in national, international and multinational organisations.

Another popular route is academia, with graduates pursuing PhDs to become researchers and teachers at Manchester and at other leading institutions around the world.

See the full course profile on our website >

Camilla Walker

Politics MA Graduate

“The Politics department is full of excellent and inspiring academics; the variety of modules on offer is broad and the city itself offers lots of different experiences for people who are in search of city life."