.

MRes in Politics and International Relations

Key information

Duration of programme: Full-time: 12 months, part-time: 2-3 years

Start date: October
Distance learning available: Not available

Intake: Approximately 10 per year

Fees:
UK/EU students: £3,820
International students: £11,236

Part-time students pay a pro-rata version of full-time fees. Scholarships available for this programme.

Application & contact:
Apply for this course online

LSS Postgraduate Admissions
Tel: +44 (0) 121 204 3762
Fax: +44 (0) 121 204 3766
Email: lss_pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk


Programme outline and modules

Social space for studying
The MRes (Masters by Research) in Politics and International Relations is suited for those wishing to carry out postgraduate research, for the Masters and subsequently a PhD.  The greater research component of the MRes distinguishes it from the taught MA in the European Union and International Relations.

You will be expected to identify a distinct field of research as the focus for the MRes.  Fields of supervision currently include: the European Union and international relations; French politics; German politics; globalization and world regionalism; the history of European integration; political discourse; political leadership; political thought and philosophy; regionalism in Europe; religion and politics in Europe. 

Core Modules
  • Extended Research Methods
  • Directed Reading
  • Dissertation Literature Review
  • Dissertation.

Jump to:

Entry requirements
Learning, teaching & assessment
Career opportunities

Personal development
Facilities & equipment

Course director

Entry requirements

  • Normally a good UK Honours Degree (minimum of an upper second class) in a relevant discipline or an overseas degree recognised by Aston University, plus two references.

International students whose native language is not English and have not completed a full degree programme taught in English, will also need to obtain:

  •  An IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 7 in writing and minimum of 6 in speaking, listening and reading.
Back to top

Learning, teaching & assessment

Modules are delivered via a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods.   You will undertake individual research and guided study under the one-to-one supervision of a supervisor. 

There are also opportunities for interactive learning under a tutor’s guidance.

Assessment is by individual research essays, written examination, task based continuous
assessments and a 15,000 word dissertation.
Back to top

Career opportunities

Graduate opportunities lie in international business or finance, in government or international organisations, in politics and journalism, or in research - whether policy-oriented or academic (usually after doctoral level research).
Back to top

Personal development

This course helps you to develop team working skills, presentation and communication skills, as well as research and report writing skills. Your IT skills will also benefit from use of our newly refurbished IT facilities.

Back to top

Facilities & equipment

You will have access to:
  • Our Virtual Learning Environment – Blackboard – to support your studies, including Blackboard discussion groups
  • The University Library, including over 25,000 books and a wide range of electronic journals.  The library has special provision in place to help part time and distance learning students access their resources: www.aston.ac.uk/lis/studentinfo/parttime
  • University wide facilities such as the Careers Service, Students’ Advice Centre, Students’ Jobshop, Counselling Service, Sports Facilities, and Chaplaincy.
Back to top

Course director

Dr Lucian Leustean - tel: 0121 204 3767  l.leustean@aston.ac.uk
Back to top