Politics, MA by Research 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Swansea University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 201-250QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

18,950 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

15 Apr, 2026Application Deadline

Programme overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July.


An MA by Research in Politics at Swansea enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.


It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.


Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time. It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as an isolated culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research.


You will submit a thesis of up to 40,000 words, demonstrating original research with a substantial contribution to the subject. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).


Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups:


  • Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO)
  • International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS)
  • Political Analysis and Government (PAG)

Specific subjects of political expertise include, but are not limited to:


•  Governance and international development, including aid policy and practice

•  Human rights and international development

•  US Foreign Policy

•  European political thought

•  Democratic theory

•  Devolution

•  Comparative elections

•  Public sector reform

•  Comparative liberal politics

•  European integration and European Union politics and policy


As a research student, you are required to attend skills and training courses. You will deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at our postgraduate conference.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July.


An MA by Research in Politics at Swansea enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.


It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.


Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time. It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as an isolated culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research.


You will submit a thesis of up to 40,000 words, demonstrating original research with a substantial contribution to the subject. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).


Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups:


  • Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO)
  • International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS)
  • Political Analysis and Government (PAG)

Specific subjects of political expertise include, but are not limited to:


•  Governance and international development, including aid policy and practice

•  Human rights and international development

•  US Foreign Policy

•  European political thought

•  Democratic theory

•  Devolution

•  Comparative elections

•  Public sector reform

•  Comparative liberal politics

•  European integration and European Union politics and policy


As a research student, you are required to attend skills and training courses. You will deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at our postgraduate conference.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
3.3+
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 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). See our full list of acceptable English Language tests.
Applicants to this programme would normally be expected to meet the minimum entry requirements indicated above. The 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).
As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

15 Apr 2026
1 Year
Jan
Oct

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance

Domestic
5,006 GBP
International
18,950 GBP

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