MA Politics

Institution University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Method At the institution
Location Colchester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MA Politics

Objectives To develop a systematic knowledge and understanding of the conceptual foundations of the discipline of political science; To promote the critical use of evidence, and the effective application of quantitative methods of political analysis; To develop a capacity for independent study and research, including a critical awareness of research design; To provide the opportunity, through a range of options, to study sub-disciplinary and/or area-oriented fields in depth; To develop a capacity to make coherent and reflective argument, and to present and communicate ideas effectively; To enhance the analytical and evaluative skills required for personal and professional development, and for successful employment or further study.
Entry requirements Entry Qualifications BA degree of Upper Second class standard or above. For students whose native language is not English, the usual minimum language entry requirement is either an IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88; Cambridge Proficiency of English C or above.
Academic title MA Politics
Course description
Course Description
The MA in Politics has been designed to meet a grwoing demand from MA students and enables them a maximum degree of choice amongst politics options. It caters for those who do not yet know which area they wish to specialise in or for those who find that other MA courses do not reflect their specific interests.

Modules and Options

The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.

Stage 1

    BRITISH POLITICAL PARTIES
    COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF CENTRAL EUROPE
    COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
    CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF JUSTICE
    Core: CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
    Core: DISSERTATION - MA SCHEMES
    Core: POLITICAL EXPLANATION
    DEMOCRACY BEYOND THE NATION STATE? THE CASE OF EUROPE
    DEMOCRACY, CITIZENSHIP AND CONSTITUTIONS
    EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
    EUROPEAN POLITICS
    GLOBAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS
    GLOBALISATION AND WORLD POLITICS: APPROACHES, ORIGINS, TRENDS
    HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICAL THEORY
    HUMAN RIGHTS IN POST-COMMUNIST DEMOCRACIES
    IDEOLOGY AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE
    INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
    INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
    POLITICAL BEHAVIOUR
    POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC POLICY
    POLITICAL THEORY
    POLITICS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
    RATIONAL CHOICE THEORIES OF POLITICS
    RESEARCH SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY AND METHODS
    RULE AND RESISTANCE: POLITICAL THEMES IN LITERATURE AND FILM
    THE ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC OPINION
    THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in political science at an appropriate level.
    A2 : Understanding of the main quantitative methods used in political analysis.
    A3 : Critical awareness of the use of evidence in political science.
    A4 : Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in one or more sub-disciplinary or area-oriented fields.
    A5 : Systematic knowledge of the relevant sources of information.

    Teaching Methods
    A1-5 Lectures, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.

    A1 specifically in GV958 Contemporary Political Theory

    A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation

    A3 specifically in GV900, GV958 and in supervision of individual dissertations

    A4 specifically in options chosen in consultation with Scheme Director

    A5 specifically in independent learning

    Assessment Methods
    Taught modules assessed 50/50 by continuous assessment through written assignments and essays, and three-hour closed examinations at end of the modules.

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B1 : To question received thinking.
    B2 : To develop independent thinking.
    B3 : To muster evidence.
    B4 : To evaluate and analyse evidence.
    B5 : To reason critically.
    B6 : To argue coherently and concisely.
    B7 : To communicate ideas effectively in writing.
    B8 : To carry out independent research.

    Teaching Methods
    B1-7. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer

    B4 especially in GV900 Political Explanation.

    Assessment Methods
    B1-7. Written assignments and essays, written examinations

    B8. The dissertation.

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : Organize and structure an extended argument.
    C2 : Use concepts correctly.
    C3 : Compile systematic bibliographies.
    C4 : Provide references according to accepted conventions.
    C5 : Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources.
    C6 : Sift and synthesize complex information.

    Teaching Methods
    C1-6. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance for essays, individual supervision of dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.

    C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use.

    Assessment Methods
    C1-6. Written assignments and essays, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.

    C1 especially in dissertation.

    C3-6 specifically in essays and dissertation.

    C2 essays, examinations, and dissertation.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D1 : Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.
    D2 : Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources.
    D3 : Apply statistical methods.
    D4 : To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
    D6 : Positive response to feedback and criticism.

    Teaching Methods
    D1-5. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.

    D3 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation.

    D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel.

    D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.

    Assessment Methods
    D1-4. Written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation

    D6 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays.