Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Government. This one-year full-time (or 24 months part-time) Master of Arts (MA) in Politics allows for significant flexibility, giving students freedom of choice over all the modules they take, making it distinct from other specialized Master's programs. It provides a comprehensive background to the study of politics without being solely preoccupied with political theory or specific research methods. The program addresses fundamental questions such as how politics can be used to analyze the real world, and the relationship between ideas and political practices. Students can explore a wide range of topics, including global environmental problems, the economy and the state, international relations, theories of justice, and public opinion. The course culminates in an independent research dissertation. This MA develops strong analytical reasoning, research design, and essay-writing skills, preparing students for diverse professional and academic paths.

Career options for graduates of this program are extensive, benefiting from a qualification from one of the world's leading politics departments. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in market research, the media, central and local government, and the private sector. The broad and flexible nature of the MA also makes it an excellent foundation for further research in political science at the PhD level. Alumni have gone on to work in a variety of fields, both domestically and internationally, including roles that demand a comprehensive understanding of political systems and current affairs.

The University of Essex is a forward-thinking environment with a diverse international community. Its Department of Government is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, consistently ranked among the most prestigious in Europe for its outstanding record of teaching, research, and publication (rated 6th in UK for research power in politics and international studies, REF 2021). The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, combining a peaceful setting with easy access to a major global city. Academic staff are actively involved in advising governments and commenting on political events, bringing real-world relevance to the curriculum and offering unparalleled access to leading minds in politics.