Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Government. This 1-year (full-time) Master of Arts (MA) explores the complex interaction between the mass public and political elites in advanced industrial democracies. The program introduces students to the latest theoretical debates about the nature, significance, and measurement of public opinion, and how these opinions translate into political participation (e.g., voting behaviour, petitioning, social media campaigns, protest). It delves into how individuals form opinions, how politicians and media influence public opinion, and the spread of political misinformation. The curriculum combines theoretical approaches with strong emphasis on quantitative data analysis, survey measurement, and research design, equipping students with practical skills in administering surveys and analyzing polling data. Taught by world-leading academics in a research-intensive environment, this program is ideal for those seeking to understand and analyze the dynamics of public sentiment and political action. The course culminates in a substantial dissertation. The program can also be studied part-time over 24 months.

Graduates from this program are equipped with highly sought-after analytical, research, and data interpretation skills, making them valuable in various sectors. Career paths include: Polling Industry Analyst/Manager, Market Researcher, Political Campaign Strategist, Public Affairs Consultant, Government Policy Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Data Analyst for political parties, NGOs, or think tanks. Recent graduates have gone on to work for high-profile organizations such as the Civil Service, local government, the World Bank, the United Nations, NATO, YouGov, and YouGov America. Many graduates also pursue further PhD research and careers in academia.

The University of Essex is renowned for its forward-thinking environment and diverse international community, attracting students from over 140 nationalities. Its Department of Government is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, consistently highly rated in national assessments for politics and international studies. This ensures students learn from leading experts and benefit from cutting-edge research. The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, providing a balance of a vibrant academic campus with easy access to major professional and cultural opportunities. The program specifically develops key employability skills including analytical reasoning, survey design, polling, research design, and report writing.