Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Government. This one-year full-time (or 24 months part-time) Master of Arts (MA) program in Political Psychology offers a thorough introduction to this growing and thriving subfield of politics. It explores how individual opinions, decisions, and behaviors shape national and global politics, delving into topics such as emotions, identities, polarization, authoritarianism, radicalization, and even neuropolitics. The curriculum provides a deep understanding of the intersection between political science and psychology, combining theoretical insights with practical research methods. Core modules typically include "Political Psychology" and "Research Design," providing a strong foundation in both the subject matter and research methodologies. Students will also be able to choose from a range of optional modules to tailor their studies to specific interests within political science. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to design and potentially execute their own research project in the field, developing critical analytical and research skills highly valued by employers.

Career options for graduates are varied and can lead to roles in market research, media, central and local government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The program develops key employability skills including analytical reasoning, research design, and essay-writing, preparing graduates for positions where understanding human behavior in political contexts is crucial. Graduates have gone on to work for political parties, campaign groups, NGOs, the civil service, and have established successful careers in journalism, business, and academia. It also provides an excellent foundation for further academic study at the PhD level.

The University of Essex is a forward-thinking university with a diverse international community, offering a rich and inclusive learning environment. Essex is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, ensuring students are taught by academics at the forefront of their fields who are actively engaged in impactful research. The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, providing a balance of campus life and access to a major global city. The Department of Government at Essex is one of the most prestigious in Europe, consistently highly rated for its teaching, research, and publications.