The MA/MRes in Politics and International Relations has a pathway structure, allowing you to gain knowledge and understanding of the key elements of the discipline and giving you the opportunity to focus on the topics, questions, and issues that interest you the most. We have pathways in Politics, Middle East Politics, US Politics, International Relations, and Global Security. Whichever pathway you choose, you will be taught by academic staff who are experts and have long-standing reputations within these areas. <br><br>The Politics pathway examines the nature and role of political institutions and processes, and the individuals and organisations that operate within these structures. Our modules explore how different political systems function, why they function the way they do, and the consequences they have. They also examine the actors within these systems, including their ideas, ideologies, and behaviours. In studying these topics you will not only gain a better understanding of how the political world operates, but you will also be able to reflect on important questions of power, rights, equality, legitimacy, and accountability. <br><br>You will take core modules which explore the key philosophies and approaches to the study of Politics and International Relations, and the ways in which research in the field is designed and conducted. <br><br>You will then select five (on the MRes) or six (on the MA) optional modules, enabling you to tailor your studies based on your interests. You may explore themes from a theoretical perspective, or you may wish to engage in empirical research. Alternatively, you may select modules that have a focus on a particular geographic region, be that Europe, the US, or the Middle East, or modules with a global perspective. <br><br>Finally, the dissertation offers you the chance to further pursue your particular interests in Politics, giving you opportunity to examine a topic of your own choosing in considerable depth.