Considering a Masters degree in Politics ensures that the student is well equipped for the modern world and future employability. Students will acquire extensive analytical and practical skills, and the ability to unpick the tapestry of modern politics that shape our everyday lives. Academic skills such as the ability to research and concisely communicate complex ideas orally and written.
So why study politics at a Masters level? Politics is offered by a number of universities and has its own areas of specialism. No two politics degrees are identical, though the following are some of the primary fields of study:
* Researching Britain now is probably more engaging than it’s ever been. Comprehensive constitutional reforms have changed the political map. The establishment of the Parliament in Scotland and the Assemblies in Wales, Northern Ireland and London mean that power is shifting. Not only that, Britain’s membership of the EU, and maybe later the Euro, mean that discussions over sovereignty and co-operation rage long and hard.
* The definition of ‘Europe’ is constantly shifting, as the EU grows in size and power. Political influence and reform is constantly changing the landscape and students will need to be able to identify and analyse developments. Studying Europe also provides the opportunity to study the politics of countries within the continent – comparing them with our political system and history. Many Universities will also offer courses on the politics of countries outside the EU, namely the USA, Latin America, Asia, Africa or Australia.
* Understanding Political theory is crucial to the study of politics, as without it we wouldn’t understand the reasoning, the motivations and the consequences of political actions. Topics such as the nature of freedom, the responsibility of democracy, the relationship between government and society and questions of justice and equality.
* The cornerstone of democratic politics, Elections are always fascinating case studies. Unravelling how these events alter the course of a country and its people. Studying elections will include forecasting results, understanding the motivations of the voting public – why they vote or even why not? Analysing party campaigns, an engaging study of how media and politics can go hand in hand. All these are are essential and exciting areas of study.
* The subject of international relations examines issues such as the role of various actors on the international political stage, why and how wars occur, the function of organisations such as the United Nations, the place of non-governmental institutions such as large companies.
So if a Masters in Politics sounds like something you might be interested then take a look at Universities who offer the course and their component modules.
Interested in studying a Masters in Politics?, then take a look at our video. Alternatively, consider a Masters in International Relations.
