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UCAS code: 8M9D

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Social and Political Science

College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

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Introducing MA Politics with Quantitative Methods

On this programme, you will explore the origins and present day contexts of domestic and international conflicts about power and resources. You will also study the morality of political action, the limits of freedom and justice, and the processes of governance at various levels.

One quarter of your study time will be devoted to quantitative methods. You will learn how to research political issues by using data in a practical setting.

This programme will develop your skills in politics and statistics. Quantitative skills underpin effective evidence-based planning in government, in the private sector and in international non-governmental organisations, so your combined skills set will be in demand.

This programme offers you the opportunity to take an internship, allowing you to gain practical experience and further strengthen your skills. Our placement hosts include prestigious institutions such as the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and private sector employers.

This programme receives support and funding from the UK-wide Q-Step initiative, allowing you to benefit from small class sizes and develop your skills in close proximity to experts. There is also plenty of support available to help those less confident with maths.

What you will study

Year 1

You will take Introduction to Politics & International Relations and an introductory political theory course (Political Thinkers).

You will also take Fundamentals, a hands-on key skills course covering topics such as critical reading, essay writing and understanding the media.

You will take quantitative methods courses: Mathematics for Social Science and Introduction to Statistics for Social Science.

You will also take two option courses of your choice.

Year 2

You will study International Cooperation in Europe and Beyond, which examines how states cooperate in international organisations such as the European Union, the World Trade Organisation and the United Nations.

This year will also include courses in Comparative Politics and Doing Social Research with Statistics along with three further option courses.

Year 3

You will take courses on Statistical Modelling and Research Design. You will also take option honours courses on a wide range of subjects such as International Political Economy, Global Security, US Foreign Policy, human rights, gender, theory, Africa, the Middle East, advanced statistical methods and many more.

(Revised 27 September 2019 to reflect changes to the programme content in Year 3.)

Year 4

You will choose four courses from the wide range available, and complete an honours dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Where you will study

Our facilities

The majority of teaching takes place at facilities located within the University's Central Area. You will also have access to the University's library and computer facilities.

Placements

You will be eligible to apply for a placement with a range of host institutions. Placements are designed to allow you to apply your data skills in a real world setting.

Work placements are offered during the summer of Year 3.

Our Careers Service can offer advice and support on your application to the host institution.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad in Year 3 through the Erasmus programme or the University's international exchange programme.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

Learning and assessment

How will I learn?

Courses are taught mainly through a combination of lectures, tutorials and skills hours.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a diverse set of components, such as essays, exams, policy briefs, group presentations and tutorial participation exercises.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2018/19)

Career opportunities

A good understanding of quantitative methods is highly valued by employers and covers a variety of skills that allow you to handle data and use numerical evidence systematically.

There is currently a deficit of graduates with advanced quantitative skills in the UK, so graduates with broad numerical skills are highly prized by employers.

This programme equips you with the skills employers need, opening doors to a wide range of exciting and well remunerated careers.

Entry requirements

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

SQA Highers: AAAAA - ABBB.
A Levels: AAA - ABB.
IB: 43 points (grades 776 at HL) - 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

SQA Highers: ABBB.
A Levels: ABB.
IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6. Higher Mathematics at Grade B required. National 5: English at Grade C.
A Levels: ABB including Mathematics, or AS Mathematics at A (if A Level is not taken). GCSEs: English at Grade C or 4.
IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects including Mathematics. SL: Mathematics at 6 (if not taken at HL) and English at 5. IB applicants should note that Maths Studies is not accepted for any of our Quantitative Methods programmes.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

English language requirements

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

SQA National 5 Grade C
SQA Standard Grade 3
SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
GCSE Grade C or 4
Level 2 Certificate Grade C
IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

Unistats data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MA Politics with Quantitative Methods

Additional costs

In Year 3 or 4, if you are taking the Parliamentary Studies course, you will be offered a trip to Westminster. You will be responsible for your own travel and accommodation costs.