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  • Government, Policy and Politics (MSc)
  • 2013/2014 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Core modules assessed by written examinations; option modules assessed by coursework and written examinations. You will have a choice of either writing a dissertation or preparing a research portfolio.

      Find out more about how MSc/MRes programmes are assessed.

  • Attendance
      • Two evenings a week part-time; four evenings a week full-time.
      • October–June.
  • Duration
      • Two years part-time or one year full-time.
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2013/14)
      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £7225 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £6950 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £13,950 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

Government, Policy and Politics (MSc) - 2013/2014 entry


  • Overview

    • This programme examines the processes of government by analysing post-war politics in the United Kingdom and the world. You will explore topics in political theory, political science and sociology through a variety of option modules, and may either write a dissertation or submit a research portfolio.

      Find out more about studying at Birkbeck's Department of Politics.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Provides an intellectually stimulating guide to politics, policy-making and the processes of government in contemporary Britain.
      • Opportunity to engage with the practicalities of politics in class discussions and through meetings with practitioners.
      • Ideal if you aspire to, or already have, a career in policy research, lobbying, journalism, the civil service, local government, further and higher education, or NGOs.
  • Course structure

    • You will take core and option modules, and will write a dissertation.

      Core modules:

      Option modules are normally available in:

      • British, US and European government and politics
      • international relations, international security, and US foreign policy
      • politics of globalisation and international political economy
      • politics, policy and administration of the EU
      • political theory and political sociology
      • war, conflict, nationalism, politics and religion
      • policy analysis, policy-making processes and comparative public policy
      • public management and public sector reform
      • research methods.
  • Study resources

    • Birkbeck Library has an extensive teaching collection of books and journals in politics and sociology. It also has an impressive range of electronic resources, including bibliographic databases and over 17,000 electronic journals. Most of these resources can be accessed online 24-hours a day. It is worth spending some time on the library website to familiarise yourself with its collections and services.

      Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library.

      The Department of Politics organises a lively programme of seminars and conferences.

      Find out more about our learning resources and student support.

  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers in local and national government, the diplomatic service, policy work, the voluntary sector, and as researchers or journalists.

  • Apply now