Research Methods (Politics, International Relations, Security)

Entry requirements

UK 2.1 Bachelor degree, or equivalent. The degree should be in the field of social sciences, but we will actively consider significant relevant experience in lieu of this requirement.

Months of entry

October

Course content

This is a degree offered in collaboration with other departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences. It is designed to provide a strong all round training in research methods allied to further specialisation within the fields of politics, international relations and security for those intending to go on to register for a PhD. As such it implements the ESRC research training guidelines for '1+3' PhD students, and includes compulsory elements in a wide variety of techniques including statistics and quantitative methods, but contains less subject-specific content than the other MA courses.

Course structure

Core modules:

• Empirical Research in Politics, International Relations and Security
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Science Research
• Quantitative Methods and Analysis
• Qualitative Methods and Analysis
• Dissertation.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Advanced Ethnographic Research
• Multilevel Modelling
• Simulating Data in R
• Systematic Review
• Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences
• Computational Social Science
• Participatory Action Research
• Core Concepts in Political Science
• International Relations Theory
• International Organisations
• Defence, Development and Diplomacy in Conflict: Evolving Actors, Factors and Paradigms
• Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace
• Peace Processes and Everyday Political Negotiation
• Consolidating Peace After Violence.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.