Taught Masters: Course Aims and Objectives

Each MA course has its own specific objective relating to the particular sub-field being studied. By the end of their course all MA students will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad understanding of political phenomena, and of a particular sub-field of the discipline of political studies at advanced level;
• apply the concepts, theories and methods used in the study of a particular sub-field of Politics to an advanced level;
• design and carry out a small research project.

In addition, by the end of their course all MA students will be able to:

• demonstrate a range of distinctive skills used in the study of political phenomena, including the evaluation of different interpretations of political events, and the gathering, organisation and deployment of evidence, data and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources;
• demonstrate appropriate general intellectual and communicative skills, including the ability to construct a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information, exercise critical judgement, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• manage their own learning, reflect on it critically, and seek and use constructive feedback;
• assess whether they have the ability, motivation, and interest to pursue further training at postgraduate level;
• reflect on career choices, and compete effectively for employment in the job market.