| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time 2 years part time |
| Entry year | September 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Politics and International Relations |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:2 Honours degree |
|---|---|
Overview
- We’ll develop you into a fully trained and competent social science researcher who is able to understand and use a range of research techniques
- Our flexible programme allows you to pursue your intended subject or topic, preparing you for PhD or a career in research
- Forms part of the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership – a hub of world-class social sciences research
- Our seminar series and highly successful annual postgraduate conference brings together researchers from across all humanities and social sciences disciplines
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
14th in The Complete University Guide 2026; 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 15 in the UK for Sociology
Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Funding opportunities available through ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre – a hub of world-class social sciences research
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
Top 15 in the UK for Politics
14th in The Complete University Guide 2026; 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 15 in the UK for Sociology
Joint 15th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Funding opportunities available through ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre – a hub of world-class social sciences research
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in a social science* or humanities subject area (including Business and Management). While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.
*Accepted social science subjects include:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Area and Development Studies
- Criminology
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Economic and Social History
- Education
- Environmental Planning
- Human Geography
- International Relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Management and Business Studies
- Media and Communication Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Studies
- Psychology
- Science and Technology Studies
- Social Policy
- Social Statistics, Methods, and Computing
- Social Work
- Socio Legal Studies
- Sociology
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This degree will empower you with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of social research. You will refine your analytical skills, gaining proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and digital research methodologies. We provide you with a deep understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in social research, fostering a sense of responsibility in your scholarly pursuits. You'll engage with real-world applications, honing your ability to contribute valuable insights to social issues. Additionally, collaborative learning environments and exposure to diverse research projects will cultivate your adaptability and critical thinking.
As a graduate armed with advanced research methods, you'll emerge ready to drive positive change in various professional domains, equipped to conduct impactful, evidence-based analyses that address the multifaceted challenges of our interconnected world.
The array of optional modules enables you to tailor your programme to your interests and career ambitions.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
One-stage, one-year, 180 credits. 120 credits of core modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
a – You must pick ONE of the dissertation modules
b – You are required to take either SSIM915 (the quantitative pathway) or POLM063 (the qualitative pathway). You can also take both modules (one will be taken as an option).
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCM019 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 15 |
| SPAM003 | Computational Social Science 1 | 15 |
| SPAM004 | Computational Social Science 2 | 15 |
| SSIM915 | Statistical Modelling b | 15 |
| POLM063 | Qualitative Methods in Social Research b | 15 |
| POLM886 | Dissertation a | 60 |
| PHLM009 | Dissertation a | 60 |
| ANTM904 | Dissertation a | 60 |
| SOCM904 | Dissertation a | 60 |
| LAWM640 | Dissertation a | 60 |
| HISM400 | Dissertation in History a | 60 |
| GEOM107 | Dissertation a | 60 |
| SSIM907 | Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project a | 60 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MRes Social Science Research - Options modules 25.26 | ||
HISM016 Advanced Historical Research Skills recommended for students on the ESRC Economic and Social History pathway LAWM686 Approaches to Research in Law recommended for students on the ESRC Socio-Legal Studies pathway GEOM312 Just Futures recommended for students on the ESRC Human Geography pathway |
||
| HISM016 | Advanced Historical Research Skills | 30 |
| LAWM686 | Approaches to Research in Law (ESRC) | 15 |
| GEOM312 | Just Futures | 15 |
| POLM809 | Applied Quantitative Data Analysis | 15 |
| POLM897 | Surveys and Experiments: Design, Implementation and Analysis | 15 |
| SOCM002A | Philosophy of the Social Sciences 1 | 15 |
| SOCM002B | Philosophy of the Social Sciences | 30 |
| SOCM033 | Data Governance and Ethics | 15 |
| PHLM010 | Introduction to Philosophical Methods | 30 |
| SSIM912 | Introduction to Social Network Analysis | 15 |
| SSI3021 | Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences | 15 |
| SSIM916 | Machine learning for social data science | 15 |
| SSIM918 | Data Visualisation | 15 |
| SOCM023 | Social Theory | 15 |
| SOCM027 | Social Theory | 30 |
| SOCM046 | Meaning, Making Consuming | 30 |
| POLM156 | The Transformation of Politics in the Global Age | 30 |
| POLM158 | Digital Politics and Policy | 30 |
| POLM167 | Global Governance: Institutions and Challenges | 30 |
| POLM173 | Theories of International Development | 30 |
| POLM239 | International Organisation | 30 |
| POLM502 | International Relations: Power and Institutions | 30 |
| SOCM945 | Philosophy of Science | 30 |
| GEOM145 | Theory for Sustainable Transitions | 15 |
| SPAM002 | Security, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies | 30 |
| SPAM007 | Which Policies Work? Causal Methods for Policy Evaluation | 15 |
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time
International fees per year:
£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
Learning and Teaching
With the exception of the dissertation, each module on this programme is normally taught through academic lectures expanded through seminar discussion, presentations, group work, reading and essay assignments.
Students have the opportunity to engage in a serious piece of research into a topic of their choosing through the dissertation module. Work on formulating a dissertation topic begins early in the academic year and you will have an individual supervisor for your dissertation.
Research
Students can take advantage of our seminar series and its long-running and highly successful annual postgraduate conference which brings together researchers from across all humanities and social sciences disciplines.
Careers
Our MRes is designed to prepare you for a successful research career. You will develop research skills expertise by designing research projects, collecting and analysing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions, that are highly valued skills in various economic sectors, including academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
The programme specifically emphasizes social research methods, providing you with a solid foundation in various research methodologies - employers often seek candidates with strong methodological skills, whether they are looking to conduct their research or evaluate existing research.
The diverse skills that are enhanced through this MRes – specifically though exposure to multiple different research methodologies - helps make graduates adaptable to various roles. This versatility is attractive to employers looking for candidates who can handle different tasks and challenges.
Specific skills that students will develop include, but are not limited to:
- Advanced independent thinking
- Opportunities to develop expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies
- The ability to construct a rigorous argument, and defend that argument citing relevant sources and analysis with qualitative, quantitative, and digital methodologies both written form and orally
- Managing and interpreting information
- Experience of working as an individual on challenging material
- The ability to reflect on learning, evaluate personal strengths and weakness, and map out a plan of personal development based on those reflections
- Experience of working as a participant and/or leader of a group, and of contributing effectively to the planning and achievement of that group’s objectives
Employment and professional development
Our excellent Career Zone provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the employment and professional development pages for more information, including podcasts and profiles, about the range of support available.
Top 150 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2024
