This programme offers students an understanding of British politics based on theoretical, empirical and historical analysis of the development of the British state since 1900.

Drawing on extensive staff expertise in the area of British political economy, and offering students a range of options to complement their core studies of British Politics and the State, it provides excellent preparation for further academic research or a career in government, a range of related private-sector areas, and many kinds of non-governmental organisations.

Issues and topics examined include:

• The development of the British state
• Inner workings of the Treasury and other key UK institutions
• Power and process in Parliament
• Ideology and forms of rule
• The future of British politics and the national form of the state

One of the real strengths of our masters programmes is the wide range of available modules, giving students the ability to tailor their course of study to their own academic interests.

More information on: Political Science MA (with specialist pathways)

Learning, teaching and assessment

Learning and teaching take place through a variety of means, including:

• Independent study
• Preparatory reading for participation in seminar activities and assessed work
• Student-led discussions in seminars
• Seminar activities including structured and unstructured debate
• Research design

A range of assessment methods are used on the modular components of the programme, including oral presentations, essays, literature reviews and research papers.

The degree provides excellent preparation for further academic research or a career in government, a range of related private-sector areas, and many kinds of non-governmental organisations.

Skills gained

Students will gain expert training in the following areas:

• The development of the British state
• Inner workings of the Treasury and other key UK institutions
• Power and process in Parliament
• Ideology and forms of rule
• The future of British politics and the national form of the state

In addition to specialist training in British politics, students also have the opportunity to choose optional modules covering a wide range of subjects across the disciplines of political science and international relations.

Graduates from the School have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.

The School takes employability very seriously and as well as linking students to the central careers services, also incorporates opportunities to enhance their employment prospects, including highlighting work experience opportunities, encouraging volunteering in extra-curricular projects (such as student seminars and events) and by inviting backgrounds for students to meet.

More information about careers and employability

Careers Support for Work Experience and Internships

The Careers and Employability Centre provides a dedicated service to help you find work experience or internship opportunities outside of your studies, either part-time during term-time, or over the summer vacation. Right from the start of your degree you will have access to our interactive careers service, through which many regional, national and international employers advertise their vacancies, and your college internship officers will go out and about to find vacancies that will be a useful addition to your CV. 

Ever wondered what it would be like to work in a New York Theatre?  Interested in working in the city? Fancy travelling to India to take part in a project to promote urban cycling?  Interested in public diplomacy, economics, media relations or PR, journalism or international affairs?  The University of Birmingham offers a range of work experience bursaries, where you can apply for up to £9,000 to help fund work experience or an internship, a research placement, or volunteering, anywhere in the world during the summer vacation.  The funding can help you pay for accommodation costs, travel expenses, or living costs, and will help you rise above the competition.

Through our mentoring scheme, we also provide students in any year of undergraduate study with the opportunity to be mentored by successful Birmingham graduates from a diverse range of career backgrounds, such as marketing, finance, politics, and international affairs. In your final year of study you can also apply to be part of our Alumni Leadership Mentoring programme, and receive one-to-one mentoring from high-profile Birmingham alumni.  This year’s mentors include Martin Devenish, Partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, and Mike Coupe, a director at J Sainsbury’s.

Find out more about support for work experience and internships, bursaries, or mentoring.

Funding for work placements, research placements and internships
The Careers and Employability Centre offer a range of award schemes for students from a range of backgrounds that are looking to undertake a variety of work experience placements and internships .