Combine an overview of international relations theories with tailored theoretical and methodological approaches aligned to your proposed research project. Under expert supervision, you’ll produce a major piece of independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge and offers ideal preparation for PhD study.
Introduction
This MRes provides a personalised and focused introduction to postgraduate research. It will enable you to develop into an independent researcher and produce an original research project, supported by an expert in international relations and security.
The programme provides intensive preparation for doctoral research and your future career. We’ll guide you through the research process, equipping you with transferable skills, including critical thinking, project management, written and verbal communication, and problem solving.
Training in research methodologies will be tailored to international relations and security and your specific research proposal. You’ll co-design a bespoke reading list and individual assessment tasks in preparation for a substantial piece of research.
You’ll discover how to develop a research proposal, identify relevant evidence and sources, plan and undertake the research, and analyse and present your findings.
Key theories in international relations, from their philosophical roots to contemporary debates, will be explored and their application to current international security challenges examined.
You’ll be supported by academic experts in the Department of Politics. Our team of MRes supervisors are actively engaged in political research. Their specialisms include international relations, security studies, political science, political communication, populism and religion.
What you'll learn
Strengths and weaknesses of key theories in international relations
The application of international relations theories to key issues in international security
Methodological approaches appropriate to specific research topics
How to design a robust research proposal
How to identify relevant evidence and sources
How to plan and conduct a major piece of original, independent research
How to collect, interpret and analyse data and present your findings
Project management and problem-solving skills
How to prepare a bibliography.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORIES (POLI132)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
This module surveys the main theories in the academic discipline of International Relations (IR). It adopts a quasi-chronological approach, beginning with the philosophical roots of IR theories and ending with contemporary theoretical debates. Attention will be paid throughout to the historical and social context from which theoretical developments emerged, and how these are relevant or useful in our understanding of contemporary security issues. The aim is to equip students with the necessary conceptual and analytical tools that can then be applied to their own specific areas of interest or field of research. By the end of the module students should be able to understand the key theoretical debates in the subject of IR.
RESEARCH PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BY DIRECTED STUDY (HLAC503)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 1
In light of the knowledge acquired in your subject / discipline-specific theory module you will be encouraged to consider the appropriate theoretical and methodological approach for your specific research project. Under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in your research area, you will be guided individually to create and carry through a programme of focused reading which will allow you to develop your knowledge of current approaches to research in your field. Assessment tasks comprise the building blocks necessary for successful completion of your particular project, for example a feasibility study, bibliography or preliminary literature review.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: whole session
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Compulsory modules
HLC RESEARCH MASTERS DISSERTATION (HLAC501)
Credits: 120 /
Semester: whole session
With expert academic advice, guidance and support throughout the academic year, you will produce an original and extended piece of research which will be a contribution to knowledge in your chosen research field. A major piece of independent study, your dissertation project will require you to identify relevant evidence and sources, and interpret and analyse that data in accordance with research best practice and a firm understanding of disciplinary conventions. The dissertation will provide a firm basis for further academic research or for a career within a research environment.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
The programme involves a combination of seminars, one-to-one supervision, small group work and independent study.
The course structure enables a student-centred approach with tailored reading and additional skills development, as well as guidance on ethical approval protocols as needed.
How you're assessed
You’ll primarily be assessed through written work assigned by your tutors. There’ll be opportunities to co-design some of these assessments so they’re tailored to your intended research.
Assessments might include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays and formal research proposals.
The main piece of assessed work will be your dissertation.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of Politics is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures and is based in 8-14 Abercromby Square. Students will be taught in a variety of buildings across campus.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why Politics at University of Liverpool?
We are able to offer an excellent range of modules providing both a national and international focus. Pathways offer students module choices to develop their own specialist interests
We are a small department that works to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Due to the small size of the seminar groups and the MA programmes in general, lecturers know students individually, and are easily accessible
The Department of Politics is home to the Europe and the World Research Centre, through which you will you will be able to take advantage of the strong programme of organised activities such as conferences, guest lectures, seminars
We aim to be a flexible and open department. We adopt a positive and flexible policy towards the postgraduate requirements of overseas and/or part-time students, including effective timetabling on taught programmes and facilitation of language training.
The programme will immerse you in research and practical analytical techniques and develop a wide range of transferable skills. You’ll demonstrate communication and presentation skills, problem-solving, methodological skills and the ability to work on your own initiative.
You’ll graduate ready for further study at postgraduate level, including MPhil or PhD research, and prepared for a variety of career opportunities in areas related to politics, international diplomacy and security.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Many MRes graduates continue their studies and progress to doctoral research, studying an MPhil or PhD.
Your expertise will also mean you are well placed to secure roles working in:
Academia.
Parliament, for example as an assistant to a member of parliament.
Government institutions, at state or local level, such as a civil servant or diplomat.
International organisations, such as the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and European Union.
Non-governmental organisations, for example Human Rights Watch.
Newspaper journalism and other media.
Corporate sector, for example lobbying or consultancy positions, public relations or strategic analysis.
Marketing.
Publishing.
Political consultancy or think tanks.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£4,786
Part-time place, per year
£2,393
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£23,400
Part-time place, per year
£11,700
Fees stated are for the academic year 2024/25 and are subject to change for 2025/26. Some MRes courses incur additional bench fees. You will be notified of any fee which applies to you in your offer letter.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
Please note, this programme may have additional costs associated with it depending on your choice of a lab or computational/fieldwork-based project.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Politics or a closely related subject.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MRes, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Do you have a question about this course? Call or email the student experience team.
