Master of Political Science
Course Overview
The Master of Political Science is a 12 to 18-month executive postgraduate programme for senior policy professionals, diplomats, government advisors and political researchers seeking to develop research-informed analytical and leadership credentials at the highest academic level. Delivered entirely online through LOU's virtual learning environment, the programme integrates advanced political theory, comparative governance, international political economy, policy research methodology and global affairs at London postgraduate standards, preparing graduates for board-level advisory, policy directorship and senior diplomatic roles across national governments, international organisations and the private sector worldwide.
The programme is research-informed throughout, culminating in an online dissertation that allows students to produce an original and scholarly contribution to a significant political science question. Virtual dissertation supervision, live online seminars with political scientists and policy practitioners, and peer collaboration with a global cohort of senior professionals make this a rigorous and intellectually demanding executive qualification available from any jurisdiction in the world.
Key Features
- Aligned with academic and policy standards referenced by the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), United Nations bodies and the UK civil service senior leadership framework
- Research-informed study of advanced political theory, comparative governance, international political economy, global affairs and policy research methodology
- Live online seminars with political science academics and policy practitioners, plus recorded sessions available on demand
- Digital library access to political science journals, government policy archives, international relations research and policy analysis databases
- Online dissertation producing original scholarly political science research at postgraduate level
- Study from anywhere in the world through LOU's virtual learning environment with a global executive cohort
- Dedicated online career support including executive career coaching and online interview preparation
What You Will Learn
- Critically evaluate competing political theories and apply them to contemporary governance challenges at global policy level
- Design and assess research-informed policy interventions in social, economic, security and international development domains
- Analyse international political economy, multilateral governance architectures and global power dynamics at a scholarly level
- Develop advanced quantitative and qualitative political research methodology for original postgraduate inquiry
- Evaluate corporate governance, regulatory frameworks and political risk management in international business and institutional contexts
- Lead policy research and public affairs strategy for governments, international organisations and corporate stakeholders
- Critically assess the role of civil society, media and digital technologies in shaping contemporary political discourse
- Produce an original online dissertation contributing to the scholarly literature on a significant political science topic
Who This Course Is For
- Senior government officials, diplomats and policy advisors seeking executive postgraduate credentials for leadership advancement
- Political science Bachelor graduates progressing to Master's level for research and senior advisory roles
- Corporate public affairs and government relations leaders seeking scholarly grounding in political science
- International development and civil society professionals seeking advanced analytical and policy research credentials
- Senior professionals worldwide requiring flexible online study to achieve executive political science postgraduate qualifications
Career Pathways
- Policy Analyst
- Diplomat
- Public Affairs Manager
- UN Programme Officer
- Government Relations Manager
- International Relations Officer
- Political Consultant
LOU's online career support service supports all Master's graduates with virtual CV workshops, LinkedIn profile coaching, online interview preparation and employer connections across government, international organisations, policy research and public affairs sectors worldwide.
Entry Requirements
- A UK 2:2 (Lower Second Class) honours degree or overseas equivalent in any discipline
- Applicants without a first degree may be considered with 5+ years of senior professional experience
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band under 6.0) or equivalent English proficiency
- A 500-word research statement covering the applicant's chosen area of specialisation
- Two academic or professional references and a short online interview
Why Study at LOU
LOU — London Online University — is an online-first division of Harold International College of London, providing political science postgraduate education to senior professionals worldwide through LOU's virtual learning environment. The Master of Political Science is delivered entirely online via live online seminars, recorded sessions available on demand and virtual dissertation supervision, enabling political professionals to study from anywhere in the world — across any political system or jurisdiction — without relocating or leaving their roles.
Aligned with academic and policy standards referenced by Chatham House and United Nations bodies, the programme combines digital library access, peer collaboration with a global executive cohort, virtual tutorial sessions and LOU's dedicated online career support to produce graduates with the analytical depth required for the most demanding senior political, policy and diplomatic careers.
Apply for Master of Political Science
The Master of Political Science is delivered entirely online, enabling senior policy professionals, diplomats and political researchers worldwide to achieve executive postgraduate credentials without relocating. Advance your career with an LOU Master's degree delivered entirely online. Enrol Now
