MA in Political Research Methods
Course Overview
The MA in Political Research Methods is a UK Level 7 research-informed Master's degree running one year full-time or two years part-time, with online and distance-learning routes. The programme provides rigorous training in the quantitative and qualitative methods used across academic and applied political research, from survey analysis and experimental methods through elite interviewing and process tracing. The syllabus is aligned with themes referenced by the Political Studies Association, the British International Studies Association and Chatham House.
By graduation you will have designed and executed a survey, conducted elite interviews for a case study, built quantitative models of voting behaviour, and completed a methods-focused dissertation for academic or applied use.
Key Features
- Level 7 credential aligned with Political Studies Association standards.
- Full training in survey design, statistical analysis and qualitative methods.
- Case-room seminars using real UK Election Studies and BSA data.
- Guest sessions from academic and applied political researchers.
- Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
- Dissertation supervised by an LSLPE tutor with active research profile.
- Careers-service introductions to think tanks, polling organisations and academic research.
What You Will Learn
- Research design across quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches.
- Survey design, sampling and analysis using R or Stata.
- Experimental and quasi-experimental methods in political science.
- Elite interviewing techniques for policy and political research.
- Process tracing and comparative case-study design.
- Content analysis of political texts and speeches.
- Reading published political research to a critical standard.
- Producing a methods-strong dissertation for academic or applied use.
Who This Course Is For
- Bachelor's graduates targeting doctoral study in politics.
- Polling and market research analysts formalising Level 7 credentials.
- Think tank researchers moving toward senior methodological roles.
- Working professionals in political intelligence or consultancy.
- International applicants planning academic careers in political science.
Career Pathways
- Political Analyst at a polling organisation or think tank.
- Parliamentary Researcher on political data files.
- Election Analyst for a public affairs or consultancy firm.
- Think Tank Researcher at a PSA or BISA-adjacent institute.
- Strategic Intelligence Analyst in a public or private setting.
- Political Communications Officer supported by data.
- PhD candidate progressing to doctoral study.
The LSLPE careers service coordinates introductions with think tanks, polling firms and academic research groups and runs at least one careers day each academic year.
Entry Requirements
- A UK Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent in politics, international relations, sociology or a related discipline.
- IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
- Applicants without a Bachelor's but with 5+ years of senior research experience are considered on portfolio.
- One academic and one professional reference.
- A 500-word research proposal or professional practice statement.
Why Study at LSLPE
The London School of Law, Politics and Economics teaches in small, tutor-visible cohorts and reads law, politics and economics as three interlocking disciplines. Central London gives MA students access to Chatham House, the Political Studies Association's public events and the LSE-adjacent research ecosystem within a short tube ride of every classroom.
Every intake shares the same weekly seminar structure, and the careers service refreshes curriculum alignment annually against Political Studies Association guidance.
Apply for MA in Political Research Methods
Applications for the MA in Political Research Methods are reviewed on a rolling basis. Enrol on an LSLPE Master's programme, dissertation, capstone or sponsor project supervised by practising researchers. Enrol Now.
