(MSc) Master of Science
Public Opinion and Political Behaviour
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Government
Colchester Campus
Masters
Part-time
Politics and International Relations
MSC L20724
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A 2.2 degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Studies, American Studies, United States Politics, Economics, Finance, Statistics or Political Studies.
OR
A 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to:
- Comparative Political Systems
- Constitutional Democracy
- Contemporary World Affairs
- Current Affairs
- Democratic Theory
- Econometrics
- European Integration/Dynamics of Integration
- Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy
- Game Theory
- Governmental Processes/Systems
- Human Rights
- Ideology and Political Analysis
- International Economics Law
- International Economics Relations
- International Trade/Business Law
- International Law
- International Public Relations
- International Security
- Law of Armed Conflict
- Micro/Macro Economics
- Peace Studies
- Philosophy(MA Political Theory only)
- Political Conflict
- Political Decision Making
- Political Economy
- Political Sociology
- Political Studies
- Public Administration
- Public International Law
- Public Policy Analysis
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Security Studies
- Strategic Studies
- Terrorism
- Theories of Development
We will also consider applicants with a degree in an unrelated subject and have at least 5 years' work experience such as working with a NGO.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
Please refer to the full time version of this course for information on Core and Compulsory modules.
External examiners
Dr Damien Bol
Senior Lecturer
King's College London
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To develop specific knowledge about theories and empirical evidence relating to mass public opinion in advanced democracies.
- To develop a thorough grounding in the major theoretical approaches to analysing public opinion.
- To learn to evaluate theoretical claims in the light of appropriate empirical evidence.
- To prepare to undertake independent research, grounded in the discipline and employing primary (quantitative or qualitative) data.
- To prepare to undertake further research or future employment in the polling industry.
- To develop an understanding of the interplay between methods, theories and evidence in the public opinion field.
The difference between the MA and MSc variants is determined by the methods module you take – GV914 only for the MA and GV914 and GV900 for the MSc.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in public opinion at an appropriate level.
A2: Understanding of the main quantitative methods used in political analysis.
A3: Critical awareness of the use of evidence in political science.
A4: Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in the analysis of public opinion.
A5: Systematic knowledge of the relevant sources of information.
A6: Knowledge of the design, implementation, processing and analysis of public opinion surveys
Learning methods
A1-5 Lectures, computer laboratory sessions, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.
A1 specifically in GV917 Public Opinion and Political Behaviour.
A2 specifically in GV914.
A3 specifically in GV914, GV917 and in supervision of individual dissertations
A4 specifically in option chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.
A5 specifically in independent learning and dissertation.
A6 specifically in GV917.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-A5 are assessed through coursework.
Coursework includes oral presentations, assignments, class tests and essays.
In addition, the assessed work includes a dissertation and a work placement report from student and employers.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: To question received thinking.
B2: To develop independent thinking
B3: To muster evidence
B4: To evaluate and analyse evidence
B5: To reason critically.
B6: To argue coherently and concisely
B7: To communicate ideas effectively in writing
B8: To carry out independent research
Learning methods
B1-7 participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer
B3 especially in supervised dissertation.
B4 especially in GV914, GV900 Political Explanation and GV917 Public Opinion and Political Behaviour.
B8 especially in dissertation.
Assessment methods
B1-8 written assignments and essays, written examinations and dissertation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Organise and structure an extended argument
C2: Use concepts correctly
C3: Compile systematic bibliographies.
C4: Provide references according to accepted conventions.
C5: Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources
C6: Sift and synthesise complex information
Learning methods
C1-6 participation in and presentations to group seminars and classes, individual guidance for essayst and dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.
C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use.
Assessment methods
C1-6 written assignments and essays, in class tests, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.
C1 especially in dissertation.
C2 essays, examinations, and dissertation.
C3-6 specifically in essays and dissertation.
D: Key skills
D1: Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.
D2: Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources
D3: Understand the use of quantitative evidence
D4: To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
D5: Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of economic integration in Europe.
D6: Positive response to feedback and criticism.
Learning methods
D1-5 participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.
D3 specifically in GV914 and GV917 Public Opinion and Political Behaviour.
D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel.
D5 working with other people in a commercial or public sector environment.
D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.
Assessment methods
D1-4 written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation.
D6 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays.