MA in Global and Comparative Politics
One year full-time, two years part-time
The new MA in Global and Comparative Politics will provide students with an intellectually stimulating analysis of the key issues in international and global politics. You will discuss the changing dynamics of state power, the dimensions of regime change, the role of civil society in contemporary global politics, and the challenge posed to states by ethno-nationalism, migration and cosmopolitanism. You can choose from an extensive list of course options designed to locate the key theoretical debates and discussions in a comparative empirical context. In addition, the programme will provide students with advanced skills in comparative analysis, as well as a developed understanding of methodological approaches to the study of Political Science.
Programme content
The modules offered examine a range of present-day challenges and dilemmas, which concern modern democracies, both new and old, in different parts of the world.
The core module
- Global and Comparative Politics
This module will provide an in-depth understanding and critical awareness of the various intellectual approaches in the study of both comparative politics and globalisation. In particular, the course will introduce students to key debates and methodological approaches to studying the changing politics of nation states in response to globalisation. Through various case-studies and through comparative analysis, the course will examine the implications of globalisation for a number of political issues and phenomena including: state-building; civil society; democratisation; nationalism and ethnicity.
Optional modules include:
- Democracy in Plural Societies
- Issues in Democratisation
- Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development
- International Security: War and Peace in a Global Context
- International Relations of the Middle East: Islam, Imperialism and State Formation
- Nationalism, Democracy and Cosmopolitanism
- Political Economy: Theory and History
- Sovereignty and Intervention in International Politics
- The Americas in Comparative Perspective I: Historical Roots
- The Americas in Comparative Perspective II: Modern Politics and Society
- Ideas and Power in Spanish America: 1512 to Now
- Themes and Cases in US Foreign Relations
- International Public Management
- Policy Analysis for the Developing World
- Implementation and Evaluation
- Case Studies in British Policy Making
- Visions of Capitalism
It should be noted that confirmed availability of optional modules is determined at the start of each academic year.
Assessment
Assessment is by a mix of written coursework and unseen examination, plus a dissertation of around 12,000 words.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper-second class honours degree in Politics or a related discipline. International students should contact the course organiser about the suitability of their qualifications.
Further information
You can apply online using the Queen Mary's online application system, full guidance notes are provided. If you require a paper-based application, please contact the Admissions Office who will send the form to you, please specify which programme you are applying for.
Please refer to the Queen Mary website for information about admissions, accommodation, entry requirements, English language requirements (see Arts General) and fees.
When applying it is essential you provide two recent academic references that comment on your suitability for the programme applied for, and degree transcript(s), which should list your marks for each module you have taken.
International students should check the the suitability of their qualifications at the country specific information available on the Queen Mary website or contact the International Office.
For informal queries about the programme, please contact our Postgraduate Administrator; Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 8587.
