The MRes Government and Politics (previously MSc by Research) is a one year research programme. Students select a research topic and complete a thesis of approx. 25,000 words (70 credits). In parallel, students must undertake and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits. The MRes provides for research into all aspects of government and political science and is geared towards those interested in pursuing theoretical and empirical research in these areas. The degree is run as a full-time programme taking a minimum of one year from the date of first registration.  Students may also register as part-time students and in this event the minimum period is two years and the normal maximum is four years. In certain cases students can apply to transfer to a PhD programme during their studies.

Over the course of the academic year, MRes students attend the Department of Government and Politics seminar series, and are required to make at least one presentation of their research to this forum. Methodology seminars are also provided during the year to support the research process.

Candidates for the MRes Government and Politics must usually have obtained:
(a) at least Second Class Honours, Grade I, at a relevant primary degree examination, or (b) a primary degree and at least Second Class Honours Grade I (or equivalent) at a relevant postgraduate examination, or (c) at least Second Class Honours, Grade I, in the MSc Qualifying Examination.

The MRes is a research postgraduate Masters and as such all applications for the programme must be accompanied by a 1,000-1,500 word research proposal. This document should indicate an area of research interest and a research question/issue to be addressed. In terms of identifying a research interest, applicants are encouraged to consult the web pages of Departmental academic staff and should feel free to contact individual members of the Department for assistance/advice. Applicants are also invited to contact the Programme Director who will likewise be happy to advise on the drafting of research proposals. Please note that the proposal is a starting point and is likely to evolve and change during the course of the Masters programme.

More information on the MRes programme can be found here.

Application for our postgraduate programmes is online at www.ucc.ie/apply. Please check out the closing dates and entry requirements at Courses | University College Cork (ucc.ie) before making your application. The application fee is €50 (for up to two postgraduate programmes). You will be asked to upload documents to support your application as part of the application process. You can upload documents to the application portal once you have submitted your application. If you have any questions on the application process, please contact the Graduate Studies Office through their web enquiry form.

Further details on the programme are available from:

Dr Aodh Quinlivan

MRes Government and Politics Director

Department of Government and Politics

O'Rahilly Building

University College Cork. 

Tel: +353 (0)21 490 3368

Email: a.quinlivan@ucc.ie