Enhance your research skills in the context of contemporary global geopolitical challenges, economic and social inequalities, and cross-border mobility.

During this course, you’ll work to enhance your skills and become a social science researcher with expertise in contemporary geopolitical changes.

Through a focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods and approaches, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to progress your studies or become a professional researcher.

You’ll also be able to study topics like:

• migration and the cross-border movement of people
• the political economy of inequality
• technology and AI in modern society and politics
• global political economy
• the geopolitics of organised crime
• data and knowledge in a digital social world
• sustainability and corporate responsibility

You’ll enhance your understanding of the qualitative and quantitative research techniques used in the analysis of small and large-scale data and how to effectively present key insights and findings.

This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students, as well as essential research skills that are desirable in many private and public sector roles.

Why choose a Master of Research (MRes) degree?

An MRes is a master’s degree with a focus on research. The knowledge and expertise you’ll gain will prepare you for doctoral study and a range of non-academic careers that require strong research skills.

Find out more about why an MRes might be right for you.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.

If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines.

For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.

Read more about other funding that you may be eligible for.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in geopolitics. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study.

These include advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills; skills in literature reviewing, appraisal, searching, and synthesis; and basic computing skills, such as word processing, spreadsheet creation and optimisation, and database management.

Graduate prospects

There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative and qualitative research skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters.

Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data.

This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computing and analytical skills with an understanding of research and enquiry in the context of geopolitics.

This MRes also equips you to go into further study at PhD level.

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

You could go on to work with development or humanitarian NGOs, the United Nations and other inter-governmental organisations, or in conflict or humanitarian advisor roles in government departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office of the UK government. You could also progress to doctoral studies. Graduates from this course have gone on to secure roles such as: Humanitarian Field Officer, UNHCR Women’s Development Coordinator at The Connection EU Partnerships and Advocacy Officer at the British Council Founder of The Washing Machine Project Student stories Jeremy Hubbard, an Associate Field Officer with UNHCR (the UN's Refugee Agency) shares his experiences studying MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development at the University of Bath "Studying MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development completely changed my life" - Louisa Ayebare shares her experiences studying MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development, realising her UN dream and being part of an international cohort Nav Sawhne talks about how a master’s in Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development helped him to create his social enterprise, The Washing Machine Project