Global Politics (Taught)

There are considerable political shifts happening across the world. This will bring about noteworthy transformations with significant impacts (source: Diplomatist 2025). From shifting geopolitical power to climate change, technological disruption, and global security threats, the world faces complex challenges. Issues like migration, human rights, and economic inequality continue to reshape the international landscape.
The MSc Global Politics equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to address these pressing global issues. You’ll explore:

• international studies,

• conflict analysis,

• comparative politics,

• research skills,

• qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Our Global Politics Masters also provides a pathway towards PhD study. You will get essential training to undertake an original and significant doctoral project.
Tailor the course to suit your global politics interests
The Masters in Global Politics combines global and cultural perspectives. You’ll have the chance to choose from law, politics and human rights modules in related subjects. This lets you develop a course which is specific to your interests.
Develop analytical and research skills applicable to various industries
You’ll study and apply the basics of research design and see how they affect the study and reporting of research problems and data. You'll become proficient in different qualitative and quantitative methods used in social science research and learn how to apply them to politics.
You’ll also gain key project management and IT skills for information retrieval and research management.
Lay a foundation for progression to PhD study
A key part of the MSc Global Politics is undertaking your own original research dissertation. It will train you to become a competent doctoral researcher, with a focus on methods and skills development. It also introduces you to international politics at an advanced level.
On successful completion you’ll be ready to pursue a research degree in Global Politics.
Comprehensive employability and skills programme
Our employability and skills programme to helps you to develop the attributes that employers look for. The University of Stirling’s Careers Service works in partnership with academic staff to ensure you are ready for the employment market.
Our International Politics team regularly invites guest speakers to provide insights into the world of global politics and diplomacy from a practitioner’s point of view. They also provide advice on employability.

You will experience a range of different forms of assessment, including student presentations, policy briefs, critical reviews, literature reviews, methods and analytical essays. Methods-focused essays may ask you to evaluate and utilise quantitative and qualitative approaches to their topic.
You are also assessed on research proposals as well as the research thesis. You must research, write and submit a dissertation on an approved topic under the supervision of one or two members of staff. The dissertation provides an opportunity for independent work, under supervision from academic staff, enabling you to design and carry out a research project.