Democracy and Comparative Politics

This MSc focuses on the design, creation, and operation of democratic institutions. Students gain understanding of when a given set of institutes are appropriate for a society and what will make them function, and how scholars have thought about these matters, applying theory to examples of institution-building and design.

Students are equipped with the theoretical tools and empirical evidence necessary for an in-depth understanding of democratic institutions and politics. They develop an understanding of the potential benefits and pitfalls of different institutional designs, reforms, and administrative practices, and are able to analyse problems raised by new and reforming democracies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four compulsory core modules (75 credits), optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Democracy and Constitutional Design (30)
• Democratic Political Institutions (15)
• Introduction to Qualitative Methods or Advanced Qualitative Methods (15)
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods or Advanced Quantitative Methods (15)

Optional modules

• Choose one of the following 15-credit modules (the other two remain available as options):
• The European Union, Globalisation and the State (15)
• Parliaments, Political Parties and Policy Making (15)
• Governing Divided Societies (15)
• Choose further modules up to a value of 30 credits in total from a list available at:
• www.ucl.ac.uk/spp/teaching/masters
• The following are suggestions:
• Democracy and Accountability: Holding Power to Account (15)
• Equality, Justice, and Difference (15)
• Making Policy Work (15)
• NGO, Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Policy and Management (15)
• Agenda Setting and Public Policy (15)
• British Government and Politics (15)
• International Political Economy (15)
• Gendering the Study of Politics: Theory and Practice (15)
• Conflict Resolution and Post-War Development (15)
• Global Public Policy (15)

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment is through unseen examinations, long essays, coursework, and the dissertation.

As a minimum, an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university; a CGPA of 3.3; or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Relevant practical or work experience in a related field may also be taken into account.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course