Masters of Research International Environmental Policy and Politics

Entry requirementsOur MRes course is designed both for professionals with at least three years’ work experience, and recent graduates wishing to specialise in international environmental policy and politics and/or preparing for doctoral research. If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, and you may need to attend an interview and pass a language test. The University offers pre-sessional summer courses if you need to improve your English before starting your course.

Course contentThe course comprises three key elements – two semester-long taught modules, and one major, year-long dissertation module. Both taught modules incorporate in-depth theoretical perspectives, methodology training, and the empirical analysis of relevant practical issues. The dissertation module provides you with an opportunity to develop and carry out your own extensive research project.
You will receive an in-depth induction immediately following your enrolment, giving you all the information you need to make the most of your Westminster MRes. You will be able to network with fellow students, faculty members, and visiting practitioners and academic experts through regular research seminars, public lectures and social events throughout the year.
The course is equally suitable whether you study full- or part-time. The two taught modules (which together make up 40 out of 180 module credits) are delivered in late afternoon/early evening sessions, making it easier to organise your studies around other commitments.
Core modules: International Environmental Policy and Political Analysis •International Environmental Politics and Governance • Research Dissertation
You will have access to the research carried out by the team of internationally recognised researchers leading the course, including staff from the Governance and Sustainability Research Programme (in collaboration with researchers at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore); the Policy Studies Institute; the Centre for Urban and Regional Governance; and the Westminster Water Science Group. You will also have access to our regular research seminar series, symposia and conferences.
The MRes offers a rich, flexible and personalised learning and research environment, which develops and supports student-centred, independent and active learning. The course teaching combines traditional lectures, small-group seminars and research training workshops with one-to-one tutorials and research supervision, and class teaching is supplemented with online learning support (through Blackboard). A variety of assessment methods are used, including written essays, oral and written class presentations, and the dissertation by research. There are no formal exams.

The MRes International Environmental Policy and Politics can be taken on either a full or part-time basis. Full-time students will complete the course in 12 months, whilst the part-time course will take 24 months to complete.

The part-time MRes is specifically designed for working professionals, who are experienced managers, policy specialists and executives with a desire to enhance their research and expert skills, develop professionally and boost their careers. A strong advantage of completing the MRes while working is the opportunity to develop your research skills and policy expertise in a stimulating yet safe academic environment and then implement your learning, new ideas and initiatives directly in your work practice.