2-Term Pathway - Pre-Master's in Social Sciences - Continue to Master of Science - Public Opinion and Political Behaviour

If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students' English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

When angry at a particular government policy, some people sit in their armchair and complain, others write letters and organise committees, some participate in social media campaigns, while others still protest or even riot in the street.

The University of Essex MA Public Opinion and Political Behaviour explores the interaction between the mass public and political elites in advanced industrial democracies. Students are introduced to the latest theoretical debates about the nature, significance and measurement of public opinion, exploring when and how these opinions translate into political participation, from voting behaviour and signing petitions to suicide bombing.

Students also look at the main theoretical approaches in the study of politics, combined with a selection of optional modules including: quantitative data analysis in political explanations, survey measurement and question design, political parties in Britain and Europe, measuring public opinion, and democracies in Europe. 

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

Essex's course can lead to a career in the polling industry, market research, British and European Politics or the private sector. Students will develop key employability skills including analytical reasoning, survey design, polling, research design, and report writing. 

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations: the Civil Service, local government, the World Bank, the United Nations, NATO. 

Essex's academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of their graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.