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.

Master of Science - Political Science

The University of Essex MSc Political Science, as their most flexible postgraduate course offers students a very wide choice of optional modules. Students explore the main theoretical approaches to the study of politics and look at what the basic theoretical framework required to conduct research in political science is.

Students' optional modules may cover topics including: • survey measurement and research methods • the economy and the state • democracies in Europe • theories of justice • conflict resolution

Some of the biggest names in the field work at Essex, giving students unparalleled access to some of the best minds in politics. Essex's staff are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

Essex's academic staff work on topics ranging from international conflict and violence to British elections, and from the obligations of the younger generation to why authoritarian leaders welcome natural disasters.

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments. Essex's graduates from this course can expect to find jobs in market research, the media and central or local government. It also provides a foundation for further research in political science. Students will gain key employability skills such as analytical reasoning, 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, YouGov and YouGov America.