This MRes degree is designed to provide you with an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of policy processes and to offer a grounding in research methods up to PhD level. The programme is focused around current debates on policy-making and public management in both developed and developing countries. If you wish to develop skills in policy analysis and to further a research career in academia, in the civil service or the private and voluntary sectors then this programme is designed with your interests in mind. An MRes is a masters degree that includes a compulsory research-training component. A key research strength of the School lies in the development and application of research methods. Often students undertake an MRes in order to move onto a PhD. However, increasing your skills in research methods has many other benefits and can give you a real competitive edge relative to other masters programmes. There are many opportunities to enhance your studies by attending lectures, seminars and groups including those focusing on: European Politics; International Relations; Political Theory; Global Security and Development. Teaching is by a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars. The seminars are designed to generate informed discussion around set topics, and may involve student presentations, group exercise and role-play as well as open discussion. We take pride in the close and friendly working relationship we have with our students. You are assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary. You are assessed by a combination of coursework and exams. Many modules are assessed by coursework only. If a module is assessed by means of coursework alone, this is usually in the form of research essays and the course convener offers guidance and support in the researching and writing of this piece of assessment.