The University of Essex MRes International Relations is a two-year course, designed to give students additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. Students study modules on international relations and research methods across the two years, while developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

Students are familiarized with the theories and conceptual tools used to analyze world politics, and explore how different theories and conceptual tools speak to contemporary debates and events. Students also take modules on topics including: forecasting global trends, international security, the analysis of conflict and peace, research methods, research design, and political theory.