Political Theory

Entry requirements

For all our courses you’ll need a 2:1 honours degree, plus references from previous tutors. If you have different qualifications, we’ll look at your application on its individual merits.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Philosophy and Politics. It’s designed to help you develop advanced knowledge and understanding of political philosophy. The MA teaches you the research skills you need for a PhD in political theory or a related subject.

Where your masters can take you

A masters from Sheffield will set you apart and is excellent preparation for a PhD at any leading university or for a wide range of careers, including teaching, law, publishing, civil service, charities, and NGOs, among others. Our postgraduate students have gone on to academic posts at Aberdeen, UC Berkeley, Birkbeck, Cambridge, Essex, Keele, Kent, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Manitoba, Newcastle, Nottingham, the Open University, Oxford, Sheffield, Stirling and Zurich.

Our style of teaching encourages originality and independence of mind. You will learn how to express complex ideas clearly, and how to argue persuasively for those ideas. You’ll also learn to understand other points of view. Our graduates have the confidence and the focus to tackle big projects, and they know how to carry out their own research.

We also offer more specific training. For example, many of the modules on the MA Political Theory are relevant to careers in politics, public service and NGOs.

A lively study environment

You’ll be part of a large group of students from all over the world. You’ll socialise together, share ideas and inspire each other.

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) ranks us 2nd in the UK for the quality of our published work. We have expertise in almost every area of the subject, particularly philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, philosophical logic, philosophy of psychology, history of philosophy, political philosophy, metaethics and feminist philosophy. The department is also home to The Hang Seng Centre for Cognitive Studies and a number of major research projects.

Core modules

Political Philosophy Research Seminar; Dissertation.

Other modules include

Research seminars in: History of Philosophy; Morals and Other Values; Mind and Language; Metaphysics and Epistemology; Cognitive Studies. Modules including Human Rights, Politics and Global Migration; The Politics
of International Law.

Teaching and assessment

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and tutorials. A long essay for each module and a dissertation. If you’re going on to a PhD you may choose to write a PhD proposal.

Information for international students

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, 6.5 in Writing, 5.5 in Listening and 5.5 in Speaking, or equivalent.

Qualification and course duration

MA

Course contact details