Political Theory

Deepen your understanding of social and political issues on this course, which is jointly run by the departments of philosophy and politics. Enhance your career prospects with the freedom to explore the areas that most interest and inspire you.

Course description

This degree course gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide range of modules across in both philosophy and politics. Modules cover topics such as freedom, democracy, global justice, environmental change, human rights and international political theory.

You'll explore contemporary political philosophy and its historical underpinnings, and learn how to use political theories to reflect on current social issues. You'll delve into the theoretical debates that shape current political discourse and develop your understanding of the cultural, historical and philosophical contexts surrounding those debates.

Whether your first degree was in philosophy, politics, or you are transitioning from another discipline, this degree will develop your understanding of core issues in political theory and enhance your research skills. Our extensive range of optional modules, allows you to focus on a particular area of political theory in great detail or to explore widely across the field.

Our MA, which can be done full- or part-time, is designed both to prepare students who wish to continue to a PhD (as many do), and to provide skills and knowledge to enhance career prospects outside of academia.