European Politics and Society

European Politics and Society at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth interdisciplinary exploration of the political, social, and cultural developments that shape contemporary Europe. This master's program is designed for students interested in understanding the complex history, institutions, and societal dynamics that influence the European continent from a multidisciplinary perspective. Throughout the course, students engage with critical issues such as European integration, nationalism, democracy, human rights, and social change, examining these topics through Political Science, History, Sociology, and Cultural Studies. The program provides rigorous academic training, combining theoretical frameworks with practical insights derived from case studies, policy analysis, and fieldwork. Students have the opportunity to enhance their scholarly research skills while also developing a nuanced understanding of the political challenges facing Europe today. The curriculum includes core modules that cover political theory, European institutions, and contemporary European politics, along with optional courses tailored to students’ specific interests, such as migration, identity politics, or European economic integration. The program fosters a vibrant academic environment, encouraging critical thinking, analytical writing, and debate. Students benefit from the expertise of renowned faculty members who are leading scholars in their fields. The interdisciplinary nature of the program prepares graduates for careers in academia, public policy, international organizations, journalism, and advocacy. With its location in Oxford, students also have access to an extensive library system and a wide network of academic and professional events. Overall, the European Politics and Society master's program aims to cultivate academically rigorous, socially conscious, and globally-minded graduates equipped to contribute to understanding and shaping Europe's future.

The MPhil in Politics (European Politics and Society) is taught by a group of scholars who specialise in all aspects of European politics, including European integration, comparative European government, Europe’s external relations and the political systems of individual European countries.

The MPhil offers the opportunity to engage with scholars and practitioners from various European countries and institutions, and will provide you with a solid foundation for a wide range of careers, including academic, professional, commercial, diplomatic and governmental positions.

In the first year, you must complete core classes and tutorials in European Governance and a programme of research methods training, which includes core courses in statistics and research design and specialised elective courses.

At the end of your first year, you will sit a three-hour written examination in the core subject and a research design proposal as preparation for the MPhil thesis.

Progression to the second year is conditional on satisfactory performance in the first.

In your second year, you must write a thesis and complete two specialist optional papers. Options that have been offered in recent years include the government and politics of particular European countries, including the UK, France, Russia, Germany and Italy, and thematic subjects such as presidentialism and comparative European parliaments.

At the end of the course, you are required to sit two three-hour written examinations in the optional papers of your choice and submit a thesis of not more than 30,000 words.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in political science or international relations, or in a closely related discipline (eg economics, history, philosophy, sociology, law, etc).

Nonetheless, each application will be assessed upon its own merits, and so candidates with a degree in an unrelated discipline should demonstrate the relevance of their academic background to their proposed subject or topic of study. 

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

A working or good reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is desirable but not essential.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose: At least 1,000 words or two pages
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The MPhil in European Politics and Society at the University of Oxford is a highly specialized postgraduate degree designed for students interested in the political dynamics, social changes, and institutional developments within Europe. This program offers an interdisciplinary approach, integrating political science, sociology, history, and economics to provide a comprehensive understanding of European political institutions, policymaking processes, social movements, and the impact of European integration. Students enrolled in this program have access to a diverse range of coursework, seminars, and research opportunities that explore contemporary issues such as migration, nationalism, democratic governance, security, and economic integration within the European Union and neighboring regions. The program attracts a highly motivated cohort of international students and scholars, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to understanding the complexities of European societies. The curriculum is designed to develop analytical skills, research methodologies, and critical thinking, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, international organizations, or governmental institutions. Students benefit from Oxford’s extensive resources, including access to top-tier faculty with expertise in European politics, society, and history, as well as the university’s vast library collections. The program typically involves a combination of taught modules, independent research, and a dissertation component, allowing students to investigate specific topics of interest in depth. Graduates of the MPhil in European Politics and Society are well-equipped to contribute to discussions on European integration, social cohesion, and governance at national and international levels, making this program an excellent choice for those seeking to influence policy development or academic discourse related to Europe.