Political Theory Research

The MSc in Political Theory Research is an intensive one-year research preparation master's degree. It is not a stand-alone course, but rather it is intended for students who would like to proceed directly to doctoral study at Oxford or elsewhere but who must first obtain the necessary research training in political theory.

The MSc in Political Theory Research provides an advanced level of formal training in research techniques and methodology, and will equip you with advanced level substantive knowledge in this sub-area of the discipline. If you are successful in the degree you will attain a proven competence in reasoning in political philosophy and methods and approaches in political theory. You will design your research project and write a short thesis under expert supervision.

Upon the successful completion of your MSc you will be expected to continue your studies in pursuit of a research degree (DPhil) in a relevant area of political theory. You should include at least some indication of the topic of your eventual doctorate in your application. Do not worry if you do not yet have a detailed thesis outline: the MSc programme is intended to help you to develop a detailed research proposal.

The department is internationally recognised as a leading centre for teaching and research in political theory and counts among its members a number of acknowledged authorities within this discipline. It is also home to research centres and programmes within this field, including the Oxford Political Theory Network and the Centre for the Study of Social Justice.

During the MSc in Political Theory Research you will be required to attend and complete the core classes and tutorials in the theory of politics and a programme of research methods training, which includes core courses in reasoning in political philosophy and in approaches to the study of political theory.

The MSc examination comprises four parts and you must pass all parts of the examination to be awarded the degree:

• a single, three-hour written examination paper in the theory of politics
• a research design essay in preparation for your thesis
• research methods training courses assessment
• a thesis of no more than 15,000 words.

1. Academic ability

Proven and potential academic excellence

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.

The MSc is not a terminal degree but rather it is intended for students who would like to obtain the necessary research training in politics in order to proceed to doctoral study. Applicants might therefore have a master’s level degree in another discipline or one in politics from a university with a very different approach to that at Oxford.

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

2. English language requirement

Higher level

3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

• Three references (letters of recommendation)
• Official transcript(s) of previous university-level degrees
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose At least 1,000 words or two pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each

• Clarendon Scholarships. This unique scheme offers around 140 new, fully-funded scholarships each year to academically outstanding graduate students, as well as providing a lively and stimulating community of scholars.
• Hill Foundation Scholarships. The Hill Foundation Scholarships fund Russian students to study for full-time graduate courses in any subject at Oxford. The Hill Foundation is a charity which aims to create a community of Oxford scholars and alumni who will work to improve Russian life and culture.The scholarship will cover 100% of University and college fees and a grant for living costs (of at least £14,296). Awards are made for the full duration of your fee liability for the agreed course.