University of Oxford
Political Theory Research MSc
University of Oxford

Key Course Facts

Course Description

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 can apply 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 of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) 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 approach to teaching comprises intensive and interactive work between you and your supervisor and course teachers, combined with a carefully planned programme of classes, seminars and lectures, as well as directed self-study. Work on the thesis is individually supervised.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 7.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • (no subscore less than 6.0)
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Political Theory Research, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Oxford in top UK and global rankings.

See all 39 university rankings of University of Oxford

About University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a prestigious research university located in Oxford, England, and is the oldest English language university in the world. It is made up of 39 partly autonomous constituent colleges, six private halls, and a variety of academic departments which are split into four divisions: Humanities, Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

List of 389 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Oxford - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Oxford

undergraduates:
12425
postgraduates:
9785
Total:
22210
  • Official Guide for an Oxford Applicant: Undergraduate (1/3) – What Oxford is Like
  • Our student stories – finding a place
  • Aula Education: Anders' advice for Economics & Management students
  • I am African, and Oxford was for me: Oxford MBA
  • The Master of Public Policy at Oxford (MPP)
  • How has Oxford changed you?

Where is this programme taught

University of Oxford
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Arabic and Politics MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 64% 5% 2% £9250 £26500 197 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
French and Politics MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 64% 5% 0% £9250 £26500 195 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Legal Studies and Politics MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 87% 5% 5% £9250 £21900 £20800 194 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Politics with Quantitative Research Methods MSc University of Bristol - 7% 1% £9250 £23900 170 Bristol On campus Full-time
English and Politics MA (Hons) University of Dundee 75% 5% 6% £9250 £20900 173 Dundee On campus Full-time
Business Economics with Marketing and Politics MA (Hons) University of Dundee 68% 10% 0% £9250 £20900 174 Dundee On campus Full-time
History and Politics MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 87% 0% 0% £9250 £21900 £20800 214 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Gaelic Studies and Politics MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 87% 5% 5% £9250 £21900 £20800 185 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Anthropology and Politics MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 93% 0% 0% £9250 £21900 £20800 178 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Business Management and Politics MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 87% 5% 5% £9250 £21900 £20800 178 Aberdeen On campus Full-time