Politics (Political Theory)

The MPhil in Politics (Political Theory) provides an advanced training in political theory and the history of political thought, in the major contemporary debates, and in the research methods appropriate to the discipline. It provides a range of educational experiences in a variety of learning environments to develop your written and oral communication skills as well as other technical skills. It will also provide you with a solid foundation for a wide range of careers, including academic, professional, commercial, diplomatic and governmental positions.

The 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.

In the first year, you must 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.

At the end of your first year, you have to 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 will write a thesis and complete two specialist optional papers. Options offered in recent years have included:

• Political Theories of Hegel and Marx
• Political Theories from Machiavelli to Burke
• Mitigating Historical Injustice
• Contemporary Theories of Liberalism
• Critical Theory
• Contemporary Political Philosophy.

At the end of the course, you are required to complete the assessment in the optional papers of your choice and submit a thesis of not more than 30,000 words.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Politics and International Relations and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Politics and International Relations.

Graduate work in political theory will prepare you for an academic career in the field, either in Oxford or elsewhere, but also the DPIR celebrates the substantial number of its graduates working in government, in diplomatic services, and in senior positions in the private sector.

The DPIR is committed to engaging with its alumni community. The alumni programme is now underway and includes an annual publication ('Inspires’), a website forum, alumni networks and tailored events.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations

International Relations DPhil

International Relations MPhil

Political Theory Research MSc

Politics DPhil

Politics (Comparative Government) MPhil

Politics (European Politics and Society) MPhil

Politics (Political Theory) MPhil

Politics Research MSc

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Entry requirements