Taught Masters - MA in Political Theory
At a time of social, economic and political disruption such as our own, at both the national and the international level, reflection upon the ethical, theoretical and normative questions of politics becomes more vital and important than ever. This programme gives students the opportunity to explore many of these issues, to understand their numerous complex theoretical and moral dimensions, and to develop the analytical and critical abilities necessary to help us properly address them.
The programme is jointly taught by the Departments of Politics and Philosophy, both leading departments in the UK with a reputation for research and teaching excellence. A key advantage of this joint-run programme is that it is able to draw upon the resources of both departments to offer a wide range of modules across the discipline of political theory, covering continental and analytical approaches, domestic and international political thought, and contemporary and historical studies.
The MA is designed for students who have a background in political theory and who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding, and for those with little in the way of experience of the subject. There are two pathways: the taught MA track for those who have not had the chance to specialise in the subject and want to learn more, and the research training MA track for those who want to take their expertise further and go on to doctoral research in this area. The research training MA track puts special emphasis on preparing students for successful applications to PhD programmes (whether at Sheffield or elsewhere) and funding bodies; and for a successful pursuit of doctoral studies.
Course Structure
MUST do at least 30 credits of options in either pol or phil. Total 120 options
Plus diss
There are no core modules on this course. Many students opt to take the module POL6230 Political Thought and the Rights of War and Peace (30 credits), but this is not compulsory.
All students must undertake 180 credits of modules as follows:
- Option modules to the value of 120 credits, with a minimum of 30 credits from Politics and 30 credits from Philosophy:
Politics options (all modules are subject to availability)
Philosophy options:
Ethics: Theoretical and Practical
Feminism: Rationality and Politics
Morality, Identity and Freedom
Nationalism, Multiculturalism and Democracy
Political Thought and the Rights of War and Peace
Theory and Practice of International Relations
- A dissertation (60 credits)
For those on the research track, three taught modules, including:
- The Politics and Value research training seminar (30 credits)
- One paper of 6-8,000 words, or two papers of about 3500 words each, on topics related to the subjects covered in each of your chosen taught modules. (30 credits for each module)
- A PhD proposal of 6-8,000 words, consisting of an outline of your projected thesis, with an annotated bibliography or literature search (30 credits)
- A dissertation of 10-14,000 words on a topic that will help to prepare you for your proposed PhD topic (60 credits)
For further details specific to this MA, which is run jointly between the politics and philosophy departments, please visit: