MA Political Theory

University of Essex Department of Government

Full time & Part time October MA 1 Year Full Time / 2 Years Part Time

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Politics & Government Sociology Political Sociology Social Theory Colchester United Kingdom On Campus

About the course

How are we to understand political life – as the expression of violence, tradition, domination, the search for freedom, the struggle for equality? How should we think about democracy – as the participation of citizens, the contest of representatives or the search for a common good through deliberation? What is justice – equality for all human beings, solidarity among some human beings or the free play of personal choice?

These questions have exercised minds since ancient Athens and, in recent years, they have received new interpretations in political theory, one of the most intellectually fertile sub-disciplines of politics.

Entry Requirements

A 2.2 degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Studies, American Studies, United States Politics, Economics, Finance or Statistics.

OR

A 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. See programme website for full details.

We will also consider applicants with a 2.2 degree in an unrelated subject and have at least six months relevant work experience such as working with a NGO.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept.

Fees

Please see the university website for further information on fees for this course.

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Where will I study?

University of Essex

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Student Profiles

Adam Wright

“After I completed my BA within the Department of Government at Essex, I decided that I wanted to stay in higher education and work towards a PhD. From my experience of Essex as an undergraduate, I felt that I simply could not get a better education anywhere else, so there was no reason to move. I really wanted to remain part of the intellectually stimulating atmosphere at Essex. The Department has always had a uniquely friendly ethos where students are treated as real people with real opinions.

I am currently in my first year of PhD research, studying political discourse in education. After my PhD proposal had been accepted by the Department, I felt the best Masters programme to get me ready for my research was MA Ideology and Discourse Analysis. It provided me with the theoretical and methodological tools I needed for political research and has allowed me to excel in critical modes of thinking. In particular, the type of challenging poststructuralist and post-Marxist political theory I have studied has been incredibly interesting and really helped me to progress as a theorist and as a researcher.

One thing I have cherished over the last five years has been the ability to meet new people. The fact that Essex has such a high proportion of international students has meant that I now have a network of friends from over 30 countries, spanning five continents. It has been remarkable mixing with people from other cultures. I feel I have learned as much from this social aspect of the University life as I have from the academic.

After completing my PhD here at Essex I will be looking to continue my academic research into education policy and hopefully make a real impact on the way our schools are run.”

Nazli Sila Cesur

"I wanted undertake my postgraduate study at Essex as I knew the Department of Government was one of the best in the UK. I was then really pleased with my MA Political Theory, so decided I wanted to stay here for my PhD.

I am really enjoying being a research student at the University. By that, I mean I have been given the opportunity to choose my own topic for my PhD and am able to lead my own research; I’ve found the experience of taking a huge responsibility for my own self and my success very exciting. I also like attending the research seminars offered by my Department, as I find it a great way to meet others and exchange ideas.

The Colchester Campus is quite compact, which I think is advantageous for students as you have everything you need like a post office, library and banks on site, and can easily meet up with your friends. The University is also close to London, which makes day trips to the capital possible.

After completing my PhD, I would like to have a career in academia and am particularly keen to stay in the UK. Having studied at the UK’s top department for politics will certainly help my future plans."