COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Political Theory course structure offers a comprehensive blend of compulsory, core, and optional modules designed to give students both depth and flexibility in their studies. The program begins with a major core component through the dissertation (60 credits), allowing students to engage in independent research on a topic of their choice. Core modules include Justice and Equality, which explores key philosophical and political debates about fairness, rights, and moral obligations, and From Cradle to Grave: Social Justice in Childhood, Adulthood, and Death, which examines justice across the life course, highlighting how concepts of equality and fairness apply at different stages of human life. Students also study Foundations of Public Policy, a compulsory module that bridges theory with practical applications, giving insights into how political ideas inform policymaking and governance. Alongside these, students have the flexibility to tailor their learning through optional modules worth 30 and 45 credits, chosen from a broad list of government modules, enabling them to specialise according to their interests in political theory, philosophy, or related subfields. Additionally, the Dissertation Preparation module ensures students are equipped with the skills and support needed to conduct advanced research, laying a strong foundation for their final project.