Master of Arts in Political Theory
**Funding opportunities available**
Political Theory is a fascinating subject, centrally concerned with questions about political authority, rights, justice and conflict. Our Masters degree will acquaint you with the dominant historical and analytical approaches to political theory and train you to critically assess political concepts and arguments, as well as prepare you to pursue further research in the field.
Programme
- Taught Masters degree studying political theory from a wide range of perspectives - historical and comptempory
Structure
- You take three modules in the first semester (September to January) to lay the foundations for more specialised modules in the second semester (January to May)
- The Political Theory handbook has more detailed information on the degree structure and modules offered.
Assessment
- The method of assessment is mostly by essays and a dissertation
Teaching
- Delivered by experts in their fields, most of the teaching is in small groups where you have close contact with faculty
- The School appears in the 1st quartile of all major indicators in the UK's Research Assessment Exercise, including 2nd of 27 for Research Power
- Political Science at Cardiff is rated excellent by the Centre for Higher Educational Development (CHE)
Duration
- One year full-time
- Two years part-time
Starting date
- There is one intake each year in late September
Fees and support
University residences
- All overseas/EU postgraduate students are guaranteed a single occupancy place in University residences, subject to conditions
- Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee UK postgraduates a place in University residences, but we organise a House Hunting Event to assist in your hunt for accommodation
- The majority of study bedrooms have en-suite facilities and all halls of residence have high speed internet access
- The Residences web site has further details on accommodation
Living expenses
- Cardiff: ‘one of the cheapest and safest cities in the UK’ (Sunday Times University Guide 2011)
- For 2011-12 the average student living expenses for the year, including the cost of accommodation, food, books, and other items, is expected to be approximately £8,400
Entry requirements
- The equivalent of a second class degree (2.1) is normally required (eg. Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above)
- There are English language requirements for those whose first language is not English. The equivalent of 6.5 in IELTS including 6 in each element and 6.5 in writing must be obtained, or 580 in TOEFL for further information
- Although the degree is especially suitable for graduates in Politics, Philosophy, History and allied disciplines that include a significant element of theory (eg. Sociology, Cultural Studies), applications from students with other degrees are welcome
When to apply
- Early application is strongly recommended
- Later applications will be considered, but international students must bear in mind the time needed to obtain a visa
How to apply
- Applications can either be made online or by using paper forms
- Supporting documentation including references will be required
