MA Political Theory

Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Department of Politics, Faculty of Social Sciences

Renowned academics and an exceptional range of options make Sheffield one of the best places in the world for this subject.

Philosophy is challenging, it forces you to question your deep-seated beliefs and values. The great thing about philosophy is that it teaches you not what to think, but how to think.

Briana Toole, Postgraduate student in Department of Philosophy

About the course

September 2018 start

Course description

This course is taught jointly by the Departments of Philosophy and Politics. It’s designed to help you develop advanced knowledge and understanding of political philosophy.

The MA teaches you the research skills you need for a PhD in political theory or a related subject.

Philosophy postgraduates in a group discussion

Core modules

  • Political Philosophy Research Seminar
  • Dissertation

Other modules include

Research seminars in:

  • History of Philosophy
  • Morals and Other Values
  • Mind and Language
  • Metaphysics and Epistemology
  • Cognitive Studies

Modules including:

  • Human Rights
  • Politics and Global Migration
  • The Politics of International Law

Teaching and assessment

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and tutorials. You’ll write a long essay for each module and a dissertation.

If you’re going on to a PhD you may choose to write a PhD proposal.

Course duration

  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time

Entry requirements

You’ll need a first-class or 2:1 honours degree.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

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Fees and funding

If you qualify, you may be able to get financial support through the University's studentships and fee waivers, and the AHRC Block Grant Partnership.

Department's Postgraduate funding opportunities page

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Dr Paul Faulkner

Dr Paul Faulkner

Research focus: Testimony and trust.

Recent publications: What is Wrong With Lying?, Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, 2007, 75(3); The Moral Obligations of Trust, Philosophical Explorations online, first 2014; A Virtue Theory of Testimony, Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, 2014, 114(2).

"In what ways does believing what someone says introduce problems of trust? Is there anything wrong with lying? Do knowledge and belief differ in the way they get transmitted across persons? In what ways do we need to invoke communities in order to explain the ways in which knowledge is social?"

Current research projects and publications

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Apply now

Find out more

Course page on Department of Philosophy website

Department of Philosophy

Course page on Department of Politics website

Department of Politics

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Joanne Renshaw
E: j.renshaw@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 0587

The course information set out here may change before you begin, particularly if you are applying significantly in advance of the start date.