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MSc Political Theory

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

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London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Course options

3 options available

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    28-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

Political theory is the study of how we do and should think about the nature and organisation of political life and its limits. It is a contested, and exciting field of inquiry, featuring historical, normative, comparative and applied approaches that are often informed by adjacent debates in moral philosophy, legal theory, historical studies, and political science.Central normative research questions for contemporary political theory include: How might a legitimate or just state be constituted? What gives rulers the authority to rule, and do citizens have a duty to obey? How much, if any, inequality is just? At the same time, political theory constantly finds itself revising its substantive concerns and theoretical assumptions – both in response to actual political developments and by following the dynamic of its own critical inquiry. Thus, feminist thinkers have queried the classic private/public distinction and with it received conceptions of ''the political''. Theorists of global justice interrogate the limits of state-bounded political morality. Post-colonial theory and comparative political theory explore alternative traditions and marginalized voices to re-think mainstream assumptions.Currently, there are eight political theorists in the Department of Government, which is one of the largest concentrations of specialists in the world. Staff research interests are in diverse areas including comparative political theory, contemporary normative theory, the history of political thought, feminist theory, and rational and social choice theory. Our aim is to expose students to a wide array of different normative issues and methods of inquiry and thereby to enable them to engage critically and constructively with the challenges of an increasingly global political context.Our programme includes a compulsory course which gives you an overview of the methodological diversity within political theory, and a wide range of optional courses that allow you to focus in on areas of more specific interest to you. You'll also complete a 10,000 word dissertation, giving you the opportunity to conduct independent research on an approved topic of your choice. The programme is a good preparation for further research work, or for a career in education, public administration, NGOs or the private sector.Graduate destinations:This programme is a good preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector.

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Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 30,400per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

  • University League Table

    3rd

  • Campus address

    London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, Houghton Street, London, Greater London, WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom

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Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Politics

    2nd out of 77 1

  • Entry standards

    / Max 197
    186 95%

    7th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    88.0 88%

    2nd

    1

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.17 79%

    31st

    14

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