MA Political Theory
University of Essex
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Politics
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Course info

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 ...Read more

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.

Our MA Political Theory will help you secure a solid grasp of key debates in social and political thought, give you a strong foundation in theoretical principles. You explore topics including:

  • Research methods in critical political theory and analysis
  • Classical and contemporary texts of political theory
  • Democratic theory and social justice
  • Philosophy of social science
  • Ethics and public policy

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research, and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014) and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began.

Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

This course will instil a wide range of analytical, critical, and communication skills that will enable you to pursue the career of your choice, whether in the public, private, or third sector, whether with a domestic or international focus.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:

  • The Civil Service
  • Local government
  • The World Bank
  • The United Nations
  • NATO
  • YouGov and YouGov America

We also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
46th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
What students say
O
Omar
03 Mar 23

Best is the professors and friends and also the campus that has a very safety vibe. Worst is not even about the uni per se but the town which is not ideal for life outside..Read more

R
Riku
03 Mar 23

The academic staff is amazing. The library collection could be expanded...Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A 2.2 degree in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics, or United States Politics or a 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to: Comparative Political Systems; Constitutional Democracy; Contemporary World Affairs; Current Affairs; Democratic Theory; Econometrics; European Integration/Dynamics of Integration; Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy; Game Theory; Governmental Processes/Systems; Human Rights; Ideology and Political Analysis; International Economic Law etc.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Political Philosophies reviews

Political Philosophies
Political Philosophies
O
Omar
03 Mar 23
MA Ideology and Discourse Analysis
Best is the professors and friends and also the campus that has a very safety vibe. Worst is not even about the uni per se but the town which is not ideal for life outside...
Read more
R
Riku
03 Mar 23
MA Ideology and Discourse Analysis
The academic staff is amazing. The library collection could be expanded....
Read more
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Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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