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MPhil in Politics (Political Theory)

The MPhil in Politics (Political Theory) is an advanced graduate degree providing training in research techniques and methodology, enabling students to acquire substantive knowledge in this sub-area of the discipline. This degree is a standalone program but also suitable for those intending to embark upon doctoral research in the future.

About the Course

The course provides an overview of the theory of politics, including core classes and tutorials, as well as compulsory research methods training. Students will have the opportunity to engage with academic staff who teach and supervise on the program, including those who organize extracurricular research seminars for graduate students.

Course Structure

• The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford.
• Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.
• The approach to teaching comprises intensive and interactive work between students and their supervisor and course teachers, combined with a carefully planned program of classes, seminars, and lectures, as well as directed self-study.
• Work on the thesis is individually supervised.

Resources to Support Study

• As a graduate student, access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.
• The Bodleian Libraries, the largest library system in the UK, provides access to over 13 million printed items, e-journals, and special collections.
• The University's IT Services supports students with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities.

Supervision

• The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Politics and International Relations.
• Supervisors are usually selected from the academic staff within the Department of Politics and International Relations.
• Students can expect to meet with their supervisor around three times each term.

Assessment

• Progression to the second year is conditional on passing examinations and/or coursework in research methods as well as the core course.
• At the end of the course, students will complete two option papers of their choice, assessed by examination or coursework, and submit a thesis.

Graduate Destinations

• The MPhil in Political Theory will prepare students for an academic career in the field, either in Oxford or elsewhere.
• Graduates also work in government, diplomatic services, and senior positions in the private sector.

Entry Requirements

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

• Applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in political science or international relations, or in a closely related discipline.
• Each application will be assessed upon its own merits; candidates with a degree in an unrelated discipline are welcome to demonstrate the relevance of their academic background to their proposed subject or topic of study.

Degree-Level Qualifications

• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in political science or international relations, or in a closely related discipline.
• For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0.

English Language Proficiency

• This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.
• The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below:
  • IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component.
  • TOEFL iBT: 110 overall with at least 22 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 25 in Speaking, and 24 in Writing.
  • C1 Advanced: 191 overall with at least 185 in each component.
  • C2 Proficiency: 191 overall with at least 185 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: 165 overall with at least 155 in each component.

References

• Applicants will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of their academic ability and suitability for the course.

Supporting Documents

• Official transcript(s) should give detailed information of the individual grades received in university-level qualifications to date.
• A statement of purpose, focusing on academic motivation, relevant academic experience, and understanding of the specific areas of interest.
• Written work, such as two academic essays on any subject or theme within the discipline of politics, preferably relating to the proposed field of study.

Funding

• The collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
• Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.
• Details of college-specific funding opportunities can be found on individual college websites.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

• The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.
• For the academic year, the annual course fees are:
  • Home: Ł24,430
  • Overseas: Ł37,100

Additional Costs

• There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs.
• However, students may incur additional expenses, such as travel and vaccination expenses, conference attendance, research expenses, and field trips.

Living Costs

• The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 for each month spent in Oxford.
• A breakdown of likely living costs for one month during the academic year is provided, including food, accommodation, personal items, social activities, study costs, and other expenses.

College Preference

• Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college.
• The following colleges accept students on the MPhil in Politics (Political Theory):
  • Balliol College
  • Blackfriars
  • Brasenose College
  • Campion Hall
  • Christ Church
  • Green Templeton College
  • Harris Manchester College
  • Hertford College
  • Jesus College
  • Keble College
  • Kellogg College
  • Lady Margaret Hall
  • Linacre College
  • Lincoln College
  • Magdalen College
  • Mansfield College
  • Merton College
  • New College
  • Nuffield College
  • Oriel College
  • Pembroke College
  • The Queen's College
  • Regent's Park College
  • Reuben College
  • St Anne's College
  • St Antony's College
  • St Catherine's College
  • St Cross College
  • St Edmund Hall
  • St Hilda's College
  • St Hugh's College
  • St John's College
  • St Peter's College
  • Somerville College
  • Trinity College
  • University College
  • Wadham College
  • Wolfson College
  • Worcester College
  • Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

• Before applying, review the profiles of academic staff and the department's research areas.
• The application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé.
• Supporting documents required include a statement of purpose, written work, and official transcript(s).
• Application fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.

Deadlines

• The latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships is Friday, 9 January 2026.
• The final application deadline for entry in the academic year is Friday, 9 January 2026.

Further Information

• The course is offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations.
• For course-related enquiries, contact the department directly.
• For application-process enquiries, refer to the Application Guide.