MA Political Science - Political Theory Pathway (Research Route)

• Learn from academics in one of the UK’s largest political theory research groups, at one of the country’s top 5 universities for politics (Times Higher Education 2024).
• Apply logic and reasoning to pressing political problems.
• Prepare for a career in research, or a research related field.
• Tailor the programme to fit your interests with an array of optional units.

Politics takes thought. By studying this programme, you'll learn how to ethically evaluate the shape of society and how it distributes rights, power and resources.

Based at a university with a long tradition of political theory, you’ll learn about the central tenets of key schools of political thought, evaluating their claims in relation to contemporary political issues. You’ll critically engage with ideologies including:

• liberalism
• egalitarianism
• feminism
• republicanism

Via mandatory course units, you’ll be introduced to a range of research approaches, while developing your analytical skills.

You’ll also be able to tailor the programme to fit your interests, with optional course units covering an array of current and interesting topics.

Throughout the programme you’ll develop skills in critical inquiry, research design, creative thinking and problem-solving. At the point of completion, you’ll be well placed to undertake doctoral research or pursue a career in a great number of similar fields.

Full entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:

• IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5
• TOEFL IBT 100 with 25 in writing and no further score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 76 overall, with 76 in writing and no further score below 70

Pre-Sessional English Courses

We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.

To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:

6 Week Pre-Sessional Course : IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no more than one sub-skill of 6.0.

10 Week Pre-sessional Course : IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 or above in each sub-skill

If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate to ensure that you are eligible for a separate visa for the English language course.

Career opportunities