MA Political Science - Philosophy and Political Theory

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses.

You will learn more about the School of Social Sciences, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see open days and visits .

Please note, due to the high volume of applications we receive, an early application is advised.

If you meet our entry requirements but we are unable to make you an offer, you may be placed on a waiting list.

Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available.

Philosophy is vital to understanding the ideals that shape our politics. Political theory is key to understanding the factors that can obstruct our ideals. By studying our MA Political Science - Philosophy and Political Theory, you'll learn how the two disciplines enrich each other.

Working with a large and talented pool of academics in small intensive seminar groups, you’ll interrogate core classical and contemporary concepts in 21st century political theory, such as justice, liberty and equality. You will also be introduced to a range of research skills and approaches, bolstering your ability to investigate, analyse, and communicate complex cases and arguments.

Throughout your course, you will be able to tailor your learning to suit your interests through optional course units covering an array of current and interesting topics across politics and philosophy, such as:

• Philosophical Bioethics;
• Analytic Philosophy;
• Political Economy;
• Human Rights.

See a full list of mandatory and optional course units below.

By your graduation, you will have developed subject area expertise as well as highly transferrable skills such as research, critical inquiry, and writing and communication skills, setting you up for multiple career paths in the public, private, or third sectors. You will also be well-placed to continue developing and using your research expertise, either professionally or in PhD study.

Prestigious department

The University of Manchester boasts one of the largest and best-known politics departments in the UK. We are home to some of the world’s leading experts and academics in the subject, and co-hosts (with Oxford) of the British Election Study, one of the longest-running election studies in the world and the longest-running social science survey in the UK.

Unique city

In our biased opinion, there’s no better place to study politics and philosophy than Manchester. Titanic thinking, revolutionary ideas, and radical reform are etched into the city’s character and streets, from workers' rights to feminism, Marxism to devolution.

Interdisciplinary approach

Interdisciplinary study is actively pursued at Manchester, with many course units involving expertise and contributions from a number of different schools and departments at the University, such as economics, social statistics, and global development.

The MA Political Science – Philosophy and Political Theory is taught by an interdisciplinary team using a variety of delivery methods:

• lectures;
• workshops;
• student-led presentations and debate;
• group work;
• individual research.

Most course units are assessed by written assignments and essays. Some course units may differ and may be assessed by methods relevant to the units’ contents, such as data analyses, presentations, or research design documents.

Part-time students

Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time course.

You will be supported by first-class resources, in addition to networked study areas.

You will also have access to the John Ryland's University Library , with over 4.5m books and vast archives of historical material and rare volumes, it is one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country.

The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024).

Our MA Political Science – Philosophy and Political Theory gives you the specialist knowledge and skills required for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors, such as in:

• local and central government;
• international and supranational institutions, such as the UN and the EU;
• research, policy, think-tanks, institutes, and NGOs;
• management and policy consulting.

You will also acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, academic writing, and communication and teamwork. Recent graduates from our Political Science courses have succeeded in organisations such as:

• British Red Cross;
• Home Office;
• The House of Commons;
• NHS;
• KPMG;
• BNY Mellon;
• Boeing;
• Princeton University.

Another popular option is to continue specialising for a career in research and universities through a PhD in Politics or in another related field.

The University has its own dedicated, award-winning Careers Service where you can benefit from tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application support, job listings for Manchester students, and much more. Better yet, you will have access to our Careers Service both during your course and for two years after you graduate, so we know you’re on the right path.