Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Government. This one-year full-time (or 24 months part-time) Master of Arts (MA) in Political Theory offers a solid grasp of key debates in social and political thought, providing a strong foundation in theoretical principles. The program delves into fundamental questions such as how to understand political life (as expression of violence, tradition, search for freedom, struggle for equality) and how to think about democracy and justice. You will 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, and ethics and public policy. Core modules include "Justice and Equality" and "Democracy and Freedom," which examine classic and contemporary texts and debates. The course culminates in an 80-credit Dissertation, an independent research project. This MA instills a wide range of analytical, critical, and communication skills, preparing you for roles that require deep conceptual understanding and philosophical reasoning.

Career options for graduates of this program are diverse and often lead to roles requiring strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, policy analysis, journalism, public service, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, and teaching. The strong theoretical foundation also provides an excellent pathway for further academic study at the PhD level. Alumni from the Department of Government have gone on to work in the public, private, and third sectors, both domestically and internationally. The skills developed are highly valued in fields that demand a nuanced understanding of social and political ideas, ethics, and policy debates.

The University of Essex is a forward-thinking environment with a diverse international community. It is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, with its Department of Government consistently ranked as one of the most prestigious in Europe for its outstanding record of teaching, research, and publication (rated top in the UK for research in REF 2014, and 7th in the UK for Politics and International Studies in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021). The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, combining a peaceful setting with easy access to a major global city. The academic staff are actively involved in advising governments and commenting on political events, bringing real-world relevance to the curriculum.