About the MSc programmes
These programmes are based in the Department of Government| and are a good preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector.
Political theory has been central to the research and teaching at LSE since its founding in 1895. The Chair of Political Science in the Department of Government has been held by a succession of internationally recognised political theorists: Graham Wallas, Harold Laski, Michael Oakeshott, Maurice Cranston and Brian Barry. Currently, there are seven political theorists in the Department of Government, which is one of the largest concentrations of specialists in the world.
Political theorists in the Department work in areas such as multiculturalism, ancient and medieval political thought, Locke, Kant, feminism, social choice theory and democracy, and contemporary theories of justice. Members of the Political Theory Group in the Department also contribute to the wider political theory community at LSE. For more information see lse.ac.uk/government/research/resgroups/POTY.aspx|
Political theory is the study of the good society. Public debate is dominated by controversies such as what justice requires of citizens and the state; what the most important rights and liberties are and how they can be protected; and whether political decisions should be made by majorities. Political theory provides a scholarly examination of these questions, informed by moral philosophy, legal theory, historical study, political science, and rational and social choice theory.
Applications are considered from all candidates with a good first degree in any discipline, with a strong interest in the areas of political theory taught on the MSc.
All students study the core course Methods in Political Theory and write a 10,000 word dissertation. In addition, students choose five courses from the course options (three for the research track). Students are also able to study suitable courses from other programmes in the Department and School, with the approval of the MSc course convener.
Each student is assigned a personal tutor who is a member of the Political Theory Group. The personal tutor provides support for personal and academic well-being during the programme.
Students write a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed with their supervisor. Previous dissertation titles include: 'Rawls on global distributive justice', 'Relativism, political liberalism, and impartiality', 'On the nature and boundaries of right in Kant's political theory: an argument in favour of a right to revolution', 'Liberal toleration and dissent: minority rights as a political challenge to democratic constitutional state', 'What obligation, if any, do governments have to preserve cultural heritage?', 'Is the debate between feminism and multiculturalism problematic in terms of women's autonomy?', 'Methods in the history of political thought: a critique of different approaches to Thomas Hobbes.'
The MSc in Political Theory (Research) is structured to comply with the requirements for financial support from the ESRC under the 1+3 formula, which is available only to applicants from the EU. The programme itself is open to students from any part of the world. A 1+3 programme is a linked programme of a one year master's followed by PhD study. If you wish to be considered for the research track you must include an outline research proposal with your application. This proposal should be a brief description of the research topic you are considering pursuing during your PhD and should explain why you are interested in this area of research. As your research interests will develop further over the year of your master's training your proposal need only be indicative.
Each half unit course is taught through ten weekly two-hour seminars. These take place in the first and second terms with two weeks of revision scheduled for the third term. Methods of assessment differ from course to course, and may include unseen written exams in the summer term and/or assessed essays. In addition you will meet with your supervisor and work on your dissertation.
If you are studying full-time you should arrange your study so that you are not taking more than three courses (in addition to the Methods in Political Theory course) in either of the first two terms. If you are studying part-time your programme will span two years. You must take the Methods in Political Theory course in the first year along with up to two others; the remaining courses and the dissertation are completed during the second year.
Compulsory courses
(* half unit)
Options
Choose the equivalent of two units (one for the research track) from:
You may, if your supervisor agrees, choose one of your optional courses from the range of others on offer at graduate level in the Department of Government or in other departments at LSE.
Please note that not every course is necessarily available every year, and some may only be available with permission of the course proprietor. Please refer to the Government Department's web pages for a more up to date index of available courses.
† You may choose only one option from these units.