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MSc Political Theory
Political theory is the study of how we do and should think about the nature and organisation of political life and its limits. It is a contested, and exciting field of inquiry, featuring historical, normative, comparative and applied approaches that are often informed by adjacent debates in moral philosophy, legal theory, historical studies, and political science.
Central normative research questions for contemporary political theory include: How might a legitimate or just state be constituted? What gives rulers the authority to rule, and do citizens have a duty to obey? How much, if any, inequality is just? At the same time, political theory constantly finds itself revising its substantive concerns and theoretical assumptions – both in response to actual political developments and by following the dynamic of its own critical inquiry. Thus, feminist thinkers have queried the classic private/public distinction and with it received conceptions of “the political”. Theorists of global justice interrogate the limits of state-bounded political morality. Post-colonial theory and comparative political theory explore alternative traditions and marginalized voices to re-think mainstream assumptions.
Currently, there are eight political theorists in the Department of Government, which is one of the largest concentrations of specialists in the world. Staff research interests are in diverse areas including comparative political theory, contemporary normative theory, the history of political thought, feminist theory, and rational and social choice theory. Our aim is to expose students to a wide array of different normative issues and methods of inquiry and thereby to enable them to engage critically and constructively with the challenges of an increasingly global political context.
Our programme includes a compulsory course which gives you an overview of the methodological diversity within political theory, and a wide range of optional courses that allow you to focus in on areas of more specific interest to you. You will also complete a 10,000 word dissertation, giving you the opportunity to conduct independent research on an approved topic of your choice. The programme is a good preparation for further research work, or for a career in education, public administration, NGOs or the private sector.
Programme details
For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements for MSc Political Theory
Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline with a considered interest in the relevant areas covered by the MSc.
Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.
If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our Information for International Students to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.Assessing your application
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.
We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:
– academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
– statement of academic purpose
– two academic references
– CV
See further information on supporting documents
You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE. See our English language requirements.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. There is no fixed deadline by which you need to apply, however to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details. Fees and funding
Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.
The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students’ Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Tuition fees 2022/23 for MSc Political Theory
Home students: £24,456
Overseas students: £24,456
Fee status
The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.
Further information about fee status classification.
Fee reduction
Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
Scholarships and other funding
The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.
This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master’s Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.
Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 28 April 2022.
In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas. Find out more about financial support.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.
Find out more about tuition fee loans
Further information
Fees and funding opportunitiesInformation for international students
LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.
If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.
1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page.
2) Go to the International Students section of our website.
3) Select your country.
4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.
Part-time study
Part time study is only available for students who do not require a student visa.
Programme structure and courses
You will take the compulsory half-unit course Foundations of Political Theory and write a 10,000-word dissertation. In addition, you will choose the equivalent of two and a half unit courses from the course options and suitable courses from other programmes in the Department and School, with the approval of the MSc course convenor.
(* denotes a half unit)
Foundations of Political Theory*
Provides a systematic introduction to the philosophical and methodological foundations of political theory.
Optional courses to the value of two and a half units
For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.
You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.Teaching and assessment
Contact hours and independent study
Within your programme you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. Half unit courses are taught in the format of lectures (usually of one or two hours) and seminars (usually one to two hours), summing to about three total hours per week over the ten-week term. This may include a combination of online and on-campus teaching delivery. These take place in the first and second terms with two weeks of revision scheduled for the third term. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide.
You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.
Teaching methods
LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors, assistant professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.
Assessment
All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative methods of assessment differ from course to course, and may include unseen written exams in the summer term and/or assessed essays (and in some cases assessment may be offered online). In addition you will meet with your supervisor and work on your dissertation. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide, which in 2020 has taken into account the provision of both online and on campus forms of teaching, learning and assessment.
You will write a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic agreed with your supervisor. Dissertations should reflect the training that you have acquired by applying methods such as formal theory, quantitative methods or textual analysis.
Academic support
You will also be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns.
There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.
LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.Student support and resources
We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.
Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.
Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies.
Accommodation service – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.
Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses.
Disability and Wellbeing Service – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme and arranging exam adjustments. They run groups and workshops.
IT help – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.
LSE Faith Centre – this is home to LSE’s diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.
Language Centre – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.
LSE Careers – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights.
LSE Library – founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide.
LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’).
LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.
PhD Academy – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration.
Sardinia House Dental Practice – this offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.
St Philips Medical Centre – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.
Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.
Student advocates and advisers – we have a School Senior Advocate for Students and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters.Student life
As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective.
Student societies and activities
Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from.
The campus
LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community.
Life in London
London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It’s also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more.
Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don’t fear, London doesn’t have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget. Student stories
Johannes Hadi
MSc Political Theory
Singapore
Watch Johannes’ videoPreliminary reading
J S Dryzek, B Honig and A Phillips Oxford Handbook of Political Theory (Oxford University Press, 2008)
R L Euben Journeys to the Other Shore (Princeton University Press, 2008)
M Fricker Epistemic Injustice (Oxford University Press, 2007)
M Rosen and J Wolff (eds.) Political Thought (Oxford University Press, 2010)
B Williams In the Beginning was the Deed (Princeton University Press, 2005)Careers
Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Government
Median salary of our PG students six months after graduating: £30,000
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
- Public administration and defence
- Management consultancy activities
- Scientific research and development
- Extraterritorial organisations
- Legal and accounting activities
The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2017-18 were the first group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes. Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling.
This programme is a good preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Support for your career
Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.Find out more about LSE
Discover more about being an LSE student – meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home.
Experience LSE from home
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Visit LSE
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LSE visits you
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