Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Political Theory at University of York is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of York. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in social sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in social sciences.
Key Program Features
Why choose Political Theory at York?
Explore fundamental political issues in greater depth and from different perspectives. What is politics for? To bring real freedom and equality for all? Or to prevent human beings from killing one another in large numbers? What do we owe the global poor? Can we close our borders? Where does power lie in democracies?
Be supported by internationally-renowned experts from around the world. Our staff regularly publish in top journals, write influential books, and contribute to news media and policy debates. Their research and expertise will guide your learning, developing your own critical thinking in the process.
Engage with our political theory research. This course draws on our research strengths in analytical political philosophy, intellectual history and critical theory. You'll be encouraged to attend regular research seminars. In these seminars, the best current work in political theory will be presented by staff and eminent guest speakers from all over the world.
Study what you're passionate about. This course is highly customisable. Our wide range of option modules cover the full breadth of the subject area. This means you can tailor your degree to focus on the areas of political theory that interest you most.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZlyWgSYFX0
Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
A York Politics degree is recognised by employers worldwide. From political research to journalism, marketing and HR, a masters degree in Political Theory leads to a broad range of career opportunities.
Our students have found work in central or local government, non-governmental organisations, community and voluntary organisations, social enterprise, higher education, accountancy and banking organisations, law firms, media companies and international and global development bodies.
Career opportunities
- Charity officer
- Civil Servant Fast Streamer
- Government social researcher
- Policy adviser
- Political risk analyst
- Human resources officer
Transferable skills
- Reflective independent learning
- The ability to research, source and examine information thoroughly
- The capacity to critically analyse evidence and construct coherent arguments
- Excellent written and oratory skills
- Intellectual independence and autonomy
- Teamworking skills
- A flexible and open-minded approach to work
Program Curriculum
Course content
You'll study 180 credits in total. The course consists of:
- One 20-credit core module
- Five 20-credit option modules
- A 60-credit independent research dissertation
Taught modules will run throughout the Autumn and Spring Terms, with the dissertation being completed during the Summer Term and vacation.
Modules Dissertation Modules Core modules Justice, Legitimacy and Democracy Option modules You will study five option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Advanced Topics in Political Philosophy Backlash and Co-optation: Feminism, Anti-Racism and Human Rights Politics Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy Critical Theories of International Political Economy Ethics and World Politics Feminism and Sexuality Freedom, Right, and Revolution Gendering Politics: An Intersectional Approach Governing for the Environment New Security Challenges Politics of Migration The Making of the Contemporary World: History, Politics & Ideas since 1945 Themes and Theories in International Relations Women, Citizenship and Conflict Approaching Women's Studies Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation During the second semester and vacation you'll consolidate your interests in a dissertation , allowing you to carry out a theoretical analysis of a problem of your choosing. Examples of previous dissertation titles include: An exploration of the philosophical arguments for and against same-sex marriage and a comparison of the political and legal underpinning of same-sex marriage laws in the United Kingdom and United States Prohibition and Liberty: Is the prohibition of drugs compatible with a commitment to liberalism? The Depoliticization of Unhappiness: Political Agency in the Age of Mental Depression Muslims in The Sun: The representation of Islam in the UK's best-selling newspaper Education for the liberal agent: A justification for comprehensive liberalism in education Is global warming genocide? Freedom, the market and citizenship: neo-Roman Republicanism and the prospect of a civic economy Poverty and perception. How can ethics bring the global poor into view? An open Marxist feminism: gendered identities and the gendered division of labour What are young citizen's attitudes to gender norms in general and to masculinity in particular? On legality and violence: reflections on Carl Schmitt and Walter Benjamin On children's rights. Is it reasonable to extend human rights to children? Toleration: An ethic of the passions. A discussion on love as a political virtue Superfluous Men and Bare Life (A Dialogue between Hannah Arendt and Giorgio Agamben)
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent. We are willing to consider applicants with lower qualifications, particularly if you have high marks in relevant modules and/or appropriate professional experience. Additional information may be requested. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
Contact university
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)