Master of Science by Coursework in Political Theory Research

(See also the general notice at the commencement of these regulations

• 1. The currentprogramme editionshall be under the supervision of the Student Handbook contains an elaborated version of these regulations.)

  The regulations made by the Politics Graduate Studies Committee are as follows:

  M.Sc. Examination

  A candidate forof the MDepartment of Politics and International Relations.Sc  
   
  2. inCandidates Politicalwill Theorybe Researchrequired shallto follow for twelve months a course of instruction in Political Theory Research for three terms full-time. 
   
  3. EachCandidates candidatewill must pass the M.Sc. Examination at the end of Trinity Term in the two compulsory papers. Each student must also submitcomplete a thesiscourse during the Long Vacation.

  Compulsory papers:

  • (a)in Theory of Politics

    (Compulsory paperassessed takenby froma thewritten Mexamination.Phil 
     
    4. Candidates will complete a course in Politics)

    A critical examination of political concepts and theories, including social concepts and theories with political relevance.

  • (b) Research Methods in Political Theory

    (Compulsory paperassessed takenby fromcoursework, thefull M.Phil.details inof Politics)

    Candidateswhich will satisfactorilybe completeset a programme of core and optional research methods training, as specifiedout in the Student Handbook,. 
     
    5. andCandidates will also producesubmit a Research Design Essay of between 4,000 and 6,000 words, excluding bibliography, on research design as it bears on the subject of the student’s proposed M.Sc. thesis. Two hard copies of the Research Design Essay, together with a copy on CD, must be submitted to the Examination Schools by noon on the Friday of sixth week of Trinity Term. It must be accompanied by a separate signed declaration that it is the candidate’s own work except where otherwise indicated and that it has not previously been submitted for assessment, either at Oxford or at another institution. The Director of Graduate Studies in Politics shall draw the attention of the examiners to the names of any candidates who have failed to complete their research methods training to a satisfactory level of quality, and the examiners may require candidates to retake the course or a specified part thereof.

  • (c) A thesis of not more than 15,000 words, excluding bibliography. Two hard copies, together with a copy on CD, must be submitted to the Examination Schools by noon on the last FridayThursday ofin August following the end of Trinity Full Term. It must be accompanied by a separate signed declaration that it is the candidate’s own work except where otherwise indicated and that it has not previously been submitted for assessment, either at Oxford or at another institution  
     
    6. The thesis must be clearlysubmitted marked withusing the candidate’sUniversity examinationapproved number,online submission system. Technical information on the titlerequirements offor online submissions is provided in the thesisStudent and the words MHandbook.Sc  
     
    7. inSuccessful Politicalcandidates Theorywill Research.be Afterrequired the examination process is complete, each successful candidate mustto deposit one hardbounda copy of their thesis in the Bodleian Library.

  Candidates must present themselves for viva voce examination when requested by the examiners. The examiners may award a distinction for excellence in the whole examination.