Master of Science by Coursework in Political Theory Research

M.Sc. Examination

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

Compulsory papers

• (1)in Theory of Politics

  (Compulsory paper taken from the M.Phil. in Politics)

  A critical examination of political concepts and theories, including social concepts and theories with political relevance. The paper is assessed by a single three hour written examination. 
   
  4. atCandidates thewill endcomplete ofa Trinitycourse Term.

  (2)in Research Methods in Political Theory

  (Compulsory paper taken from the M.Phil. in Politics)

  The paper is assessed by coursework, full details of which will be set out in the followingStudent wayHandbook. The candidate must submit:

  • (i) A Research Design Proposal of between 4000 and 6000 words, excluding bibliography, on research design as it bears on the subject of the candidate’s proposed M.Sc. thesis. Two copies of the Research Design Proposal, together with a copy on CD or USB flash drive, 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.

    (ii) Research methods training coursework 
     
    5. Candidates will satisfactorily complete a programme of core and optional research methods training, as specified in the Student Handbook. Candidate who fail elements of the research methods training coursework are normally permitted to submit a second time (or, if the coursework is assessed by a test, to resit that test) by a date specified in the Student Handbook.

The Thesis

Each candidate must submit a thesis of not more than 15,000 words, excluding bibliography. Two hard copies, together with a copy on CD or USB, 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.