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, excludingby bibliographynoon on the last Thursday in August.  
 
6. The thesis must be submitted electronicallyusing bythe noonUniversity approved online submission system. Technical information on the lastrequirements Fridayfor ofonline Augustsubmissions followingis provided in the endStudent ofHandbook.  
 
7. Trinity Full Term.  On submitting the thesis,Successful candidates will also be required to submit an online declaration of authorship. The examiners shall exclude from consideration any part of the thesis which is not the candidate’s own work or which has been or will be submitted to satisfy the requirements of another course, and the examiners shall have power to require the candidate to produce for their inspection the work so submitted or to be submitted. After the examination process is complete, each successful candidate must deposit one hardbounda copy of their thesis in the Bodleian Library.