Political Theory University of Birmingham

This Masters degree explores problems crucial to current politics domestically and in the global sphere. It promotes the study of those problems through theoretical, ethical and practical inquiry, drawing on the expertise of a large and diverse team of political theorists. It is designed for students who are either familiar with the study of political ideas and issues at undergraduate level or who are enthusiastic to focus on this area of study at the postgraduate level. The degree draws on the expertise of a large and diverse team of political theorists. It is designed for students either familiar with the study of political ideas and issues at undergraduate level or who are enthusiastic to focus on this area of study at the postgraduate level.

Issues and questions examined include: Is globalisation a threat to democracy or an opportunity to promote it? Can diverse cultures co-exist harmoniously? Should illiberal religious practices be tolerated? What makes political ideas revolutionary? Can ideas cause revolutions? How should societies respond to state violence and ideological extremism? What is terrorism? Is terrorism ever acceptable? How should we conceive of global justice? Is the current states system an impediment to global justice, or the best institutional hope of achieving it?

The programme for: The degree will be of interest and benefit to those interested in pursuing careers in law, education, the public sector, and international agencies and NGOs, as well as those interested in undertaking doctoral work in political theory and applied ethics. In all cases, students are encouraged to work closely with staff in a supportive and intellectually-committed environment.

Entry requirements for this course

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