ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZAAABACADAEAFAGAHAIAJAKALAMANAOAPAQARASATAUAVAWAXAYAZBA
1
1. Admissions/ Management Information
2
Title of the new programme – including any lower awards
Please provide the titles used for all awards relating to this programme. Note: all programmes are required to have at least a Postgraduate Certificate exit award.

See guidance on programme titles in:
3
Masters MA in Political Theory
4
Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Diploma in Political TheoryPlease indicate if the Postgraduate Diploma is available as an entry point, ie. is a programme on which a student can register or as an exit award, ie. that are only available to students exiting the masters programme early, or both.Exit
5
Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Certificate in Political TheoryPlease indicate if the Postgraduate Certificate is available as an entry points, ie. is a programme on which a student can register, or as an exit award, ie. that are only available to students exiting the masters programme early, or both.Exit
6
Level of qualificationLevel 7
7
This document applies to students who commenced the programme(s) in:2021-22
8
Awarding institutionTeaching institution
9
University of York University of York
10
Department(s):
Where more than one department is involved, indicate the lead department		Board of Studies
11
Lead Department Department of PoliticsDepartment of Politics
12
Other contributing Departments:
13
Route code
(existing programmes only)		PMPOLSTHE1
14
Admissions criteria
15
This course is open to all UK and overseas applicants with a good first degree and/or significant relevant practical experience. For applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6 in each component (or equivalent) is normally required.
16
Length and status of the programme(s) and mode(s) of study
17
ProgrammeLength (years/ months) Status (full-time/ part-time)
Please select		Start dates/months
(if applicable – for programmes that have multiple intakes or start dates that differ from the usual academic year)		Mode
18
19
Face-to-face, campus-basedDistance learningOther
20
MA in Political Theory1 yearFull-timeSeptember intake onlyPlease select Y/NYesPlease select Y/NNoN/A
21
MA in Political Theory2 yearsPart-timeSeptember intake onlyPlease select Y/NYesPlease select Y/NNoN/A
22
Language(s) of study
23
English
24
Language(s) of assessment
25
English
26
2. Programme accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies (PSRB)
27
2.a. Is the programme recognised or accredited by a PSRB
28
Please Select Y/N: Noif No move to section 3
if Yes complete the following questions
29
3. Additional Professional or Vocational Standards
30
Are there any additional requirements of accrediting bodies or PSRB or pre-requisite professional experience needed to study this programme?
31
Please Select Y/N: Noif Yes, provide details
32
4. Programme leadership and programme team
33
4.a. Please name the programme leader for the year to which the programme design applies and any key members of staff responsible for designing, maintaining and overseeing the programme.
34
Programme Leader: Adam Fusco
Key staff: Adam Fusco; Alasia Nuti; Sara Van Goozen; Tim Stanton; Gabriele Badano; Matthew Festenstein; Monica Brito-Vieira; Tim Stuart-Buttle; Alfred Moore
35
5. Purpose and learning outcomes of the programme
36
5.a. Statement of purpose for applicants to the masters programme
Please express succinctly the overall aims of the programme as an applicant facing statement for a prospectus or website. This should clarify to a prospective student why they should choose this programme, what it will provide to them and what benefits they will gain from completing it.
37
The MA in Political Theory will push you to think about why and how people should organise their communal lives. Working within a range of traditions and approaches (including historical, critical, and analytical), you will be taught to analyse, compare, and assess the very different standpoints theorists have adopted on topics such as freedom, justice, and equality. You will have the opportunity to apply these approaches to real world questions, such as the justice of global borders, the location of power in our democracies, and the nature of gender and race-based oppressions.  Through participating in research-led seminars and attending departmental workshops, you will engage with historically important arguments and will be introduced to new developments in the field. By developing and writing a dissertation, you will develop the skills and techniques needed to conduct independent and original research, from formulating innovative research questions to generating persuasive and intellectually sound arguments. You will leave the MA with an extensive knowledge of key debates and approaches in political theory, and of the importance of these theoretical issues when engaging in any academic study, including empirical political science work. Upon successfully completing the programme, you will be excellently placed to go on to further academic study, to other research-based positions, or to any professional career in which analysis, precision, and clear reasoning are demanded, including work in the civil service, local government, the charity sector, the media and the law.
38
5.b.i. Programme Learning Outcomes - Masters
Please provide six to eight statements of what a graduate of the Masters programme can be expected to do.
If the document only covers a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma please specify four to six PLO statements for the PG Certificate and four-eight for the PG Diploma in the sections 5.b.ii and 5.b.iii as appropriate.
Taken together, these outcomes should capture the distinctive features of the programme. They should also be outcomes for which progressive achievement through the course of the programme can be articulated, and which will therefore be reflected in the design of the whole programme.
39
PLOOn successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
40
1Demonstrate knowledge and critical awareness of problems and debates in political theory and its history, including normative and conceptual debates over key concepts and theories with reference to contrasting schools of political thought. [Skill: Knowledge Base]
41
2Identify different approaches to political theory, including critical, historical, and analytical approaches, and the ways in which these are used by a range of political theorists. [Skill: Evaluation]
42
3Identify and employ different methodologies of research and enquiry to create and interpret knowledge in political theory. [Skill: Disciplinary Methodologies]
43
4Critically analyse advanced scholarship in the discipline, evaluating and deploying established methods of political theory. [Skills: Analysis/Application]
44
5Produce original research through the formulation of research questions, identifying and locating appropriate resources, responding effectively to existing literature, developing original and convincing theoretical arguments and sucessfuly communicate their ideas. [Skills: Autonomy/Management of Information/Communication]
45
6Demonstrate awareness of differences in intellectual viewpoints, and the benefits of learning from these, through critically responding to both long-standing and recently developed arguments in political theory. [Skills: Interpersonal and professional]
46
5.c. Explanation of the choice of Programme Learning Outcomes
Please explain your rationale for choosing these PLOs in a statement that can be used for students (such as in a student handbook). Please include brief reference to:
47
i) Why the PLOs are considered ambitious or stretching?
48
The MA in Political Theory addresses some of the most pressing questions in political life. What is politics for - to bring real freedom and equality for all human beings, to realise justice, 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? In asking students to consider both why and how theorists approach these questions, the MA programme encourages both intellectual and personal development at an advanced level.
49
ii) The ways in which these outcomes are distinctive or particularly advantageous to the student:
50
The intellectual heterogeniety of the course will push students to employ independent critical thinking to identity their point of entry into concepts and issues that are studied, and allow extensive opportunity for academic clarification, extension, and/or synthesis. In  addition, students will leave the MA with an extensive knowledge of key debates and approaches in political theory, and of the importance of these theoretical issues when engaging in any academic study, including empirical political science work.
51
iii) Please detail how you would support students from diverse entry routes to transition into the programme? For example, disciplinary knowledge and conventions of the discipline, language skills, academic and writing skills, lab skills, academic integrity
52
The Political Theory programme offers an extensive induction activity to provide students with an overview of the programme learning objectives and the annual programme benchmarks including progression indicators. This orientation enables students to better assess their learning and studying requirements to successfully engage with the course materials and to navigate the theoretical and practical components of the programme. In addition, throughout the autumn term, the department run regular Study Skills sessions for PGT students. Sessions focus on: reading and taking effective notes; participating in seminars; and developing academic writing skills. For non-native English speakers these study skills sessions are supplemented by English language classes run by the Centre for English Language Teaching. All students participate in department-run Turnitin workshops and complete the University's academic integrity tutorial.
53
iv) Please explain how the design of the programme enables students to progress through to the end of the award? For example, in terms of the development of research skills, enabling students to complete an independent study module, developing competence and confidence in practical skills/ professional skills, (See: QAA Mater's degree characteristics http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication?PubID=2977#.WS1JOevyu70).
54
Teaching is delivered through a combination of seminars, one-to-one supervision and independent study. Students' academic and personal development is supported and monitored closely through continual supervision and feedback. They will be trained how to think, act, engage, reflect and communicate as a researcher in political theory.
Students will develop academic and writing skills through written assignments, build their capacity for reflexivity about the foundations and strengths and weaknesses within the discipline of political theory, and learn how to conduct sustained independent academic research though their dissertation.  
55
v) How the programme learning outcomes develop students’ digital literacy and use technology-enhanced learning to achieve the discipline and pedagogic goals which support active student learning through peer/tutor interaction, collaboration and formative (self) assessment opportunities (reference could be made to such as blogging, flipped classrooms, response 'clickers' in lectures, simulations, etc).
56
All summative assessments require that students make extensive use of online and library databases to find sources for their research. Students will acquire experience and expertise in use of databases, assessed by the comprehensiveness and presentation of produced bibliographical work and referencing in essays and dissertation. Students will learn to discern between relevant and non-relevant data, how to compile a typology of different resources and to communicate these by organising resources in terms of academic debates in summative assements. For several years it has been departmental policy that all modules are supported by a VLE site on Yorkshare and the Department of Politics also provides further support via the 'MA Study Skills’ VLE site. A VLE module template is used to ensure a minimum standard across the department. This includes: the course announcements tool; module information; seminars; assessments (formative and summative); links to EARL software; and contacts. All summative coursework is submitted via the VLE so the departmental administration team are responsible for ensuring that generic material regarding instructions for submission, marking criteria etc are uniform and in the correct place across all VLE platforms.In addition to module sites the Department provides further support via the 'MA Study Skills’ VLE site. Programme learning outcomes 3, 4, and 5 are directly related to the students' digital skills, in that students will be able to use multiple online sources and research databases effectively, use digital tools like online storage facilities and software to securely store, organise, and analyse data, and use programmes like Word, Powerpoint, or Prezi to present their work.
57
vi) How the PLOs support and enhance the students’ employability (for example, opportunities for students to apply their learning in a real world setting)?
The programme's employability objectives should be informed by the University's Employability Strategy:
58
Seminars and assessed work offer students the opportunity to develop their critical reasoning, analytical, research, and written and oral communication skills, all of which will enhance student's employability. Upon completing the MA, students will be particularly well placed to apply for several careers ranging from academia, government, the civil service, research and policy-making, international organisations and NGOs, charities, business and the financial sector.  For those students who wish to pursue research-orintated careers in both academic and non-academic contexts the MA provides rigourous training in the skills of critical evalution and project design through assessed essays and the dissertation.
59
viii) How is teaching informed and led by research in the department/ centre/ University?
60
Students will benefit from our research-led approach to teaching. Many of our academics are internationally recognised in their fields, and all are actively researchers. Students will gain knowledge from top academics at the forefront of current debates. The MA in Political Theory degree fits perfectly with our research priorities – set out in the Research Strategy, LTP and in the Strategic Plan – to expand our capacity in political theory.
61
5.d. Progression
For masters programmes where students do not incrementally 'progress' on the completion of a discrete Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma, please summarise students’ progressive development towards the achievement of PLOs, in terms of the characteristics that you expect students to demonstrate at the end of the set of modules or part thereof, and provide appropriate detail of the module diet students will need to complete.

This summary may be particularly helpful to students and the programme team where there is a high proportion of option modules and in circumstances where students registered on a higher award will exit early with a lower one.

Note: it is not expected that a position statement is written for each masters PLO, but this can be done if preferred.
62
i) If the Postgraduate Certificate is an exit award only please:
63
Provide a global statement to explain what a student who exits with a PG Cert award will be able to do (this should capture the extent of the achievement of the programme learning outcomes).

NB: Where more than one PG Cert is available as an exit award a statement should be provided detailing what a student exiting with each award will be able to do		Detail the module diet that students will have to have completed to gain the PG Cert as an exit award.

NB: Where more than one PG Cert is available as an exit award the module diet required for each award should be given
64
Students who exit with a PG certificate will have met PLOS 1,2, and 6: they will have improved their knowledge base, evaluation and interpersonal and communication skills. To qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate students must pass the core module Approaches to Political Theory (20 credits) and two additional taught optional modules worth 20 credits each.
65
ii) If the Postgraduate Diploma is an exit award only please:
66
Provide a global statement to explain what a student who exits with a PG Dip award will be able to do (this should capture the extent of the achievement of the programme learning outcomes)Detail the module diet that students will have to have completed to gain the PG Dip as an exit award
67
Students who exit with a PG dip will have met PLOs 1,2, 4, and 6: they will have improved their knowledge base, evaluation, analysis, and interpersonal and communication skills. To qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma students must pass the core module Approaches to Political Theory (20 credits), and five additional taught optional modules worth 100 credits.
68
5.e. Other features of the programme
69
i) Involvement of partner organisations
Are any partner organisations involved in the delivery of the programme?
70
Please Select Y/N: Noif Yes, outline the nature of their involvement (such as contributions to teaching, placement provision). Where appropriate, see also the:
71
University guidance on collaborative provision
72
ii) Internationalisation/ globalisation
How does the programme promote internationalisation and encourage students to develop cross-cultural capabilities?
73
iii) Inclusivity
How will good practice in ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion be embedded in the design, content and delivery of the programme?
74
This refers to the protected characteristics and duties on the University outlined in the Equality Act 2010
75
The programme complies with the Equality Act 2010. Diversity is embedded in the content of the curriculum, dealing as it does with a broad range of issues in the field of political theory that look at the most pressing questions in political life. PLO 6 is directly related to making sure that equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded in the programme design.  By applying different theoretical models and concepts to a range of normative and practical problems, students will learn to appreciate the ethical and normative implications of study, and the importance of tolerance, sustainability and inclusivity. By working with others inside and outside of the classroom, including people of different nationalities, religions, cultures, ages, gender and political persuasions, students will learn to respect difference while promoting tolerance and inclusivity.The Department ensures that the recommendations of all disability statements for individual students are implemented in full (eg extra time for assessments, use of computers, lecturer/seminar recording, powerpoint presentations released ahead of the lecture etc).
76
6. Reference points and programme regulations
77
6.a. Relevant Quality Assurance Agency benchmark statement(s) and other relevant external reference points
Please state relevant reference points consulted (e.g. Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, National Occupational Standards, Subject Benchmark Statements or the requirements of PSRBs): See also Taught Postgraduate Modular Scheme: Framework for Programme Design:
78
There is no benchmark statement for an MA of this kind.
79
6.b. University award regulations
80
The University’s award and assessment regulations apply to all programmes: any exceptions that relate to this programme are approved by University Teaching Committee and are recorded at the end of this document.
81
7. Programme Structure
82
7.a. Module Structure and Summative Assessment Map
Please complete the summary table below which shows the module structure and the pattern of summative assessment through the programme.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If the structure of your programme does not fit the usual academic year (for instance students start at the beginning of September or in January) please contact your Academic Quality Team contact in the Academic Support Office for guidance on how to represent the structure in an alternative format.

To clearly present the overall programme structure, include the name and details of each invidual CORE module in the rows below. For OPTION modules, ‘Option module’ or 'Option from list x' should be used in place of specifically including all named options. If the programme requires students to select option modules from specific lists by term of delivery or subject theme these lists should be provided in the next section (7.b).

From the drop-down select 'S' to indicate the start of the module, 'A' to indicate the timing of each distinct summative assessment point (eg. essay submission/ exam), and 'E' to indicate the end of teaching delivery for the module (if the end of the module coincides with the summative assessment select 'EA'). It is not expected that each summative task will be listed where an overall module might be assessed cumulatively (for example weekly problem sheets).

Summative assessment by exams should normally be scheduled in the spring week 1 and summer Common Assessment period (weeks 5-7). Where the summer CAP is used, a single ‘A’ can be used within the shaded cells as it is understood that you will not know in which week of the CAP the examination will take place. (NB: An additional resit assessment week is provided in week 10 of the summer term for postgraduate students. See Guide to Assessment, 5.4.a)
83
Full time structure
84
CreditsModuleAutumn TermSpring Term Summer Term Summer Vacation
85
CodeTitle12345678910123456789101234567891012345678910111213
86
20POL00001MApproaches to Political TheorySEA
87
20VariousOption module A*SEA
88
20VariousOption module ASEA
89
20VariousOption Module BSEA
90
20VariousOption module BSEA
91
20VariousOption module BSEA
92
60POL00041MDissertationSEA
93
94
*A mininium of 3 highlighted modules from the list below must be chosen across both terms.
95
Please indicate when the Progression Board and Final Exam board will be held and when any reassessments will be submitted.
NB: You are required to provide at least three weeks notice to students of the need for them to resubmit any required assessments, in accordance with the Guide to Assessment section 4.9
96
Progression Boardweek 6 summer term
97
Reassessmentweek 10 summer term
98
Exam BoardNovember of following academic year
99
Part time structures
Please indicate the modules undertaken in each year of the part-time version of the programme. Please use the text box below should any further explanation be required regarding structure of part-time study routes.
100
Year 1 (if you offer the programme part-time over either 2 or 3 years, use the toggles to the left to show the hidden rows)