The study of government and political institutions takes center stage in this MPhil program, emphasizing a research-led approach that integrates both area-specific knowledge and Comparative Politics. This course, offered by the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) at Oxford, is meticulously designed to cultivate your analytical abilities and enhance crucial skills highly valued across diverse professional landscapes. Through varied educational experiences and learning environments, you will hone your written and oral communication skills, alongside developing essential technical proficiencies for the modern world. Beyond providing a robust foundation for doctoral research, this MPhil equips you with the advanced training and versatile skillset sought after in a wide array of careers, spanning academia, professional sectors, commerce, diplomacy, and governmental roles.
The DPIR at Oxford is a vibrant hub of intellectual activity, hosting numerous research centers and programs. These actively foster collaborative research through conferences, workshops, and various academic events, actively involving graduate students in their ongoing research endeavors. These research centers present invaluable platforms for you to showcase your own scholarly work in seminar series and at conferences, both within the department and in wider academic circles. Furthermore, the DPIR’s well-established visitors’ program regularly attracts renowned international scholars, enriching the department’s research culture and providing unparalleled networking and learning opportunities.
Course Structure: A Two-Year Deep Dive into Political Science
The MPhil in Politics is structured as a comprehensive two-year program, designed to provide a rigorous and in-depth exploration of political science, with a strong focus on comparative politics.
Year One: Foundations in Comparative Government and Research Methods
Your first year is dedicated to building a strong foundation in the core tenets of comparative government. This involves engaging with core classes and tutorials specifically designed to delve into the theories, methodologies, and substantive areas within comparative politics. Complementing this substantive focus is a comprehensive program of research methods training. This includes core courses in statistical analysis and research design, essential for conducting rigorous research in comparative politics and beyond. You will also have the opportunity to specialize through elective courses, allowing you to tailor your methodological training to your specific research interests within the broader field of political science.
Year Two: Specialization, Thesis, and Advanced Option Papers
The second year of the MPhil program is structured to facilitate specialization and in-depth research. A significant component of this year is dedicated to independent research culminating in the writing of a thesis. This thesis provides you with the opportunity to delve deeply into a specific research question within comparative politics or a related field, applying the theoretical and methodological tools acquired during the program. In addition to the thesis, you will complete two specialist option papers. These papers allow for further exploration of specific subfields within political science. The options offered are diverse and reflect the cutting-edge research being conducted within the DPIR. Recent years have seen options such as:
- Comparative Political Economy of Advanced Democracies: Examining the interplay between politics and economics in developed nations, a core area within comparative politics.
- The Politics and Government of China: A deep dive into the political system of a major global power, offering a valuable case study for comparative political analysis.
- EU Foreign Policy: Analyzing the external relations of the European Union, providing insights into multi-level governance and international comparative politics.
- The Politics and Government of the United Kingdom: An in-depth study of the UK political system, offering a contrasting case for students interested in comparative politics within Western democracies.
- The Government and Politics of the USA: Exploring the intricacies of the US political landscape, another key area for comparative analysis within the field.
- Political Economy of Development: Focusing on the political and economic factors shaping development in various countries, a crucial subfield of comparative politics and development studies.
Teaching and Learning: Interactive and Research-Driven
The teaching and learning approach is characterized by intensive and interactive engagement between students, supervisors, and course instructors. This is combined with a carefully structured program of classes, seminars, and lectures, alongside guided self-study. This blend ensures a dynamic learning experience that encourages critical thinking, independent research, and collaborative learning, all essential for advanced study in comparative politics.
Attendance and Residence
This MPhil program is a full-time course requiring physical presence in Oxford. Full-time students are expected to adhere to the University’s Residence requirements, ensuring active participation in the academic community.
Resources to Support Your Academic Journey
As a graduate student at Oxford, you will gain access to the University’s extensive array of world-class resources. These are designed to enrich your learning experience and support your research endeavors in comparative politics and related fields. These resources include the unparalleled Bodleian Libraries, museums, galleries, cutting-edge digital resources, and comprehensive IT services.
The Bodleian Libraries, the largest library system in the UK, offers an unparalleled collection of scholarly materials. Comprising the main Bodleian Library and numerous libraries across Oxford, it houses over 13 million printed items and provides access to a vast range of e-journals. Its special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, and more, are particularly valuable for in-depth historical and theoretical research in comparative politics.
The University’s IT Services provides essential support for all students, offering access to core university IT systems and tools, along with a wide range of other services and facilities. Crucially, IT Services offers a variety of IT learning courses specifically designed for students, aiding in both learning and research, including data analysis tools relevant to comparative political research.
The Bodleian Social Science Library, conveniently located in the Manor Road Building, houses the primary collection for Politics and International Relations, alongside a broad spectrum of other social sciences resources. This specialized library provides a focused and accessible environment for your studies in comparative politics.
The Politics and International Relations subject guide offers up-to-date advice and contact details for your dedicated Subject Librarian, providing further specialized support tailored to your academic needs in comparative politics.
Supervision: Expert Guidance in Your Research
The Department of Politics and International Relations is responsible for the allocation of graduate supervision. While student preferences are considered, it’s not always possible to match every student with a specific supervisor. Supervisors are typically drawn from the distinguished academic staff within the DPIR, experts in various fields including comparative politics. In exceptional cases, a supervisor may be selected from outside the Department. You can expect to meet with your supervisor approximately three times per term, ensuring regular guidance and support for your research project and overall academic progress in comparative politics.
Assessment: Demonstrating Mastery and Research Excellence
Progression to the second year of the MPhil program is contingent upon successfully passing examinations and/or coursework in research methods and the core course in comparative government. At the culmination of the course, your knowledge and research skills will be assessed through two option papers, evaluated by examination or coursework, and the submission of your thesis. The thesis is a major component of the assessment, representing your ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of comparative politics.
Graduate Destinations: Pathways to Diverse and Impactful Careers
Graduate work in politics, particularly with a specialization in comparative politics, opens doors to a wide spectrum of career paths. While many graduates pursue academic careers in Oxford or other leading universities worldwide, the DPIR proudly acknowledges the significant number of its alumni who excel in government, diplomatic services, and senior roles in the private sector. The rigorous training in analytical thinking, research methodologies, and comparative analysis provided by this MPhil program is highly transferable and valued across numerous professional domains.
The DPIR actively engages with its alumni community through initiatives like the Inspires alumni email newsletter and the Alumni Career Conversations series of online talks. These platforms foster networking and provide valuable insights into diverse career trajectories for graduates with a background in comparative politics and political science.
Course Changes and Supervision Flexibility
The University is committed to delivering this course as described. However, unforeseen circumstances may necessitate changes to course provision, both before and after registration. Student and staff safety remains paramount, and adjustments may be required in response to events such as pandemics or health emergencies. Similarly, adjustments to course requirements may be necessary in specific situations, such as visa difficulties or health needs of international students.
While every effort is made to maintain consistency in supervision, changes in academic supervisors may occur due to unforeseen reasons such as illness, leave, or changes in employment. The University’s policies on course changes and student contracts provide further details regarding such eventualities.
