International Political Theory – (M.Litt.)

The MLitt in International Political Theory (IPT) at the University of St Andrews utilizes the history of political thought (political theory and philosophy) both in order to explore how classic and modern thinkers raised issues relevant to world affairs, and to deploy political theory in order to analyze and query contemporary international issues. Potential applicants should note that the MLitt in IPT is a programme in normative political theory and the history of political thought, not political science or international relations per se.

Students take two required modules: IR5401, Texts in International Political Theory and IR5402, Analysis and Interpretation in International Political Theory. The first module introduces students to both the history of international political thought and select issues in international political theory. Theorists whose work are addressed in this module may include (but are not limited to) Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Grotius, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Foucault, Derrida, Schmitt, Rawls, Arendt, and Habermas. The second module surveys a range of approaches to the critical analysis of political theory texts, and to the conceptual, historical and normative interpretation of political ideas and political phenomena. Representative approaches may include hermeneutics, genealogy, deconstruction, feminist theory, postcolonialism, and comparative political theory. In addition, students take two optional modules. Options cover topics as diverse as global constitutionalism, theories of human rights, global justice, ethics and the use of force, world order, and friendship and enmity. One of the options taken may be an approved free choice module hosted by another MLitt programme in the School.

Students are also required to write a 15,000-word dissertation during the summer period on a topic of their choosing, supported by a member of staff.

Please refer to the School of International Relations website for up-to-date information