Postgraduate admissions criteria
Taught MA courses
The main criterion for admission to an MA course in the Department of Politics is a 2.1 BA degree or foreign equivalent in a social science-related subject. However, exceptions are sometimes made for students with different backgrounds, in which case assessment is usefully done through interview and additional references. Each MA employs slightly different criteria suited to its subject domain and therefore detailed inquiries should be made to individual MA convenors.
PhD admissions
Admission to the PhD programme is normally based on good performance at the BA level (usually a 2.1 or a First) and a Masters degree, at least one of these in a social science-related subject. In unusual cases where the student has a First in a social science subject in her or his BA, admission to the programme may be allowed on that basis. In exceptional cases the department may consider students from non-social science backgrounds, where the student can clearly demonstrate equivalent experience and knowledge and this is supported by academic references.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English may need to satisfy language requirements.
The Department of Politics has a higher minimum level than the university more generally, because of the more difficult nature of the literature that Politics students must engage with. The departmental requirements are:
- IELTS: 6.5 (no component must be lower than 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 92
The University accepts other evidence of English language attaintment, please see the Postgraduate Admissions web pages.
