Course Catalogue

Political Philosophy A PHIL5012

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

A Masters level course in Political Philosophy which develops undergraduate level understanding of the field towards a foundation for postgraduate research in Philosophy.

Timetable

6 two-hour seminars and 2 one-hour occasional tutorials. In addition to the 2 one-hour tutorials, students receive (1) immediate oral feedback on presentations at seminars; (2) written feedback on short non-assessed essays written during the semester; (3) availability of course lecturers during office hours.

This course may not run every year. Options running this year are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level with the first degree being in Philosophy.

Excluded Courses

All courses in Philosophy associated with the MLitt Philosophy.

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ One essay of 4000-5000 words - 100%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Develop students' undergraduate level understanding of Political Philosophy to a level which allow them to engage with contemporary positions and arguments in the field

■ Enable students to articulate and critically evaluate their own position within these contemporary issues

■ Provide a foundation in this field for future engagement in original research in Philosophy

■ Provide the opportunity to achieve a foundation that equips the student for research leading to a Ph.D. on the topics of political legitimacy and authority; duties and obligations, utility and common good; natural justice; consent and contract.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able:

■ To explain the leading contemporary positions and arguments in Political Philosophy

■ To articulate arguments for and against these theories, and compare them fruitfully and critically

■ To recognise and incorporate contemporary positions and arguments in Political Philosophy into their own developing research fields where relevant

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions