A compulsory course is held in theories of science, and qualitative and quantitative methods. The purpose of the course is to provide students with insight into the foundation of the social sciences, along with problems concerning research design and methodology. The group attending the lecture-series may collaborate with other specialised groups within the Faculty, where this is appropriate. Teaching is in the form of lectures, and the object is to outline some of the central theoretical problems of the area concerned. The public policy course provides students with a broad outline of basic theories and examples of government intervention, and the making and implementation of public policies.
Organisational theory focuses on the theories of public organisation.
The political theory course is designed to give students an insight into the basic trends and divisions in the discipline, emphasising the concept of democracy. The lectures in comparative politics outline the basic theoretical issues and problems of the field, with reference to different political systems in Europe. The purpose of the international politics course is to illuminate some controversial theoretical divisions, surrounding important contemporary developments. Such topics include the differences of opinion concerning the reformation of international practices, and the phenomenon characterised as globalisation. The basic courses are held every other semester, allowing the series of lectures to be repeated at a rate of a year.