Students take a series of courses during their first and second years. On satisfactory completion of these, and an oral examination on the basis of a written research proposal, they proceed to writing a thesis. During the final two years of the programme, students concentrate full time on supervised thesis research. The programme involves a set of core courses on key substantive fields in political science. These are based on an intensive programme of lectures, seminars, discussion groups and written work.
Performance is assessed on the basis of coursework and examination.
They provide a structured diet of reading and writing in preparation for thesis research. Each is based on a specialised reading list, personal tutorials with staff members and a substantial research essay which forms the basis of the assessment. Seminars Work in progress for reading courses forms the basis of a graduate seminar series, which is augmented by presentations from staff and distinguished visitors. The department also sponsors other occasional talks and presentations, such as a lunchtime research workshop. In addition to assessment of these courses, there is an oral examination at the end of the second year.