About us

Unique for its size, the political theory group is also unique for its scope. We have a unique profile, which sets us apart from other groups. With all the different strains within political theory represented – historical, analytic, critical –our group is singularly diverse. Its positive and inclusive research culture is responsible for nurturing not only diversity, but integrated diversity, leading up to the creation of problem-driven, innovative mixed approaches, which underpin the group’s capacity to generate new research questions and new venues of enquiry.

Numerous new lines of research have developed as a result, with York political theorists working at the frontier of the subject. Our research activity is shaping the way in which political theory is practiced and translating into high quality scholarship, published in some of the main academic presses and journals in the field. The chief mission of the York Centre for Political Theory is to sustain and further this capacity for the future.

A hub for research-based innovation and practice, the Centre provides an exciting and vibrant research environment in which political theorists can work and develop their ideas. The Centre aims at increasing opportunities for strategic research partnerships within the sub-discipline and with related fields. In particular, it supports more permanent frameworks for exchange and interdisciplinary research collaboration with faculties, departments, and centres across the university and beyond.

In York alone, the network of academics working broadly in the field of political theory and philosophy is wide, including colleagues from the Departments of Philosophy, History, Law and English and Related Literature, and political theorists whose work exhibits strong linkages with the University's research themes and research centres across the University, such as:

• Centre for Applied Human Rights
• Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre
• Centre for Women’s Studies
• Humanities Research Centre
• Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies

A Centre for research excellence, the York Centre for Political Theory promotes network development activities to build research capacity, promotes linkages within and outside the University, supports the preparation of large collaborative grant bids, and enhances the impact of research in political theory. In the development of these activities, the Centre organises several workshops, seminars, conferences per year and at least two annual major events: a book manuscript workshop and an impact for political theorists conference.

We welcome enquiries from prospective postgraduate students, postdoctoral and visiting fellows, and anyone interested in learning more about our research and activities.