Dr. Paul Billingham

Associate Professor

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Biography

Paul Billingham is an Associate Professor in Political Theory at the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), Magdalen College, University of Oxford. Since joining DPIR in April 2018, he has been involved in various roles, including Director of Undergraduate Studies and Harassment Officer. Billingham has previously served as a Junior Research Fellow at Christ Church, Oxford. His research primarily focuses on normative questions relating to the relationship between state actions and the beliefs and values of citizens, particularly regarding religious beliefs. He explores how citizens' beliefs constrain state action and the implications of political institutions' requirements for justification. Other areas of his research include public justification, state legitimacy, pluralism, freedom of conscience, and religious exemptions. He is particularly interested in the phenomenon of public shaming in the digital age, raising ethical questions about it. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate topics in political theory, including core discussions on justice and reasonable disagreement.

Research Interests

Courses

Introduction to Theory of Politics Theory of Politics Advanced Theories of Justice Theory of Politics MPhil core course Reasonable Disagreement & Political Argument

Requirements for University of Oxford

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.7
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:110
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Politics, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, Philosophy or Sociology
Application Checklist
  • Three academic references
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (1,000 words)
  • Two academic essays (2,000 words each)
Specialization Notes

Department of Politics and International Relations - Higher Level English requirement.