(Full time) 2021 start
Social and Political Thought MA
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
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The MA in Social and Political Thought offers an exciting, interdisciplinary focus for the study of key social and political problems. It draws upon expertise from both the School of Sociology and Social Policy and the School of Politics and International Studies to create a research-based environment that integrates an advanced theoretical agenda with a strong practical orientation.
The course explores how theoretical frameworks can be applied within social research. You are encouraged to consider the positioning and relevance of classical and contemporary theory, including feminist, postcolonial and psychoanalytical perspectives, to an understanding of current economic, social, political and cultural phenomena.
You will consider how the works of key authors from Marx, Weber and Durkheim through to Foucault, Bauman, Butler and Lazzarato help us to understand the rapid social changes occurring around the world. You will also study the sociology of nations, states, capital, markets and inequality in global and comparative perspective.
Research insight
You’ll benefit from the Bauman Institute, launched in honour of Zygmunt Bauman – Emeritus Professor at Leeds until his death in 2017 – to analyse social transformation around the world.
The Bauman Institute is inspired by Bauman’s sociological imagination, and has earned an international reputation for teaching and research. Bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines, it investigates the ways in which societies continue to evolve in areas such as power, resistance and the public sphere.
Course content
You’ll take core modules during the year that introduce you to political theory and society and culture, allowing you to consider the positioning and relevance of critical theory in relation to contemporary social phenomena.
A choice of optional modules allows you to specialise in the areas of particular interest to you.
At the end of the programme, you’ll submit your dissertation – an independent piece of research on a related topic of your choice, which allows you to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired during the year.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Political Theory in Action 30 credits
- Understanding Society and Culture 30 credits
- Dissertation 60 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will also choose 60 credits from the below:
- Conflict, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance 30 credits
- Political Economy of Resources and Development 30 credits
- European Defence and Security Analysis 30 credits
- The Rise of China 30 credits
- Contemporary Politics of the Middle East 30 credits
- The Politics of the Israel-Palestine Conflict 30 credits
- International Political Economy 30 credits
- Popular Culture: World politics, Society and Culture 30 credits
- International Relations and the Environment 30 credits
- Global Justice 30 credits
- Research Methods 30 credits
- Religion, Politics and Society 30 credits
- Contemporary Social Thought 30 credits
- Social Policy, Politics and Disabled People 30 credits
- Racism, Decoloniality and Migration 30 credits
- Contested Bodies 15 credits
- Social Policy Analysis 15 credits
- Social Policy Debates 15 credits
- Quantitative Research Methods 15 credits
- Qualitative Research Methods 15 credits
- Policy and Programme Evaluation 15 credits
- Sociology of Media and Culture 30 credits
Learning and teaching
Most of our modules are taught using lectures, seminars and tutorials. Optional modules may also include workshops, online learning or other methods. However, independent study is still a crucial element of this programme, allowing you to develop your skills, pursue specific research interests and form your own ideas.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Core modules are assessed using essays, as well as your final dissertation. Depending on the optional modules you choose, you may also be assessed using research reports, project work, presentations, literature and book reviews among other methods. If you select research methods modules, you’ll also be expected to engage with some data analysis in your essays.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree (hons) with a 2:1 or non-UK equivalent in a social sciences, humanities or related discipline.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Politics and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Politics and Society (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
We operate a staged admissions process for this course, with selection deadlines throughout the year.
If you do not receive an offer in a particular stage, you will be notified that your application has been either unsuccessful or carried forward to be considered in the next stage.
Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.
If you require a decision earlier than the dates listed in order to meet a scholarship deadline, please notify us through the My Enquiries section of the application portal once you have applied.
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information we will need include:
Original or certified copies of your transcripts
Original or certified copies of your degree certificate
Original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language)
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Social Sciences Taught Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
- UK: £9,250 (total)
- International: £20,750 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
The School of Sociology and Social Policy usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.
Career opportunities
This programme will enable you to think critically with an ethical awareness and to understand how a consumer society has transformed social and political realities.
These qualities are crucially important for a wide range of potential careers from policy research to local authority and government roles, campaigning and political lobbying, work with development agencies and NGOs, and even entry to the academic profession and research-based employment.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.