Social and Political Thought (MA)

The MA 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 contemporary 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 contemporary 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 change occurring around the world. You will also study the sociology of nations, nation-states, capital and markets and inequality in global and comparative perspective.

Research insight

You'll benefit from the Bauman Institute, launched in honour of Emeritus Professor Zygmunt Bauman to analyse social change around the world. It's an exciting and stimulating research environment where you'll learn from experts in their fields.

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 and resistance and the sociology of capitalism.