Social and Political Thought (MA)

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 and political research. You are encouraged to consider the positioning and relevance of classical and contemporary theory, including feminist, postcolonial and critical race theory.

You will consider how the works of key authors from Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim through to John Rawls, Iris Marion Young, Judith Butler and Charles W. Mills and others help us understand key changes and transformations around the world. You will study the dynamics of nations, states, markets, inequalities and power in global and comparative perspective, among many other topics.

Research insight

You’ll benefit from engagement with leading researchers based in both the Centre for Contemporary Political Theory and the Bauman Institute.

The Bauman Institute is inspired by the legacy of Zygmunt Bauman, Emeritus Professor at Leeds until his death in 2017. The Institute has earned an international reputation for teaching and research, bringing together scholars from diverse disciplines on a local, national and global level. It is dedicated to promoting teaching and research in social and critical theory, and organises regular conferences, book launches, lectures and discussions which students are welcome to join.

The Centre for Contemporary Political Theory brings together scholars, practitioners and activists working within a variety of domains and traditions for the conceptual, normative and critical analysis of the politics of global challenges, from the personal to the planetary. Our work aims to formulate and shape the frameworks through which contemporary political issues are articulated, negotiated and contested.