Social and Political Theory MA

Summary

With this programme you are able to explore critically the development of social and political theory and the key current debates. The sociological component of this degree is run by the Social Theory research cluster, which has strengths in: critical theory; postmodernism; critical realism; the philosophy of the social sciences; theories of modernity; social movements, and reflexivity.

Key facts

Type of Course: Taught

Duration: 1 year full-time

Start date: September 2012

Entry requirements

For the MA programme you require a good Honours degree or its equivalent. For those whose first language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS Certificate is required. Entry at Graduate Diploma level is possible for those with a reasonable first degree. Graduate Diploma students can upgrade to the MA on satisfactory examination performance.

Learn more about entry requirements

International students
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements 

Standard English language requirements apply

Contact details

For further information contact:

Programme convenor: Ross Abbinnett
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 7739
Email: r.abbinnett@bham.ac.uk

The Graduate School Secretary
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497
Email: e.bradley@bham.ac.uk

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

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Fees and funding

Fees for 2012–13:

MA:
UK/EU full-time: £4,950
UK/EU part-time: £2,475
International full-time: £12,750

Please check with the Department for the latest fees information.

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships may be available, please contact the Department directly or alternatively email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.  

Programme overview

Social and political theory is an exciting interdisciplinary combination of classical and contemporary theoretical developments in the social sciences and philosophy which raise important questions about the way we analyse society and about the scope of critical thought.

This is a distinctive MA programme taught by specialists from the Social and Political Theory Research Group in the School of Government and Society. This research group is in the unique position of being able to offer a social and political theory MA programme from a genuinely interdisciplinary team drawn from the Sociology Group and the wider politics staff in POLSIS. It offers an exciting range of modules dealing with topics of perennial interest together with topics of contemporary relevance.

Topics studied can include debates about religious and cultural diversity and conflict, third wave feminism and post-feminism, critical theory and criticism after Marx, the relationship of philosophy to social and political enquiry and criticism, and the study of democracy.

With this programme you are able to explore critically the development of social and political theory and the key current debates. The sociological component of this degree is run by the Social Theory research cluster, which has strengths in:

  • Critical theory
  • Postmodernism
  • Critical realism
  • The philosophy of the social sciences
  • Theories of modernity, social movements, and reflexivity

Programme content

One of the real strengths of our masters programmes is the wide range of available modules, giving students the ability to tailor their course of study to their own academic interests.View the Course Structure.

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This degree comprises the following modules:

Compulsory 40 credits:

Compulsory 

  • 60 credits - Dissertation MA students to submit a 13,500 word dissertation (not applicable to Diploma Students)

40 credits from the following:

40 credits from the following: