Social and Political Theory (MSc / MRes) - 2013/2014 entry
-
Overview
This programme is designed to give you a genuinely interdisciplinary perspective. It encompasses both normative and historical political theory as well as sociological approaches to the study of modern society. In particular, it explores the contributions of political sociology to the analysis of social and political systems.
The programme is especially suitable for candidates wishing to acquire the intellectual tools necessary for making sense of current ethical issues and power relations as well as for understanding their historical development. While a first degree in humanities or social sciences provides an ideal background, those with relevant practical experience and a lively interest in modern politics will also be considered.
Find out more about studying at Birkbeck's Department of Politics.
-
Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- Designed to enable you to develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the main currents in social and political theory.
- Graduates go on to careers in the media, journalism, policy research, government, political lobbying, teaching and the voluntary sector.
-
Course structure
You will take two core modules and two option modules, and you will either write a dissertation or prepare a research portfolio.
The two core modules are intended to provide the main theoretical framework for the programme and give the student cohort a sense of intellectual identity.
Core modules:
- Political Theory: provides a solid grounding in the history of modern political thought through analysis of key primary texts and critical responses to them
- Political Sociology: begins with the discipline’s classical origins in Marx, Durkheim and Weber, before moving on to more recent explanations and methodologies in the social sciences. These critical approaches are explored through their application to central sociological concepts such as power, the modern state, democracy, ideology, language, social space, social critique, modernity, postmodernity and new social movements (for example, the environmental and anti-globalisation movements).
Option modules will be chosen from the core modules on other Department of Politics taught postgraduate programmes, or from the list of dedicated option modules. They are normally available in:
- British, US and European government and politics
- international relations, international security, and US foreign policy
- politics of globalisation and international political economy
- politics, policy and administration of the EU
- political theory and political sociology
- war, conflict, nationalism, politics and religion
- policy analysis, policy-making processes and comparative public policy
- public management and public sector reform
- research methods.
For MRes students, research methods training forms part of the programme's core elements.
-
Study resources
Birkbeck Library has an extensive teaching collection of books and journals in politics and sociology. It also has an impressive range of electronic resources, including bibliographic databases and over 17,000 electronic journals. Most of these resources can be accessed online 24-hours a day. It is worth spending some time on the library website to familiarise yourself with its collections and services.
Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library.
The Department of Politics organises a lively programme of seminars and conferences.
Find out more about our learning resources and student support.
-
Further study opportunities
If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in Politics/Sociology.
-
Careers information
Graduates go on to careers in local and national government, the diplomatic service, policy work, the voluntary sector, and as researchers or journalists.
-
Apply now
- Application deadlines and interviews
- Applications from January.
- Interviews March–September.
- Online application
You can apply online from the link below.
- Application deadlines and interviews