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Course options

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    SOAS, University of London

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    23-SEP-24

  • Duration

    1 year

Course summary

Overview

The MSc in Political Thought builds on SOAS’s wealth of regional expertise to offer a new approach to the study of political thought. It promotes the study of political theory as it is tightly linked to practices of global domination and resistance. The degree considers political theory as it emerges from and is linked to everyday political thinking, philosophical texts, or cultural production. Beyond the regions and traditions that have conventionally framed comparative work in political theory, this degree is unique in teaching students to see how concepts “travel” across the world as a means to examine both political thought and political practice in different times and spaces, with a focus on SOAS’s traditional regions: Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The degree programme introduces students to the key approaches, debates, and questions in the emerging sub-discipline of comparative political thought. At the same time, it provides thorough background in canonical political theory, albeit reconsidered through the political frameworks of imperialism, colonialism, and racial capitalism. Covering a range of thinkers, traditions and texts, it provides learning opportunities for students to compare ideas and values across regions and historical periods, and to place those ideas in global contexts.

Who is this programme for?:

The MSc in Political Thought is designed for students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of political theory in its global context, or to learn about the diverse strands of political thinking in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and the different approaches to comparison in political thought. It prepares students for further advanced study and research in political thought, and enhances analytical and communication skills suitable for employment in multicultural and international professional contexts. As such, this programme is highly relevant for students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in political theory and other subject areas in the Social Sciences and the Humanities. It is also relevant for practitioners working in or intending to work in governments, international organizations, think tanks and advocacy groups who wish to acquire deeper knowledge of ideas and values that inform political practices in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Teaching & Learning

The MSc in Political Thought has two core 15 credit modules that all students registered for the degree will undertake: Approaches to Comparative Political Thought & Political Theory, Race and Empire. Students then choose modules equivalent to 90 credits from a list of optional modules (outlined below), and complete a dissertation based on independent study and research (equivalent to a further module).

Students must take 180 credits comprised of 120 taught credits (including core and option modules) and a 60 credit dissertation.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 25,320per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

SOAS University of London

SOAS University of London

  • University League Table

    58th

  • Campus address

    SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, Camden, WC1H 0XG, England

SOAS is a place for those who want to expand their horizons, develop a deeper understanding of the world, and re-examine their preconceptions.
Building on values of social justice and equality, students are encouraged to challenge conventional views and to think globally.
SOAS is one of the UK's most international universities, with around half of SOAS students coming from outside the UK.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    17th out of 80 5

  • Entry standards

    / Max 219
    145 67%

    27th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    79.0 79%

    16th

    3
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    3.80 76%

    48th

    29

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