Program Overview
This interdisciplinary MA explores social, political, and philosophical theory, drawing on both empirical and normative methods. Its core curriculum and research strengths in areas such as Marxism, critical theory, and democratic practice provide comprehensive training for students aspiring to research careers and roles in law, media, or social impact sectors. Ranked fourth in the UK for Philosophy in research impact (Times Higher Education, 2021), the program boasts an in-house journal and faculty with expertise in contemporary and historical European thought.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MA program brings together social theory, political theory, and philosophy. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the history of social and political thought, exploring both historical traditions and contemporary developments. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, bridging subject boundaries and utilizing both empirical and normative analysis. Students benefit from the faculty's specialized knowledge in contemporary thought and the major European historical tradition.
Key Research Strengths:
- Social theory (especially Hegel, Marx, and Frankfurt School critical theory)
- Recent democratic, socialist, and environmentalist thought and practice
- The history of political, social, and economic thought
- The philosophy of social science and the sociology of knowledge
- Marx, Hegel, and Marxism
- Kant and German Idealism
- Philosophy of race and racialisation
Outline:
Duration:
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Start Date:
September 2024
Application Deadline:
1 August 2024 (international), 1 September 2024 (UK)
Core Modules:
- Autumn Teaching:
- Theorizing the Social
- Spring Teaching:
- Emerging Research in Philosophy
- Summer Teaching:
- Dissertation - SPTO
Optional Modules:
- Autumn Teaching:
- Ethics and Normativity
- Hegel and Marx
- Spring Teaching:
- Ideology and the Political
- Living and Dying in the Premodern World
- Women and Human Rights
Careers:
Graduates are well-prepared for research degrees or careers in:
- Law
- The media
- Non-governmental organizations
- Government and administration
- Teaching
Other:
- Students can get involved with the in-house journal Studies in Social and Political Thought.
- The program is ranked 4th in the UK for research impact in Philosophy in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education).
University of Sussex
Overview:
The University of Sussex is a leading, research-intensive university located in Brighton, UK. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on creating a vibrant and diverse campus community.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus housing options are available for students, with various types of accommodation to suit different needs and budgets.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.Careers:
The university offers career services to help students find internships, graduate jobs, and develop their career skills.Library:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.IT Services:
Students have access to a range of IT services, including computer labs, wireless internet, and online learning platforms.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Sussex can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams for students to join. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Brighton.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.World-Class Faculty:
The university boasts a world-class faculty, with experts in a wide range of fields.Vibrant Campus Community:
The university has a diverse and welcoming campus community, with a strong sense of belonging.Location:
The university is located in Brighton, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a thriving arts and culture scene.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Philosophy, Music, Theatre, and more.Social Sciences:
Politics, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, and more.Science and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.Business and Management:
Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, and more.Entry Requirements:
- Degree requirements: Applicants should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.
- Subject-specific requirements: The qualification should be in a humanities or social sciences subject. Applicants with other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing may also be considered.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS (Academic): Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component). IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date.
- Alternative English language qualifications:
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE): 169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT: International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 36 in each component.
- Pearson (PTE Academic): 59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.
- TOEFL (iBT): 80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.
- Country exceptions: Nationals of the following countries are normally exempt from needing to provide evidence of English: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, The British Overseas Territories, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, USA.