Social and Political Thought PhD

Program Overview

The Social and Political Thought PhD program at Sussex University fosters research on the nexus of politics and society. Interdisciplinary in nature, it blends sociology, social theory, political theory, and philosophy. Students explore themes like postcolonialism, feminism, and critical theory, developing the skills to conduct original research and critically analyze contemporary social and political issues.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Social and Political Thought PhD at the University of Sussex is a research-based program that allows students to delve into the intricate relationship between politics and human society. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, transcending traditional academic boundaries between sociology, social theory, political theory, and political philosophy.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct independent and original research in the field of social and political thought. Students will develop a deep understanding of key concepts, theories, and figures within the discipline, and will be able to critically analyze and engage with contemporary social and political issues.

Program Description:

The program offers a wide range of research projects, including:

• Various European traditions of social theory, political sociology, and Marxist and Frankfurt School critical theory
• Anglo-American political theory, constructivist theory from Kant to Rawls, and communitarian or neo-Aristotelian theory
• Figures of social and political thought, from Aristotle to Habermas
• Issues in postcolonialism, feminism, and race critical theory

Other:

• The program is ranked 4th in the UK for research impact in Philosophy in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education).
• The program emphasizes the importance of politics in human society and reflects this in its interdisciplinary approach.
• The program is committed to providing students with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their research.
• The program is subject to change due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes.

• Home students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
• Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students
• International students: £21,500 per year for full-time students