MSc Politics and International Relations (Political Thought)
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
GBP 12,965 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Home | International: £25,320
Key Summary
About: MSc Politics and International Relations (Political Thought) at SOAS is a pathway you select after applying to the MSc Politics and International Relations. It studies political theory beyond European frames, showing how concepts travel through everyday thought, texts and cultural production. Linked to the SOAS Centre for Comparative Political Thought, it draws on expertise in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Career Outcomes: Graduates are well placed for careers in media, think tanks, advocacy, international organizations, diplomacy and academia. Recent employers include BBC World Service, Bloomberg, FCDO, UNICEF, and Save the Children. Roles include policy analyst, researcher and journalist.
Course overview
MSc Politics and International Relations (Political Thought) applicants should apply for MSc Politics and International Relations but can decide to follow the Political Thought pathway upon arrival by choosing the pathway’s required combination of modules.
The Political Thought pathway offers a new approach to the study of political thinking and the ideas that underpin political life. Linked to the SOAS Centre for Comparative Political Thought, this pathway considers political theory as it emerges from everyday political thought, philosophical texts, and cultural production.
Beyond the regions and traditions that have conventionally framed European political theory, this pathway 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).
Drawing on SOAS’s unrivalled expertise in the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the pathway introduces students to the key approaches, debates, and questions in the field of Comparative Political Thought. Graduates of this pathway are well placed for careers in media, think tanks, advocacy, international organisations, diplomacy, and the academy.
Why study MSc Politics and International Relations (Political Thought) at SOAS?
- We’re ranked 6th in the UK and 28th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- We’re ranked 3rd globally for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’
Students take taught modules to the value of 120 credits plus a 10,000 word dissertation worth 60 credits.
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes.
However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Core modules
- Dissertation in Politics and International Studies - 60 credits
- Approaches to Comparative Political Thought - 15 credits
- Political Theory, Race and Empire - 15 credits
Guided options
Students select 30-60 credits from guided options.
- Political Concepts and Global Crises - 15 credits
- Political Thought on the Just Rebellion - 15 credits
- State Violence: Theories of the Leviathan and Beyond - 15 credits
- Violence, Justice and the Politics of Memory - 15 credits
Politics options
Students select up to 30 credits depending on your choices from the guided options list.
- Africa: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- Africa: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- Central Asia and the Caucasus: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- Central Asia and the Caucasus: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- China and International Politics I - 15 credits
- China and International Politics II - 15 credits
- Democracy and Authoritarianism in Asia - 15 credits
- Politics of resistance in the Middle East - 15 credits
- South Asia: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- South Asia: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations I - 15 credits
- Southeast Asia: Politics and International Relations II - 15 credits
- State and Transformation in the Middle East - 15 credits
- Sectarianism and Colonial Difference - 15 credits
- Taiwan and International Politics I - 15 credits
- Taiwan and International Politics II - 15 credits
SOAS Politics and International Relations students leave SOAS not only with a knowledge and understanding of the complex political and cultural issues of our time, but also with a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek in many professional and management careers.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- BBC World Service
- Bloomberg
- British Red Cross
- British Council
- Center for International Peace Operations
- Channel 4
- Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)
- Eversheds LLP
- Financial Times
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
- Global Policy Institute
- Go East Consulting
- Grassroot Diplomat
- Palestine Red Crescent Association
- Save the Children
- UNICEF Ethiopia
- United Nations
Lectures
Most modules involve a 50-minute lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.
Seminars
At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work taking place in two-hour sessions. Students make full-scale presentations for each unit that they take, and are expected to write papers that often require significant independent work.
Dissertation
A part of the requirement for the degree is given over to the writing of an adequately researched 10,000-word dissertation. Students are encouraged to take up topics which relate the study of a particular region to a body of theory.
Learning resources
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.