Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Mile End
- Fees
- Home: £12,250
Overseas: £25,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
In today’s world, it is becoming increasingly evident that everything is closely linked, including humans, animals, plants, geological and atmospheric processes. The movement of people is challenging borders, and it's hard to separate the local and global. Digital technologies are rapidly altering various aspects of life, from the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace to warfare and security. Traditional distinctions between human and nature, state and society, international and national, and technology and human agency are no longer adequate to handle this complex and interconnected world.
This MA programme responds to these challenges by adopting a problem-driven approach to world politics that transcends established disciplinary boundaries. It pioneers a training in International Political Sociology, a transdisciplinary approach that spans academic fields like International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Law and History, and extends its reach to non-academic spaces such as think-tanks, NGOs, social movements, and policy units.
Structure
Term 1:
- Compulsory module: Advanced introduction to International Political Sociology (30 credits)
- Optional module: 30 credits from the elective modules list
Term 2:
- Compulsory module: Doing transdisciplinary research (30 credits)
- Optional module: 30 credits from the elective modules list
Term 3:
- MA Dissertation/Project in International Political Sociology (60 credits)
Please note:
The list of elective modules will be confirmed each year based on their availability. The list below contains a selection of modules from the School of Politics and International Relations, the Department of Law, the Centre for Commercial Law Studies, and the School of History.
Compulsory/Core modules
The Masters' Dissertation is an independent programme of study of an approved topic within the field of Politics completed over the summer months (May-August) of your degree programme. It is a compulsory element of your degree amounting to sixty credits (providing one-third of the credits for your degree). It is designed to enable students to undertake independent research and, through this, allow them to develop a specialised knowledge in an area of the Politics discipline which is of particular interest to them. Thus, it may draw upon, and develop an existing topic or issue associated with a module that they have studied in the earlier part of their programme, or emerge out of a student's specific research interest in an area not covered by other module modules. Although the dissertation is meant to be an exercise in independent research and writing, each student will be offered guidance and support through the assigning of a supervisor within the department who will oversee the progress of the dissertation.
This module equips students with the necessary analytical tools to navigate a complex world that is constantly challenging borders and boundaries. It highlights the interconnectivity between local and global processes, as well as the intricate relationship between human societies, technology and nature. Through this module, students will develop a critical understanding of the value and limitations of International Political Sociology as a transdisciplinary field. They will gain fresh perspectives on current international, global, and planetary conditions, which will enable them to engage with pressing world political issues in creative and meaningful ways.
This module is designed to equip students with the practical skills and research methodologies needed to address contemporary issues in world politics. It encourages a multidisciplinary approach, preparing students to engage with knowledge production in academic and non-academic spaces, such as think-tanks and social movements. Addressing the complexity of issues like climate change, migration, artificial intelligence, global human rights implementation, terrorism, and the continuing presence of colonial legacies increasingly demands skills in collaborative working practices and applying knowledge from multiple disciplines. The module responds to this demand by providing an innovative approach to social science research practices that combines methods training with collaborative problem-solving workshops and other creative activities.
Elective modules
Assessment
Assessment is varied and takes a number of forms within the programme. The nature of the assessment is closely connected to the desired learning outcomes and the mode of teaching within each module. Forms of assessment include: written coursework; examinations; presentations; and the final-year dissertation.
Teaching
The programme is taught in accordance with the School of Politics and International Relations Education Strategy and statement of educational principles, which support excellent, inclusive and innovative teaching practice aimed at fostering independent learning and critical thinking in our students. Our strategy is informed by Queen Mary's 2030 strategy.
Teaching takes a number of forms:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Individual supervision of projects and dissertations
- Individual feedback on written work.
Learning is supported by:
- Coherently designed and effectively delivered modules
- Detailed module information shared on QMPlus
- The provision of key materials in libraries or through electronic resources
- Appropriate assessment exercises within each module
- Use of electronic teaching materials including Powerpoint, QMPlus and online reading lists
- Encouraging active learning by supporting students in seminar discussions and independent research
- Research methods training
Where you'll learn
Facilities
About the School
School of Politics and International Relations
The School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary has an interdisciplinary structure that enables us to deliver a modern approach to educational research.
With a focus on high-quality teaching and innovation, the school ensures engaging educational pathways, alongside supportive staff and excellent research facilities. Our staff are active researchers with diverse interests across politics, international relations, and sociology, from security and war to migration and environmental politics, which is reflected in our high-level teaching and the breadth of our programmes.
We are also a member of the Russell Group of leading research universities in the UK.
Career paths
The programme is primarily aimed at providing advanced skills training and knowledge preparing students for jobs aimed at individual and collaborative knowledge creation in academic institutions, think tanks, NGOs, and civil service among others. However, both the subject specific knowledge and transferable skills prepare students for a wide range of employment opportunities, including careers in the civil service, journalism, social work, local , national and international governance and third-sector organisations.
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £12,250
- Overseas: £25,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Part-time study
September 2025 | 2 years
- Home: £6,150
- Overseas: £12,750
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Conditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in a relevant Social Science or Humanities discipline (for example Politics, Sociology, International Relations, Human Geography, History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Law, Literature).
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the School of Politics and International Relations falls within the following English band:
Band 5: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.