International Political Sociology MA

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

# International Political Sociology MA at Queen Mary University of London

## Program Overview

The International Political Sociology MA is a cutting-edge postgraduate program that equips you with advanced analytical skills to understand power dynamics, social movements, and political change in our increasingly interconnected world. Whether you're interested in global governance, conflict studies, social inequality, or international relations, this program blends rigorous sociology with international political analysis to give you a sophisticated toolkit for tackling real-world challenges.

## Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building Your Foundation

Your first year establishes core theoretical and methodological groundwork through modules like *Sociological Theory*, *International Political Sociology*, and *Research Methods*. You'll engage with foundational concepts in how societies are organized politically at both domestic and global levels, while simultaneously developing the research skills you'll need for independent investigation. This year ensures you have a solid grasp of the major theoretical traditions and can critically evaluate different approaches to understanding political sociology.

Year 2: Specialization and Independent Research

In your second year, you move into more specialized territory with the option to tailor your studies through electives while completing your *Dissertation*. You might explore modules focused on specific regions, thematic areas like globalization and inequality, or particular research methodologies that align with your interests. This is where you become a genuine researcher—your dissertation allows you to investigate a question you're genuinely passionate about, producing original work that contributes to the field.

## Focus Areas

Global governance, social movements and activism, international conflict and security, inequality and development, transnational politics, critical political economy

## Learning Outcomes

You'll develop advanced critical thinking skills for analyzing political phenomena across societies; conduct independent, ethically-grounded research using both qualitative and quantitative methods; understand how global systems of power operate and intersect with local contexts; and articulate sophisticated arguments about international political change to both academic and non-academic audiences.

## Professional Alignment

This MA is designed for students pursuing careers in international organizations, policy research, civil society, government, journalism, and academia. The program's emphasis on both theoretical rigor and practical research skills means graduates are well-prepared for roles requiring sophisticated policy analysis and evidence-based thinking.

## Reputation & Employability

Queen Mary University of London is consistently ranked among the UK's leading research institutions, with particular strength in social sciences. The university's location in London—a global hub for international organizations, think tanks, and media—provides excellent networking and internship opportunities for graduates entering these sectors.

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[Find out more and apply: Queen Mary University of London International Political Sociology MA](https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/international-political-sociology-ma)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary University of London, the International Political Sociology MA stands out because it goes beyond lectures to give you hands-on experience that builds real-world skills in research, analysis, and global policy work. You'll dive into practical training using cutting-edge digital tools and collaborative projects right from the start, all within our state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of London. This means you'll graduate with a portfolio of tangible experiences that employers in NGOs, government, and international orgs love.

Here's how our program equips you with experiential learning tailored to international political sociology:

- Group projects and seminars: Engage in collaborative research seminars where you'll work in teams to analyze real-world case studies on global issues like migration, security, and power dynamics, honing your teamwork and critical thinking skills.
- Digital tools and software: Access specialized software like NVivo for qualitative data analysis and GIS mapping tools through our Social Sciences Research Labs, perfect for dissecting political and sociological data.
- Field trips and site visits: Join faculty-led trips to key London institutions such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, embassies, and think tanks, giving you insider perspectives on international politics.
- Internship opportunities: Secure placements via our dedicated careers service, with strong links to organisations like the UN, Amnesty International, and UK government bodies—many students land summer internships that feed directly into their dissertations.
- Research laboratories and facilities: Use the School of Politics and International Relations' dedicated research labs equipped for data analysis, simulations, and archival work, plus 24/7 access to the Mile End Library's extensive collections on global politics and sociology.
- Institutes and networks: Collaborate with the Centre for the Study of Global Security and the Mile End Institute, where you'll attend workshops, guest lectures from policymakers, and contribute to ongoing research projects.

This kind of practical edge is why our graduates are so sought after—imagine applying to the program and stepping into a network that launches your career. Check out the full list of facilities here: [Queen Mary University Facilities](https://www.qmul.ac.uk/about/facilities/). Ready to take the next step? Applications are open—let's get you set up for success!

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Queen Mary University of London, the International Political Sociology MA stands out because it goes beyond lectures to give you real-world skills through hands-on experiences. You'll dive into practical training with access to cutting-edge resources like the Mile End Institute, which focuses on political analysis, and our world-class library collections on global politics and sociology. This means you'll be working with tools and environments that mirror professional settings in policy, NGOs, and international organizations, building confidence and expertise you can apply right away.

Here's how the program equips you with experiential learning::
- Group projects and collaborative work: Engage in team-based seminars and workshops where you'll analyze real-world case studies on global issues like migration and conflict, honing skills in debate, research collaboration, and presenting findings—often tied to the school's Conflict and Globalisation Research Cluster.
- Research facilities and institutes: Access dedicated spaces at the School of Politics and International Relations, including the Mile End Institute's seminar rooms and data labs for political sociology research, plus the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects on transnational politics.
- Digital tools and software: Use specialized platforms like NVivo for qualitative data analysis, ArcGIS for spatial mapping of political phenomena, and access to JSTOR, Web of Science, and university-subscribed databases for cutting-edge sociological data.
- Field trips and networking events: Participate in London-based field trips to institutions like the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office or think tanks such as Chatham House, plus guest lectures from practitioners in international NGOs and policy circles.
- Internship opportunities: Leverage the QM Careers and Enterprise service for tailored internships, with many students securing placements at organizations like the UN or Amnesty International through our strong alumni network and program-specific career support.
- Library and archival resources: Benefit from the QMUL Library's extensive holdings, including over 1.5 million books, dedicated global politics collections, and 24/7 access to digital archives—perfect for immersive research on topics like sovereignty and power.

This kind of practical edge is why our graduates land roles in diplomacy, policy advising, and research so quickly. Ready to take the next step? Applications are open—let's chat about how you can join us. For the full list of facilities, check out [Queen Mary University of London facilities](https://www.qmul.ac.uk/about/facilities/).