Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MA Social and Political Theory
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MA Social and Political Theory | Programme code | PTA1HPSHPS86 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time Full Time |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MA Social and Political Theory offers the opportunity for in-depth exploration of theoretical approaches to the study of the social and political world. You will address a range of key themes, debates, thinkers, and texts, exploring ideas that have shaped the modern world, and critically analysing the diverse ways that contemporary theorists attempt to untangle and understand the complex realities of society and politics. The programme is shaped by the interdisciplinary character of Exeter’s department of Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy, and Anthropology (SPSPA). It draws on the research interests of our academic staff, particularly our expertise in contemporary political theory (both ‘Analytic’ and ‘Contintental’ traditions), history of political thought, and theoretical sociology.
The core modules in political thought and social theory provide important grounding in the study of these sub-discplines, as well as research-led exploration of cutting-edge debates. You will also have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics from across the department’s Master’s-level offerings, such as modules on oppression and resistance, politics of the body, international relations theory, philosophy of social science, contemporary ethics, or science and technology studies. You will also complete a dissertation project, enabling in-depth independent study of a topic of your choice, in conjunction with academic supervision.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
- To provide students with a deep understanding of key debates and approaches in contemporary political theory and social theory, covering a range of issues that have implications for current social, political, and institutional arrangements within and across nations.
- To provide students with tools for sophisticated critical analysis of the contemporary social and political world.
- To produce graduates who are highly competent in subject-specific, core academic, and personal and key skills.
- To offer students a wide choice of optional modules to enable them to construct a coherent programme of study that matches their interests and needs.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The programme is studied over 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time) and is University-based throughout the period. The programme comprises 180 credits in total: taught modules worth 120 credits in total, and a supervised dissertation, incorporating dissertation skills taught sessions, worth 60 credits. Teaching takes place over two semesters (October to May), followed by completion of the dissertation over the summer (June to September). Each taught module is normally taught through seminars, underpinned by reading and coursework assignments. The taught element consists of core modules and options.
The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
Stage 1
Students must take three compulsory modules: POLM803 (30 credits), SOCM027 (30 credits), and POLM886 (60 credits).
Students must also take a further 60 credits-worth of optional modules at Master’s level. Of these, at least 30 credits must be Politics or Sociology modules (module codes beginning POLM or SOCM). The remaining 30 credits can be in Politics, Sociology, Philosophy (PHLM), or any other discipline in the university, with approval from the programme director (or equivalent) of the relevant discipline.
The ‘Recommended optional modules’ in the table below are some of those currently led by political and social theorists/philosophers, or otherwise closely related to core topics in the MA Social and Political Theory.
Politics and International Relations modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=politics
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLM886 | Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
| POLM803 | Sources in Modernity and Post-Modernity | 30 | Yes |
| SOCM027 | Social Theory | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Social and Political Theory Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| POLM168 | From Oppression to Resistance: Exploring the Intersections of Race, Class and Gender | 30 | No |
| POLM156 | The Transformation of Politics in the Global Age | 30 | No |
| POLM307 | International Politics of the Body | 30 | No |
| POLM502 | International Relations: Power and Institutions | 30 | No |
| SOCM002B | Philosophy of the Social Sciences | 30 | No |
| PHLM006 | Contemporary Ethics | 30 | No |
| POLM084 | Conflict, Security and Development in World Politics | 30 | No |
| POLM173 | Theories of International Development | 30 | No |
| POLM174 | Tools, Policy and Practice of International Development | 30 | No |
| POLM343 | Gender, War and Militarism | 30 | No |
| POLM503 | Foreign Policy Decision-Making | 30 | No |
| POLM651 | State and Society in the Middle East | 30 | No |
| POLM063 | Qualitative Methods in Social Research | 15 | No |
| POLM140 | Qualitative Methods in Social Research | 30 | No |
| POLM809 | Applied Quantitative Data Analysis | 15 | No |
| POLM222M | The Politics, Policy and Practice of Sustainable Development | 30 | No |
| POLM228M | Leadership, Equality and Diversity | 30 | No |
| POLM237M | Collaborative and Participatory Governance | 30 | No |
| POLM342M | Public Accountability and Governance | 30 | No |
| POLM158 | Digital Politics and Policy | 30 | No |
| POLM887 | Public Policy Process | 30 | No |
| POLM231 | State Crime | 30 | No |
| POLM246 | The Politics of the Future | 30 | No |
| SOCM021 | Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks and Ethical Consumption | 30 | No |
| SOCM054 | Food Systems, Alternative Food Networks and Ethical Consumption | 15 | No |
| SOCM045 | Food and Sustainability: Economy, Society and Environment | 30 | No |
| SOCM044 | Food and Sustainability: Economy, Society and Environment | 15 | No |
| POLM344 | Empire and Hierarchy in Russia and Eurasia | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key issues in contemporary social and political theory. | All subject specific skills are developed through seminar discussion and assignments in the core modules, and applied in the dissertation | All subject specific skills are assessed through coursework assignments, and in particular through the dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Synthesize and comment critically on a body of academic writing. | 5 and 6 are developed through seminar work and assignments in all modules. 7 and 8 are developed through written assignments. 9 is developed through the dissertation preparation module and the dissertation. | All core skills are assessed through assessed assignments and the dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
10. Think independently at an advanced level. | 10 and 12 are requirements of all modules, and especially the dissertation preparation module and the dissertation. 11 is developed through the navigation of extensive reading lists which contain materials which may or may not be pertinent to the specific work of the student. 13 and 14 are core requirements of all modules, and especially the dissertation. 15 is developed through seminar work on the taught modules. 16 is developed primarily through module assignments and the dissertation. | 10 and 12 are assessed in all modules by essay work, and by the dissertation. 11 is reflected in the completion of long research essays, especially the dissertation, for which self- directed learning, deciding on the relative importance of various materials, and time- management are essential. 13 and 14 are assessed on all modules through the essays that go to make up the portfolio on which the coursework is assessed, and in the dissertation. 15 is reflected in seminar work and presentations. 16 is assessed indirectly through coursework and the dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The University of Exeter's academic tutor system provides students with a designated Academic Personal Tutor, serving as a key academic contact throughout their university journey. The tutor supports students' academic, personal, and professional development, helping them understand assignment feedback and improve academically. Unlike module tutors who focus on specific course content, Academic Personal Tutors oversee students' overall progress, offering guidance on skill development and employability while directing students to additional support services as needed. Meetings, which can be individual or group-based, are scheduled at crucial academic milestones, including transitions between study years and career planning. The system emphasizes open communication, allowing students to discuss concerns ranging from assessment deadlines to personal issues affecting their studies. For more detailed information, visit the University of Exeter's website on personal tutoring: [University of Exeter Personal Tutoring](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/personaltutoring/).
Library, ELE and other resources provided to support this programme:
The Exeter Learning Environment (ELE) offers a comprehensive online platform for the University of Exeter students, facilitating access to a wide array of learning materials. This digital environment supports academic study by providing resources such as readings, lecture recordings, and a suite of online tools and activities designed to enhance course engagement. ELE serves as a crucial element in the university's educational delivery, enabling students to interact with their courses in a more flexible and accessible manner. For detailed information and support materials on utilizing ELE effectively, students are encouraged to explore the platform and its resources directly.
The University of Exeter Library Service offers comprehensive support for research and learning, encompassing both physical and digital resources. Through the library's website, students can access a vast collection of materials online, making learning flexible and accessible. The library provides tailored support, including subject librarians to assist with resource discovery and the integration of digitized reading lists into the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Additionally, the library offers essential guidance on referencing, ensuring academic integrity. This includes tutorials on using referencing software, evaluating sources, and avoiding plagiarism, equipping students with the skills needed for successful academic writing. For more detailed information on library services, induction, and referencing guidance, visit the [Library Induction](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/libraryinduction) and [Referencing](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/referencing) pages.
IT services: The University of Exeter provides extensive IT Services, including the user-friendly iExeter portal for accessing university services and resources efficiently. For technical support, the IT helpdesk is available to resolve system issues and enhance the digital experience. Financial support services, notably the Hardship Fund, offer crucial assistance to students facing financial challenges, ensuring they can focus on their studies without undue stress. Additionally, the university's study spaces are thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of study preferences, available for booking or drop-in use. These integrated services underscore Exeter's commitment to supporting students academically, financially, and practically. For more detailed information, visit the IT Services [website](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/it/help/), learn about financial assistance options including the Hardship Fund [here](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/financialhelp/), and explore study space options [here](https://libguides.exeter.ac.uk/studyspaces).
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. Further information is available
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MA Social and Political Theory
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 180 |
ECTS credits | 90 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Politics and international relations
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision |
|---|
