Global Social and Political Thought (MLitt)

The MLitt in Global Social and Political Thought provides an innovative transnational and comparative approach to the study of the history and influence of global thought traditions.

MILINDA BANERJEE >> So, sometimes academia can be a bit of an ivory tower.

Our point is to connect academia – education – to the real world so that when students go out from our programme, they can join politics, law, finance, environmental NGOs, civil society activists, and make a real difference by learning how what they learn can shape the real world and just give them that apparatus of critical thinking which is important to build a diverse, democratic and sustainable world for the future.

GLADWIN >> I chose to study global social and political thought because I was amazed at how wide the scope of its teaching is.

I've always had this view that the way we sort of teach the world in university, I always thought that it was too simplifying.

It oversimplifies the world and I think it does great injustice to the world when we're trying to understand how everything comes together.

BANERJEE >> The great thing about the Graduate School, I think it's one of the world's leading centres in truly doing education in an interdisciplinary way.

Our students will be interacting with students who are learning about sustainable development, about international development, about digital health, about lots of exciting, cutting edge interdisciplinary areas, and in the Graduate School, the student as well as the tutors form a family, a community, a kinship.

The Graduate School also organises a lot of skills workshops to train students how to, for example, build a career among NGOs or in think tanks or how to do a podcast, how to build a public policy dossier, which are really important when they go into different careers.

GLADWIN >> St Andrews as a community, as a town, as a geographical location is just a great place for building lifelong friendships.

It's great for people who are seeking change in the world. It is unconventional. It forces you to think unconventionally.

It brings up the uncomfortable things about our world and tries to empower you to seek a solution to those problems.

MILINDA BANERJEE >> Ideas make the world and to create a better world in the future, we need better dreams, we need better ideals.

So if you want to learn about how to create those better dreams by learning from the global south as well as from the global north, if you're concerned very strongly about social justice, gender justice, environmental justice, and think about how to make a difference in the world, this programme is for you.

Entry requirements

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application requirements

• A CV which should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
• A personal statement explaining:
  
  • why you have applied for this course
  • how it relates to your personal or professional ambitions
  • how your academic and professional background show you have the skills needed to work effectively at postgraduate level
• A sample of your own, single-authored academic written work such as an extract from a previous project, essay, or undergraduate dissertation.
• Two original signed academic references on headed paper.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

After your degree

Careers

The University of St Andrews’ global reputation makes its graduates highly valued by employers. The MLitt in Global Social and Political Thought provides subject knowledge and applied skills relevant to a range of career paths; it will be of particular interest if you intend to continue to doctoral research. 

In addition to broadening your subject knowledge and applying established techniques of research and enquiry, you will develop and demonstrate essential skills including: 

• critical thinking and creativity 
• analysis and appraisal 
• problem solving and decision making 
• personal leadership and project management 
• interpersonal communication and team working. 

The University also offers two awards for all students known as the Saints Skills Awards. You can develop a range of skills through the Skills Builder Award or learn how to best articulate them through the Skills Spotlight Award. These skills are highly valued by employers and the awards are a good addition to your CV.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.

Further study

St Andrews offers a vibrant and stimulating research environment. One of the great strengths of a St Andrews research degree is the collegiate atmosphere which enables access to expertise beyond your formal supervisors and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.

Research students are supported by a supervisory team throughout their studies and are assessed by means of a substantial thesis of original research.