Globalization

Globalization is widely regarded as one of most important societal changes of our times, one that affects people living all around the world. Since the late 1980s, globalization has become an important research field in the social sciences, as well as a major concern of policy-makers and citizens alike. This often places social scientists into meaningful dialogues about the benefits and drawbacks of globalization with government officials, corporate executives, leaders from civil society, and the general public.

Our Globalization Programme constitutes a timely and relevant course of study. It should appeal to many kinds of prospective students, but especially those seeking to deepen their understanding of the diverse types of societal changes being driven by globalization. Upon completion of the programme, students should be well positioned for a variety of jobs dealing with global processes and international affairs, or for continued studies in the social sciences at the doctoral level. Mid-career professionals, seeking to continue their career and intellectual development, will also benefit from this degree programme.

The Globalization Programme reflects the international research expertise of the Department of Sociology in this field. The degree programme is the first of its kind in Scotland, and likely to become one of the leading programmes in the world.

Core Modules

The programme centres on two core modules. These courses aim to give students an advanced overview of the key concepts, theories, and debates surrounding globalization and attendant forms of societal changes.

Theories of Globalization

The course aims to give students an understanding of what constitutes core ways of conceptualising globalization and globality. It explores how the problems of globalization and globality have emerged, been adapted, and undergone transformation within the social sciences. It considers the main theoretical paradigms for understanding these phenomena, covering ideas from sociology, international relations, political science, political economy, anthropology and other related fields. The concepts of multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism are emphasized by comparing the experiences of Europe and the United States.

Dimensions of Globalization

This course focuses on substantive dimensions of globalization by considering recent changes occurring in the economic, political, social, and cultural realms of societies around the world. These themes are analyzed by considering recent empirical studies, which clarify our theoretical understand of globalization through advanced social scientific research. The substantive themes covered include global capitalism, the global division of labour, global governance and national sovereignty, trans-national social change, international migration, and cultural change. Interconnections between these aspects of globalization are highlighted, as well as how they both standardize and diversify societal practices around the world.

MSc 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time