Political Sociology (Russia and Eastern Europe) MA

The programme centres on sociology but is interdisciplinary in nature, combining topics and methods from political science, anthropology, history, cultural studies and economics to analyse the relationships among individuals, groups, institutions, governments and their environments. Students choose two core modules in political sociology and social science methods and can then select thematic or area-based options as well as options to study Russian or another East European language.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (15 credits), one of a choice of four modules in social science methodology (15 credits), optional modules (90 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Students take a 15 credits core module in Political Sociology and a 15 credit course from a list of options in social science methodology.

• Political Sociology
• Methodology
• Qualitative Methods
• Understanding and Analysing Data
• Comparative Analysis in Social and Political Research
• Introduction to Discourse Analysis

• Causes, Consequences and Control: Corruption and Governance
• Cities in Eastern Europe
• Ethno-Political Conflict in Central and Eastern Europe
• Gender and Sexuality in Modern Russian Culture
• Informal Practices in Post-Communist Societies
• Migration in the EU
• Nations, Identity and Power
• Politics of Southeast Europe
• Sexuality and Society in Russia and Eastern Europe
• Sociology of Religion

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, workshops, presentations, self-study and specialist language classes. Students are assessed by a variety of methods, including unseen examinations, long essays, coursework and a dissertation.