School of Social and Political Science

Postgraduate taught programmes

The School of Social and Political Science (SPS) is home to a community of more than over 500 postgraduate taught students, from all corners of the globe.  

We offer a broad range of taught programmes - from professional training through to master’s degrees that are ideal preparation for further study and academic research.  

Providing a meeting place for cultures and perspectives is a valuable part of the taught postgraduate experience that we offer to our students.  

Learn more about our study options here. 

Programmes content

PgCert

Advanced Social Work Studies - Mental Health Officer (MHO) Award

This programme is the postgraduate qualification for qualified social workers wanting to practise as mental health officers.

MSc

Africa and International Development

This programme will equip you with a combination of interdisciplinary, regional expertise with a critical knowledge of international development theory and practice.

MSc

African Studies

Whether you plan to work in Africa, Europe, or beyond, the MSc in African Studies is your stepping stone to a critically engaged and research-informed career. 

MSc

Comparative Public Policy

This programme will enable you to think critically, cleverly and creatively about comparative public policy, to understand the economic, political and social factors that influence nations’ responses […]

MSc

Digital Sociology

Digital Sociology provides a vital foundation for understanding and analyzing how digital technologies and data are shaping our social institutions, social relations, and everyday life.

MSc

Energy, Society and Sustainability (Via School of GeoSciences)

The world is facing an ‘energy trilemma’ - how can we achieve energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability? This programme focuses on analysing the social, societal and […]

MSc

Global Challenges (Online Learning)

This programme uses a multidisciplinary approach drawing on a range of perspectives to explore the challenge of how seven billion people can live well on one planet.

MSc

Global Crime, Justice and Security

How can we build a safer, fairer world? This MSc brings together expertise from the School of Law and the School of Social and Political Science to examine the connected phenomena of crime, justice […]

PgCert

Global Development Challenges

Global Development Challenges considers the increasing economic, social and political inequalities in many parts of the world, and the need for new ways of thinking about and addressing international […]

MSc

Global Environment, Politics and Society

This degree will provide you with knowledge and analytical tools to address global environmental challenges. It combines environmental politics and environmental sociology with normative philosophy.

MSc

Global Health Policy

The emerging field of global health has rapidly become central to foreign, trade and development agendas. This programme’s interdisciplinary, policy-focused approach prepares students for roles in […]

MSc

Global Health Policy (Online Learning)

This online programme provides students with the skills needed to play a leading role in the formulation of health policies at the national and transnational levels.

MSc

Global Mental Health and Society

What role does social science play in mental health and wellbeing? This interdisciplinary programme offers opportunities to develop critical perspectives on global mental health policy, practice and […]

MSc

International and European Politics

Developed in response to the enormous political challenges facing our changing societies, this programme offers an advanced understanding of the contemporary world, drawing on international relations, […]

MSc

International Development

This programme looks at the challenges facing people, communities and institutions in the Global South.

MSc

International Development (Online Learning)

This online programme offers flexibility in the study of the challenges facing people, communities and institutions in the Global South.

MSc

International Political Theory

This programme equips students with the intellectual skills to analyse contemporary international affairs from a philosophically informed perspective, with a particular focus on their ethical […]

MSc

International Relations

Our MSc International Relations looks at the pressing challenges and problems humanity faces in the international realm - war and peacebuilding, terrorism, power, diplomacy, climate change, trade, […]

MSc

International Relations of the Middle East

This programme offers an in-depth understanding of the main historical events, processes and actors that have shaped and continue to shape the political dynamics of the Middle East.

MSc

International Relations of the Middle East With Arabic

This MSc is a unique opportunity to study the international relations of the Middle East and the chief language of this fascinating area over two years.

MSc

Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance

This MSc programme looks at how to respond to the challenges of the rapidly growing bioeconomy. It gives students the core knowledge and skills to compete in a rapidly evolving and highly skilled […]

MSW

Master of Social Work

This programme will equip you with all the practical and theoretical skills necessary for professional recognition by the Scottish Social Services Council and Social Work England.

MSc

Medical Anthropology

This MSc provides an advanced understanding of health, illness, and medicine in different social and cultural settings. It provides specialist training in medical anthropology for both social/cultural […]

MSc

MSc Data, Inequality and Society

What makes societies inclusive? How do data practices describe, amplify or confront problems of marginalisation and inequality? This new MSc programme brings advanced, cross-disciplinary knowledge […]

MSc

Nationalism in Global Perspective

This interdisciplinary programme is designed to give students a broad view of nationalism and of its place in the arena of international relations.

MSc

Public Policy

The MSc Public Policy covers both the theories and approaches to understanding and engaging with policy work, as well as applying these theories and approaches to policy making in a practice-oriented […]

MSc

Science and Technology in Society

This interdisciplinary programme examines the social, political and cultural dimensions of science, technology and innovation. 

MSc

Social Anthropology

This degree offers an intensive introduction to contemporary social anthropology. It is primarily a conversion course intended for graduates with little or no previous training in anthropology.

MSc

Social Research

This degree will provide students with an understanding of the key techniques and approaches involved in research in the social sciences.

MSc

Sociology and Global Change

Students will receive an introduction to sociological debates in the context of globalisation and global capitalism. This programme will provide better understanding of some of the most pressing […]