Politics and International Relations (Political Thought)

MSc Politics and International Relations (Political Thought) applicants should apply for MSc Politics and International Relations but can decide to follow the Political Thought pathway upon arrival by choosing the pathway’s required combination of modules.

The Political Thought pathway offers a new approach to the study of political thinking and the ideas that underpin political life. Linked to the SOAS Centre for Comparative Political Thought, this pathway considers political theory as it emerges from everyday political thought, philosophical texts, and cultural production.

Beyond the regions and traditions that have conventionally framed European political theory, this pathway is unique in teaching students to see how concepts ‘travel’ across the world (as a means to examine both political thought and political practice in different times and spaces).

Drawing on SOAS’s unrivalled expertise in the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the pathway introduces students to the key approaches, debates, and questions in the field of Comparative Political Thought. Graduates of this pathway are well placed for careers in media, think tanks, advocacy, international organisations, diplomacy, and the academy.

Why study MSc Politics and International Relations (Political Thought) at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 5th in the UK and 16th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• We're ranked 3rd in the world for Academic Reputation in Politics (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.

Study Tours

All postgraduate students can take part in our Study Tours and explore the world. Destinations include New Delhi, Lahore, Seoul, Luang Prabang, Almaty and Bishkek, Kigali, Johannesburg, and Doha. For more information, see our Study Tours page.