MA Activism and Social Change  MA Activism and Social Change University of Leeds ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1566809530University-of-Leeds-1.jpg

The School of Geography at the University of Leeds is delighted to offer this ground-breaking new Masters Programme in Activism and Social Change (ASC). It is the first of its kind in Europe, and offers students an opportunity to be fully engaged in an innovative and original interdisciplinary programme of research-led teaching and participatory study which brings together the worlds of academia and progressive social campaigning. The aim of the course is to help students to develop a range of skills so they become thoughtful, competent and active campaigners engaged in social change. Only here will you develop rigorous conceptual and theoretical understandings of resistance movements for change, engage with campaigners and practitioners struggling for a better world, experience innovative assessment methods such as spokescouncils and action research projects, and develop campaigning and research skills to equip you for future work or study. Course Overview Activism and Social Change is an innovative and original interdisciplinary programme of research-led teaching and participatory study that brings together the worlds of academia and progressive social campaigning. It is led by academics working and researching with social movement organisations and communities they are at the cutting edge of Geography's tradition of disciplinary involvement with social justice, a tradition that dates back at least to the early 1970s and runs stronger than ever today. The programme's originality lies in four areas: 1) its intellectual attachment to the concept of 'autonomy', which in its radical understanding is the belief in society organised collectively through the practice of self-management, mutual aid and direct democracy 2) its integration of social and environmental themes and issues, distinguishing it from other programmes in Britain, which focus on one element or the other 3) its direct collaboration with NGOs, campaign groups and social entrepreneurs who will work alongside the programme coordinators to explore the ideas, practices and geographies of activism and social change 4) its integrated provision of training for academic research and special skills training for work as a practitioner in NGOs and social movements.