MA The Politics of Cultural Conflict by Research at University of Buckingham

Discuss and debate with distinguished scholars during evening seminars at our London offices, with a focus on independent research. This programme in the Politics of Cultural Conflict explores ‘culture wars’ between the populist right and cultural left, and how these are changing the axis of electoral competition from economics to culture – especially in western societies. The seminar programme focuses on the populist right and cultural left, as well as on polarization between the two. Secular-religious, globalist-nationalist and woke versus anti-woke represent three discrete phases of the culture wars which nevertheless overlap and interpenetrate in various ways in the modern era.

Faculty: School of Humanities and Social Sciences  |  Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Intake: September 2026  |  Location: Buckingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The programme enables students to choose (with guidance) their own topic of research and to pursue this under expert one-to-one supervision. But in addition to developing their own specialist research, students also meet regularly to hear, and to argue with, leading writers and scholars in the field of cultural politics including such figures as Matthew Goodwin, Yascha Mounk, Pippa Norris and David Goodhart. Classes are held in both the University of Buckingham’s Gower Street building in Bloomsbury and in private rooms, where dinner will be served.

Career pathways

The University’s Course Directors, students’ supervisors, and the Research Officer and Tutor for Graduate Students are available to discuss students’ post-graduation plans and how they may utilise most effectively the skills acquired during their studies.

Official programme page