MA Race and Resistance

Program Overview

The MA in Race and Resistance at Leeds focuses on the intersectionality of race, class, gender, and other social categories while exploring the global history and ongoing struggles against racial oppression. Students in this program will engage with critical theories, frameworks, and movements related to race and resistance, such as decolonial theory, critical race theory, and postcolonial studies. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and analytical tools to understand both the historical and contemporary issues related to racial inequality and how these intersect with various global and local struggles. By focusing on activism, social movements, and forms of resistance, the course encourages students to critically assess the ways in which people and communities mobilize against injustice.

Curriculum: The MA in Race and Resistance at Leeds features a comprehensive curriculum that combines core modules with the flexibility to explore specialized topics. Core modules often include Race, Resistance, and Power, Decolonizing Knowledge, Racial Justice and Activism, and Critical Theories of Race. These courses provide students with a thorough understanding of the historical roots and contemporary realities of racial injustice, as well as the diverse methods of resistance and social change. Additionally, students have the option to select from a range of optional modules that delve into specific topics, such as Anti-Racist Praxis, Global Migration and Displacement, and Gender, Race, and Intersectionality. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct independent research in an area of their interest related to race and resistance.

Research Focus: The MA in Race and Resistance at Leeds is supported by the university’s robust research culture in critical race studies, social justice, and activism. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as racism and colonialism, globalization and migration, black and indigenous resistance movements, and racial justice activism. Leeds is home to several research centers that contribute to these fields, including the Centre for Race and Resistance Studies and the Global Social Justice Research Centre. These centers provide students with access to a wealth of research expertise and opportunities to participate in ongoing projects. Students are encouraged to engage with contemporary debates and produce original research that contributes to the global conversation about race, justice, and resistance.

Industry Engagement: The MA in Race and Resistance at Leeds offers multiple opportunities for industry engagement through internships, placements, and partnerships with local and international organizations. Leeds has established strong relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), social justice groups, and advocacy organizations focused on racial equality and human rights. These partnerships provide students with practical experience and the chance to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Additionally, students can attend guest lectures, seminars, and workshops hosted by leading scholars, activists, and professionals in the field of racial justice. These interactions provide students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into the professional applications of their studies.

Global Perspective: The MA in Race and Resistance at Leeds takes a global approach to understanding race and racial injustice, recognizing that issues of race and resistance transcend national borders. The program encourages students to examine how different cultures, regions, and societies experience and resist racial oppression. Whether through decolonization movements in Africa, anti-racist activism in the United States, or global struggles against racial inequality, the program provides a broad view of how race and resistance are addressed in various contexts. Students are exposed to diverse global perspectives and encouraged to critically assess the intersections of race, migration, and social justice movements worldwide. The multicultural environment at Leeds, with its diverse student body and international faculty, further enriches the global scope of the program.