Additional Resources

We have compiled a list of some further educational resources that may be of interest to readers who wish to expand and develop their knowledge of the social sciences. We hope you find these useful!

Books

Dorling Kindersley have published these colourful reference guides which take you on a whistle-stop tour through some of the most important ideas in politics, sociology, economics and philosophy. They are the perfect introductory guides for A level and undergraduate students, and are also suitable for anyone with an interest in understanding how the government, economy and society works. They do not assume any prior knowledge and are very well designed using clear language, eye-catching graphics and helpful mind maps to bring the subjects to life. They are highly recommended.

The Oxford University Press have published a large range of “Very Short Introduction” books with over a hundred titles covering a diverse range of subject areas. These pocket-sized books are a great way to get to grips with a new subject quickly. They are written by academics who combine facts, definitions, analysis, different perspectives, and ideas to make new and challenging topics highly readable.

Podcasts

Intelligence Squared is a forum for live debates, lectures and discussions from experts around the world. They cover a wide variety of topics including politics, economics, social policy, history, art, culture and science and technology. Recent episodes have discussed the Me Too movement, the rise of populism, and the relationship between technology and democracy. A new podcast is posted every Friday.

Talking Politics tries to make sense of current political events as they unfold in real time – including the Trump Presidency, the rise of populism across Europe and the Brexit negotiations. It is recorded by Professor David Runciman from the politics department of Cambridge University and includes a regular panel of experts and guests which include novelists, historians, scientists, philosophers, comedians. A new podcast is posted every Thursday.

Social Science Bites allows leading social scientists to present their perspectives on how our social world is created, and how social science can help us understand people and how they behave. It is produced in association with SAGE Publishing – an academic and professional publisher. Recent topics discussed include Humanitarian Aid, Non-violent Resistance, the Nudge Philosophy in Economics, and Social Class and Education.

Magazines

The New Statesman is a weekly magazine that discusses current political affairs from around the world, with a particular focus on the UK. Its contributors include esteemed writers and public thinkers such as John Gray, Rowan Williams, Will Self and Andrew Marr. The magazine is widely read by policy-makers, political activists and academics from across all sectors. Its mission is to analyse and explain the defining, political, economic, geopolitical and cultural events and ideas shaping and changing the world today.

Students can get 25% off an annual subscription by following this link.

The Economist is a weekly magazine that aims to identify ideas and trends that will shape global developments. They publish news by geographical region (Britain, Europe, the United States, the Americas, China, Asia, Middle East and Africa, International) and by theme (Business, Finance and economics, Science and technology, Books and arts) to ensure a broad coverage of topics. Its journalists remain anonymous on the basis of the magazine’s belief that “what is written is more important than who writes it.”

An introductory offer of 12 issues for £12 is available by following this link.

Prospect is a monthly general interest magazine, specialising in politics, economics and current affairs. They publish articles on British, European, and US politics, social issues, art and literature, cinema, science, the media, history, philosophy, and psychology. Notable features of the magazine include head-to-head debates between writers with opposing views; roundtable discussions, in which a panel of experts with varying views meet for a discussion; and interviews with major political and cultural figures.