Masters degrees in Political Economics explore the effect of political decisions on economic processes and the role of trade, production and commerce in driving or determining political circumstances. This branch of study is also known as ‘Political Economy’ and is one of the oldest specialisms within Economics.
Courses may award an MSc or an MA, depending on their specific focus. Research Masters and shorter PGCert or PGDip qualifications are also offered by many universities.
The Political Economy of the Middle East MA is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to political economy from a wide range of academic disciplines. The course has a strong emphasis on helping students think critically, creatively and effectively about promoting social justice, equality, democracy, sustainability and social change through political economy.
Issues of Political Economy in the Middle East are currently at the forefront of global media, policy and public discourses and there is a wide range of both governmental and nongovernmental organizations that will be looking for individuals with strong training in the area. The MA course Political Economy of the Middle East uses the Middle East as a vital arena to think through broader issues of the political economy and development, and conversely uses political economy as a substantive area of empirical and theoretical work through which to understand the Middle East.
Our course offers you an in-depth analysis of major scholarly debates in the political economy of the region through the required module Political Economy of the Middle East: Theory & Practice. It also allows you to pursue your own developing interests by choosing from a wide range of specialist modules.
This course is ideal for graduates with a degree in international relations, economics, politics, international political economy and Middle Eastern studies. We also welcome recent graduates from other disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences and law, as well as those from a professional background.
Teaching
For every 20-credit module, we will typically provide you with 20 hours of lectures and seminars (two hours of teaching per week), and we will expect you to undertake 180 hours of independent study. For your dissertation, we will provide you with a course in Dissertation Methods which totals 20 hours of contact spread over two terms and up to four hours of one-to-one supervision. You will typically undertake 586 hours of independent study and project work.
As part of their two-year schedule, part-time students typically take the required Political Economy of the Middle East: Theory & Practice module and two optional modules in Year 1, and two optional modules and the dissertation module in Year 2.
Assessment
We assess Political Economy of the Middle East: Theory & Practice through essay and class participation. You may also be assessed by essays, Q&As and class participation. The nature of assessment varies by module. Your dissertation will be a 10,000-word thesis on a topic of your choosing, and you may take it in the UK or overseas.
This course provides you with the enhanced skills and qualifications which will allow you to excel in future employment and research in an increasingly important field. Our students have transferred the skills they have developed to careers in development organisations, the corporate or financial sector, the diplomatic service, international NGOs, civil society organisations or journalism. Some students have gone on to further research in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, or another department.
Our Eurasian Political Economy & Energy MSc focuses on the political and economic analysis of the extraction, production and export of energy in Eurasia. You will gain in-depth knowledge of the interconnected challenges facing the energy sector – and more broadly political, economic and social actors – in Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe, and an understanding of a range of disciplinary and theoretical approaches to policy and academic analysis
Our Eurasian Political Economy & Energy MSc is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to analyse a broad range of contemporary Russian and Eurasian policy challenges. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of the interlocking social, political and economic challenges that have faced Russia and Eurasia in recent decades, extensive knowledge of Russian and Eurasian current events and an understanding of a range of disciplinary and theoretical approaches to policy and academic analysis. In addition, you will pursue specialised research and learning in a relevant field of your choice. The course will emphasise a comparative perspective throughout, and we will encourage to use your knowledge of the Russian and Eurasian case to challenge existing global theoretical and policy approaches.
Our MSc is part of the Russian Policy Studies.
The Russian Policy Studies course provides you with a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
Additionally, our MSc Eurasian Political Economy & Energy course will focus on:
This course will appeal to if you are a graduate of politics, economics and energy-related studies, Russian and European studies programmes, or if you studied a different course but you have developed an interest in Russian and Eurasian energy and/or you are seeking a career involving work in the sector.
Teaching
You will typically have 20 hours per 20-credit taught module as well as 180 hours of self-study (some modules may
involve lab work or e-learning which would require less self-guided learning). Typically one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
For the dissertation module, you will have 16 contact hours of one-to-one or group consultation with supervisors and workshops to complement 584 hours of self-study and project work.
If you are taking the part-time course, you will take at least 60 credits of required modules during your first year, and take the remaining credits and your dissertation in your second year, although this can be individually discussed with the student.
Assessment
Russia Institute modules will be assessed by essays, other written work (including policy briefs and memoranda, scenario analyses and models), timed written exams, in-class quizzes and presentations, and class participation and attendance.
Most 20-credit modules will have a volume of assessment equivalent to a 4,000-word essay, but this may be distributed over several different assessments.
The dissertation module assessment will be 100 per cent on the dissertation itself (14,000 words); a 1,000-word dissertation proposal is required but not assessed. Assessment of modules from other departments/institutes may vary.
You will develop skills and knowledge over the duration of this course which will make you more attractive to a range of employers. Our graduates have gone on to careers in analytical, research or strategic roles in business, particularly the energy sector, in diplomacy, international civil service, non-governmental organisations, media and journalism and to further academic research.
The Political Economy MA is a broadbased multidisciplinary course that will develop your critical understanding of the UK and global political and economic institutions. You will also acquire the theoretical skills necessary to engage with contemporary domestic and world affairs at an advanced level.
The Political Economy MA is an innovative course designed to provide you with an understanding of the theory necessary to engage in the interdisciplinary analysis of political economy. The course will also equip you with essential research, analytical and critical thinking skills.
The course is made up of optional and required modules. You must take modules totalling a minimum of 180 credits and a maximum of 210 credits to meet the requirements of the qualification, 60 credits will come from a dissertation of around 15,000 words. You will study Key Concepts in Contemporary Political Economy and in addition to completing a required 15,000-word dissertation, you will also choose further related modules to support your study interests
Teaching
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study
Per 20-credit taught module, you can typically expect 20 hours of lectures, seminars and feedback. Each 20-credit module also has 180 hours worth of self-guided learning time.
For the dissertation module, you can expect at least eight dissertation workshops plus one-to-one dissertation consultations. In addition you will have 592 hours of worth of self-study and project work.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of written examinations and coursework. Typically, a 20-credit module will comprise of assessments, essays and a written examination. Grades awarded for each module will reflect your attendance and lecture participation. The assessment of the dissertation module will be by a 1,000-word research proposal (10 per cent) and a 15,000-word dissertation (90 per cent).
Studying a degree with the Department of Political Economy equips students with certain skills required in the public and private sectors, and for work in civil organisations. A typical postgraduate student will gain strong theoretical and empirical skills for the analysis of complex economic and political phenomena. These skills are highly valued in fields such as finance, consultancy, law and the civil service.
