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.
Does the growing influence of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICs) change the way the global political economy is governed? What are the political roots of global trade and finance? What is the impact of the international economy on inequality and development? Answering these questions requires you to combine economics and political science. In our Master’s specialisation in International Political Economy (IPE) you will uncover the economic and political dimensions of global issues and power struggles behind policy choices.
International Political Economy at Radboud University teaches you to go beyond the surface of daily news and to disentangle deeper global structures of economic growth and the distribution of wealth and power that underlie today’s problems of global economic governance. We challenge you to not only understand and explain ‘the world’, but to view and assess it from the perspectives of different stakeholders, while understanding the social and economic structures and institutions enabling or hindering them in pursuing their objectives.
International Political Economy at Radboud University combines approaches from (International) Economics and Political Science. We strongly believe that in order to grasp the complexity of many of today’s global issues it is essential to understand and combine the different approaches political scientists and economists take: the economic and financial crisis; the race for and exploitation of natural resources; attempts of national governments to deal with global change. The programme thus offers courses that combine both disciplines.
Alumni from economics and political science have positions as policy makers in businesses, international organisations, political parties, national ministries, market authorities, the European Parliament and the European Commission. They also work as consultants for profit and non-profit organisations and as researchers at think-tanks or universities. In addition alumni are employed by banks, other financial institutions and the media. This is because our graduates have the competences required by employers, such as sound research and analytical skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and experience in working in teams and working independently.
Visit http://www.ru.nl/masters/iae to find out all the details and start your application
The MSc Political Science and Political Economy provides a sound professional training in formal political science and in quantitative-oriented approaches to political economy.
You will acquire the knowledge and techniques to analyse political processes, institutional design and public policy making in liberal democracies.
The programme offers courses in political economy, elections, legislature, executive governments, public policy, development, and international political economy within the framework of a political science-oriented programme. This MSc will provide a set of skills which are highly sought after in public policy making, policy analysis, business, political consultancy and public affairs.
This programme is an excellent preparation for further research work (including a PhD or research in quantitative political science) or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector.
This programme is an excellent preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector. It will also equip you with the skills needed to pursue a PhD or conduct research in quantitative political science.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
The Global Political Economy MA will help you broaden your understanding of the complex contemporary global economic system and its socio-political relationships. The course is designed for inquisitive students that want to develop a cutting-edge perspective on global economic and financial relations, inter-state competition, mechanisms of global governance and processes of transformation and change.
You don’t need any formal economics education for this course. Students come from a wide range of subject fields, including Politics, Law, Business Studies, Media Studies, the Humanities and more.
From global inequality and tax evasion to financial regulation and financial crises, the expertise that you develop on this advanced MA will enable you to pursue a wide range of rewarding career options in the public and private sectors.
The Global Political Economy MA will help you:
You will benefit from our internationally renowned expertise in the field of global political economy, exemplified by:
The MA in Global Political Economy is taught by internationally renowned, world-leading scholars in the field, including the next-generation of academics engaged in cutting-edge research. As a result, City boasts one of the UK’s best teams in the critical study of global finance.
Our staff includes Ronen Palan, Anastasia Nesvetailova, Stefano Pagliari, Amin Samman and Sandy Brian Hager amongst others.
In many modules, you will be encouraged to give presentations. We use group discussions, brain-storming, role-play and mini-roundtables on thematic issues in addition to conventional teaching techniques.
As an MA student, you are also invited to attend PhD workshops organised by doctoral students in the Department.
All modules are assessed through a written essay of 4,500 words.
In addition to coursework, you must complete a final MA dissertation of 15,000 words based on your independent research. The dissertation is worth one-third of the overall MA mark. The Global Political Economy MA dissertation is grounded in a specialised stream of the Research Design module (IPM111). During the module, you will receive specialised training in research methodology, tailored for your dissertation in the field of global political economy.
You will complete 180 credits in total.
The course consists of core modules on the history of global capitalism and contending approaches from across the political economy traditions. You will then develop specialist knowledge through elective modules, which cover issues such as economic and financial crises, international organisations and economic diplomacy, poverty and inequality, regionalisation and globalisation, states and sovereignty, and the rise of new economic powers.
You will take two core modules and a range of electives. Core modules are typically taught as a weekly one-hour lecture and one-hour tutorial, and optional modules as a weekly two-hour seminar session.
Teaching is supported by a personal tutorial and supervision system, as well as organised seminar series with outside speakers, both professional and academic.
Core modules
Elective modules
You choose 60 credits from:
Typical modules offered by the Department of International Politics:
Typical modules offered by The City Law School:
In Term 3 you will complete your dissertation project.
This specialised MA degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to enter a range of careers related to the global political economy. It enables graduates both with and without prior knowledge of economics to engage competently and confidently with economic and financial developments and pursue professional careers in the public and private sectors, including:
Should you want to take your academic studies further, the MA also provides you with a solid foundation to pursue doctoral research in politics and political economy.
During your MA year you are encouraged to attend the Department's International Politics Careers Day which explores career opportunities and provides:
The MA in Political Economy programme at Manchester University offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy. The MA is housed in the Centre for the Study of Political Economy, which brings together the world-class research strengths in the field of political economy at Manchester University. The programme is taught from members across the Faculty of Humanities in the School of Social Sciences, the School of Environment and Development, and the Alliance Manchester Business School.
Each student will pursue their particular interests in political economy through one of four pathways:
Each pathway offers courses drawn from across the different disciplines in the schools, offering the student a unique exposure to the full breadth of the field of political economy. The research route is an ESRC recognised 1 + 3 programme which offers training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods that prepare students for doctoral research.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON PART-TIME STUDY
Part-time students complete the full-time programme over two years. There are NO evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme.
You must first check the schedule of the compulsory modules and then select your optional modules to suit your requirements.
Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your module choices during induction week with your Course Director
All students take a core module, Theoretical Approaches to Political Economy , which provides a thorough grounding in both classical and contemporary theories of political economy and introduces the basic concepts of the discipline. The student will also take at least one core module from their chosen pathway together with one other optional module from that pathway. The research route provides a foundation in research skills for students intending to go on to undertake a PhD in the area of political economy, or seeking employment requiring advanced research skills in the public, private or voluntary sector. Students will complete compulsory core research training units in Quantitative Research Methods , Qualitative Research , Philosophy of Politics and Dissertation Research Design . Taught units comprise two thirds of the programme. The remainder of the programme consists of a 12000-15000 word dissertation on a substantial issue in political economy.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
The MSc in International Political Economy (IPE) offers a multidisciplinary perspective on international economic and power relations, essential to understanding an increasingly globalised world.
The study of international political economy is the study of interactions between markets and politics; the influence of markets on politics and the influence of policy on markets. The core of IPE is international money and international finance, and there is a particular focus on the 2008 financial crisis, its causes and its consequences. Other central topics include international trade and investment, which looks at the drivers of market globalisation and factors which shape the flow of trade and investment, and the international political economy and the environment, specifically, what impedes a genuine agreement on climate change.
You may also be interested in the research stream of this programme, which is designed as a preparation for future research work. You do not need to decide whether you prefer the research stream or the non-research stream of this programme at the time that you apply – you can decide this when you submit your option choices in the Michaelmas term, normally in mid-October.
The MSc International Political Economy (Research) offers a multidisciplinary perspective on international economic and power relations, essential to understanding an increasingly globalised world.
The study of international political economy is the study of interactions between markets and politics; the influence of markets on politics and the influence of policy on markets. The Research stream in particular is designed as a preparation for future research work if you are entering the field from another related discipline, or if you wish to focus particularly on methodological training.
The core focus of the programme is international money and international finance, and there is a particular focus on the 2008 financial crisis, its causes and its consequences. Other central topics include international trade and investment, which looks at the drivers of market globalisation and factors which shape the flow of trade and investment, and the international political economy and the environment, specifically, what impedes a genuine agreement on climate change.
You may also be interested in the non-research stream of this programme, which differs in its programme structure. You do not need to decide whether you prefer the research stream or the non-research stream of this programme at the time that you apply – you can decide this when you submit your option choices in the Michaelmas term, normally in mid-October. However please note this may impact your eligibility for ESRC funding.
The programme has provided excellent prospects for early-career graduates seeking entry to graduate programmes at top global firms, as well as for experienced graduates looking to reposition themselves for more senior roles. We have alumni in banking and financial journalism and in major consulting companies such as Ernst & Young, as well as in a wide range of governmental and non-governmental organisations throughout the world. A good number of our graduates also continue on to research degrees and the academic profession
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
The MA in Political Economy programme at Manchester University offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy. The MA is housed in the Centre for the Study of Political Economy, which brings together the world-class research strengths in the field of political economy at Manchester University. The programme is taught from members across the Faculty of Humanities in the School of Social Sciences, the School of Environment and Development, and the Alliance Manchester Business School.
Each student will pursue their particular interests in political economy through one of four pathways:
Each pathway offers courses drawn from across the different disciplines in the schools, offering the student an exposure to the full breadth of the field of political economy.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON PART-TIME STUDY
Part-time students complete the full-time programme over two years. There are NO evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme.
You must first check the schedule of the compulsory modules and then select your optional modules to suit your requirements.
Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your module choices during induction week with your Course Director
All students take a core module, Theoretical Approaches to Political Economy , which provides a thorough grounding in both classical and contemporary theories of political economy and introduces the basic concepts of the discipline. Students on the standard route will also take at least two core modules from their chosen pathway together with three other optional modules from that pathway. Students will also undertake research training units in Dissertation Research Design . Taught units comprise two thirds of the programme. The remainder of the programme consists of a 12000-15000 word dissertation on a substantial issue in political economy.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
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.
Unlike other Master programmes in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, the focus in Witten is on the sound academic analysis of real-life problems in an increasingly interconnected world. The challenges facing modern society transcend academic disciplines as well as national boundaries. The problem scenarios we observe today are undisciplined in this sense, and therefore require consistently interdisciplinary approaches. In the highly complex society of the 21st century, it will need people with a generalistic background in economics, politics and philosophy to offer sustainable solutions for the future. The Master PPE in Witten is a [tailor-made programme for any career in leading positions] at the interface of politics, economics and (civil) society.
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.
