Masters Degrees in Political Economics, United Kingdom

Over the last three decades, political economy has been one of the fastest growing approaches in the social sciences. If you are interested in how institutions shape the behaviour of political actors and how political decisions influence markets and vice versa, then you will profit from our course.

Our MRes Political Economy is a two-year course, designed to give you additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. You study modules on political economics and research methods across your two years, while developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

At Essex, we are primarily interested in the study of political institutions and how they might determine economic variables. Our MSc Political Economy covers all aspects of modern political economy, including:
-Micro and macroeconomics
-The quality of governance
-Monetary policy choices
-Mathematical Methods
-Environmental policies
-Market failure

Run jointly between our Department of Economics and our Department of Government, our MRes Political Economy offers excellent preparation for PhD study, combining substantive political economy modules with additional training in research design and research methods. You learn how to develop theories, conduct research, and explore the empirical implications of theoretical models using the most appropriate empirical methods.

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began. Ranked top 10 in the world for political science and international relations according to the Centre for World University Rankings (2017)

Our Department of Economics is top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% of our research rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists and political scientists of our time.

Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs; they are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

Many of our economic researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future.

You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff/student publications.

Specialist facilities

-Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political and quantitative analysis
-ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
-Student societies for politics, economics, debating, and Model UN
-We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
-A programme of seminars and events run by the department

Your future

An MRes puts you in a particularly strong position to succeed in a research degree. We offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Other recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:
-The Civil Service
-Local government
-The World Bank
-The United Nations
-NATO
-YouGov and YouGov America

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

Year 1
-Political Economy
-Advanced Research Methods
-Essex Summer School Module 30 Credits
-Essex Summer School Module 30 Credits
-Mathematical Methods
-Microeconomics
-Theory and Explanation in Political Science

Year 2
-MRES Dissertation
-Applied Research Design
-Macroeconomics
-Research Design
-Applications of Data Analysis (optional)
-Banking
-Behavioural Economics I: Individual Decision Making
-Behavioural Economics II: Games and Markets
-Comparative European Politics (optional)
-Computational Agent-Based Macro-Economics, Financial Markets and Policy Design
-Conflict Resolution (optional)
-Contemporary Theories of Justice (optional)
-Econometric Methods (optional)
-Economic Development Theory (optional)
-Economics of Financial Markets (optional)
-Economics of Incentives, Contracts and the Firm (optional)
-Economics of the European Union (optional)
-Economics of Transition (optional)
-Environmental Economics (optional)
-Estimation and Inference in Econometrics (optional)
-Game Theory and Applications (optional)
-Ideology and Political Discourse (optional)
-Environmental Politics (optional)
-International Finance (optional)
-International Security Studies (optional)
-International Trade (optional)
-Market Structure and Strategic Behaviour (optional)
-Mathematical Methods (optional)
-Microeconometrics
-Microeconomics (optional)
-Monetary Economics
-Panel Data Methods (optional)
-Political Economy (optional)
-Political Explanation (optional)
-Political Parties in Britain and Europe (optional)
-Political Theory (optional)
-Public Opinion and Political Behaviour (optional)
-Research Seminar in Political Theory and Methods (optional)
-Theories of International Relations (optional)
-Theory and Explanation in Political Science (optional)
-Theory of Industrial Organisation (optional)
-Time Series Econometrics (optional)
-Topics in Financial Economics (optional)

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Over the last three decades, political economy has been one of the fastest growing approaches in the social sciences. At Essex, we are primarily interested in the scientific study of political institutions and how they might determine economic variables.

If you are interested in how institutions shape the behaviour of political actors and how political decisions influence markets and vice versa, then you will profit from our course.

You will have a great deal of choice for your optional modules as they will be selected from both our Department of Government and Department of Economics. Our MA Political Economy covers all aspects of modern political economy, including:
-Market failure
-Environmental policies
-The quality of governance
-Monetary policy choices

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began.

Our Department of Economics is also consistently rated highly for student satisfaction, and is Top 5 in the UK for research with over 90% rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014). Ranked top 10 in the world for political science and international relations according to the Centre for World University Rankings (2017)

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists and political scientists of our time.

Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs; they are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

Many of our economic researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future.

Our key academic staff for this course are Dr Alejandro Quiroz Flores, who works on why authoritarian leaders welcome natural disasters, and Simone Dietrich, who works on who gives, receives, and benefits from aid.

You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff/student publications.

Specialist facilities

-Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political and quantitative analysis
-ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
-Student societies for politics, economics, debating, and Model UN
-We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
-A programme of seminars and events run by the department

Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

This course is a good choice if you wish to maintain the flexibility of pursuing a career at an international organisation, a government organisation, a private enterprise or as a political consultant. You will develop key employability skills including analytical reasoning, research, problem solving, and essay-writing.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:
-The Civil Service
-Local government
-The World Bank
-The United Nations
-NATO
-YouGov and YouGov America

We also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

-MA Dissertation
-Political Economy
-Advanced Research Methods (optional)
-Political Explanation (optional)
-Applications of Data Analysis (optional)
-Banking
-Behavioural Economics I: Individual Decision Making (optional)
-Behavioural Economics II: Games and Markets (optional)
-Comparative European Politics (optional)
-Computational Agent-Based Macro-Economics, Financial Markets and Policy Design
-Conflict Resolution (optional)
-Contemporary Theories of Justice (optional)
-Econometric Methods (optional)
-Economic Development Theory (optional)
-Economics of Financial Markets (optional)
-Economics of Incentives, Contracts and the Firm (optional)
-Economics of the European Union (optional)
-Economics of Transition (optional)
-Environmental Economics (optional)
-Estimation and Inference in Econometrics (optional)
-Game Theory and Applications (optional)
-Ideology and Political Discourse (optional)
-Environmental Politics (optional)
-International Finance (optional)
-International Security Studies (optional)
-International Trade (optional)
-Macroeconomics (optional)
-Market Structure and Strategic Behaviour (optional)
-Mathematical Methods (optional)
-Microeconometrics (optional)
-Microeconomics (optional)
-Monetary Economics
-Panel Data Methods (optional)
-Political Economy (optional)
-Political Parties in Britain and Europe (optional)
-Political Theory (optional)
-Public Opinion and Political Behaviour (optional)
-Research Design (optional)
-Research Seminar in Political Theory and Methods (optional)
-Theories of International Relations (optional)
-Theory and Explanation in Political Science (optional)
-Theory of Industrial Organisation (optional)
-Time Series Econometrics (optional)
-Topics in Financial Economics (optional)
-Survey Measurement and Question Design

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Over the last three decades, political economy has been one of the fastest growing approaches in the social sciences. At Essex, we are primarily interested in the scientific study of political institutions and how they might determine economic variables.

If you are interested in how institutions shape the behaviour of political actors and how political decisions influence markets and vice versa, then you will profit from our course.

You will have a great deal of choice for your optional modules as they will be selected from both our Department of Government and Department of Economics. Our MSc Political Economy covers all aspects of modern political economy, including:
-Market failure
-Environmental policies
-The quality of governance
-Monetary policy choices

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began.

Our Department of Economics is also consistently rated highly for student satisfaction, and is Top 5 in the UK for research with over 90% rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014).

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists and political scientists of our time.

Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs; they are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

Many of our economic researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future.

Our key academic staff for this course are Dr Alejandro Quiroz Flores, who works on why authoritarian leaders welcome natural disasters, and Simone Dietrich, who works on who gives, receives, and benefits from aid.

You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff/student publications.

Specialist facilities

-Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political and quantitative analysis
-ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
-Student societies for politics, economics, debating, and Model UN
-We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
-A programme of seminars and events run by the department

Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

This course is a good choice if you wish to maintain the flexibility of pursuing a career at an international organisation, a government organisation, a private enterprise or as a political consultant. You will develop key employability skills including analytical reasoning, research, problem solving, and essay-writing.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:
-The Civil Service
-Local government
-The World Bank
-The United Nations
-NATO
-YouGov and YouGov America

We also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

-MA Dissertation
-Advanced Research Methods
-Political Economy
-Applications of Data Analysis (optional)
-Banking
-Behavioural Economics I: Individual Decision Making (optional)
-Behavioural Economics II: Games and Markets (optional)
-Comparative European Politics (optional)
-Computational Agent-Based Macro-Economics, Financial Markets and Policy Design
-Conflict Resolution (optional)
-Contemporary Theories of Justice (optional)
-Econometric Methods (optional)
-Economic Development Theory (optional)
-Economics of Financial Markets (optional)
-Economics of Incentives, Contracts and the Firm (optional)
-Economics of the European Union (optional)
-Economics of Transition (optional)
-Environmental Economics (optional)
-Estimation and Inference in Econometrics (optional)
-Game Theory and Applications (optional)
-Ideology and Political Discourse (optional)
-Environmental Politics (optional)
-International Finance (optional)
-International Security Studies (optional)
-International Trade (optional)
-Macroeconomics (optional)
-Market Structure and Strategic Behaviour (optional)
-Mathematical Methods (optional)
-Microeconometrics (optional)
-Microeconomics (optional)
-Monetary Economics
-Panel Data Methods (optional)
-Political Economy (optional)
-Political Explanation (optional)
-Political Parties in Britain and Europe (optional)
-Political Theory (optional)
-Public Opinion and Political Behaviour (optional)
-Research Design (optional)
-Research Seminar in Political Theory and Methods (optional)
-Survey Measurement and Question Design
-Theories of International Relations (optional)
-Theory and Explanation in Political Science (optional)
-Theory of Industrial Organisation (optional)
-Time Series Econometrics (optional)
-Topics in Financial Economics (optional)

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Before the emergence of economics and politics as distinct disciplines, ‘political economy’ was a discipline in itself. There has been a considerable expansion of research across the three PPE disciplines in recent years, resulting in political economy becoming one of the most exciting areas of study and research.

The flexible structure of this course means it is suitable for a wide range of students with interests in politics and economics.

Course content

You will take the core 20 credit interdisciplinary module 'The PPE of Social Choice', which covers topics such as decision making, rights and justice relating to social choice (broadly interpreted) at an advanced level. This module is jointly taught by members of staff from all three of York's internationally excellent PPE departments.

The 10 credit 'PEP Graduate Skills Workshop' will prepare you for undertaking research, covering areas such as writing research proposals and specific interdisciplinary skills.

You will take one of two 20 credit international political economy modules: either 'Critical Theories of International Political Economy', or 'Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy'.

You will also take one of two 10 credit Economics modules: either 'Applied Microeconomics I', which covers central topics in microeconomics including consumer theory, decision theory, welfare and market equlibrium and efficiency; or 'Economic Analysis for PPE', which provides a non-technical introduction to Economics.

You will take a further 60 credits of taught modules of your choice, from a wide range of options offered by the Politics or Economics departments.

You will also write a 12,000 word dissertation, which is worth 60 credits.

Teaching

Teaching is delivered in two main ways: seminars and lectures. The main focus of your coursework will be your seminar group, normally containing 10-16 students. In seminars you will produce and discuss your own work, under the guidance of a module tutor. Seminars are normally accompanied by lectures, attended by all of the students taking the module.

The School prides itself on the friendliness of its staff and on the support that it provides for its students. Lecturers, seminar tutors and your supervisor will all help you to get the most out of the programme and, in particular, to understand the importance of interdisciplinary study.

Most modules will use the University's virtual learning environment 'Yorkshare', which may be used to access module resources or for more interactive work.

The modular system is based on a notional 40-hour week for each student. The amount of 'contact' time (lectures and seminars) varies depending on the modules you choose. The remaining time will be spent reading, preparing for seminars and essays, analysing ideas and data, making interdisciplinary connections and, of course, thinking.

Assessment

There are three assessment periods during the academic year: week 1 of the Spring term, week 1 of the Summer term and weeks 5-8 of the Summer term. Assessments occur throughout your year of study, usually in the term immediately after the module has been taken. The majority of assessments are either unseen examination papers or essays, which varies depending on which department is running the module. Most Economics modules for example are assessed by exams, but most Politics modules by essays.

You will spend the summer and summer vacation terms working on your dissertation, which will be handed at the end of the summer vacation (mid September).

Reasonable adjustments in assessments will be made for students with disabilities, for example extra time in exams or use of a computer. The School works with the Disability Services team to ensure all students have the support they require.

Careers

The interdisciplinary nature of the School of PEP postgraduate courses means you develop a wide range of transferable skills. Employers value these degrees precisely because they make you think across boundaries and engage critically with a range of different material.

The MA in PPE: Political Economy prepares you for many careers in economics and politics, ranging from finance to international organisations and development. It also provides training for doctoral research in politics.

The careers branch of the Club of PEP, YorkWorks, aims to provide a platform for students to meet with experts and industry insiders to learn about the world of work and find out more about a career path that interests them, for example by organising careers conferences with graduate employers. For further information visit the YorkWorks webpages.

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About the MSc programme

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.

It 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.

Graduate destinations

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 the students with the skills needed to pursue a PhD or conduct research in quantitative political science.

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The MA Political Economy is one of the few opportunities to study advanced political economy in the UK. This innovative MA programme draws on interdisciplinary work at the boundary of politics, philosophy and economics to analyse the ability of political and market processes to address economic and ethical problems.

Key benefits

- A truly interdisciplinary course drawing on work in politics, philosophy and economics.

- It offers students the opportunity to acquire specialist introductory training in disciplines distinct from their undergraduate degree.

- It exposes students to a wide range of theoretical approaches in political economy - both mainstream and heterodox.

- It focuses on the inter-relationship between institutional/empirical analysis and standards of ethical evaluation.

- It has close links with the world of politics and policy both in the UK and overseas.

- A range of option modules are offered, enabling you to specialise and develop in-depth knowledge of various sub-fields within political economy.

- Our Department of Political Economy is the only such department in the UK and provides a unique opportunity to study this interdisciplinary terrain in an environment uniquely designed for that purpose.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/political-economy-ma.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

Our MA programme will enable you to:

- Acquire the core background in economic and political theory necessary to engage in the interdisciplinary enquiry of political economy.

- Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of rival theories in both positive and normative political economy.

- Develop the interdisciplinary skills necessary to engage with debates about the ability of political and market process to address economic and ethical dilemmas.

- Apply key political economic concepts to a range of subject areas including comparative political economy, economic development, constitutional analysis, crime and punishment, and distributive justice.

Our programme is designed around core taught modules on key concepts in contemporary political economy and an independent dissertation.

- Course purpose -

Our MA Political Economy reflects King's commitment to developing political economy as a discipline. It is particularly suitable if you want to:

* acquire the conceptual tools necessary to engage with contemporary domestic and global affairs at an advanced level.

* develop the skills needed to make lateral connections across and between fields of study – skills which are required not only for careers in academic research but also increasingly for employability in the public, civil and private sectors.

* develop a rounded approach to learning and personal development which an interdisciplinary environment can bring.

- Course format and assessment -

Teaching is by a mixture of lectures, seminars and group work. You also have the opportunity to engage with visiting speakers and senior figures from the worlds of politics and policy.

The modules on this programme are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework. Typically 20-credit modules might comprise one or two assessments – either one or two essays, an exam/mid-term exam and attendance and participation. The dissertation module will be assessed by a 1,000-word research proposal (10%) and a 15,000-word dissertation (90%)

Career prospects

On completing this programme you may progress into a variety of careers in the public, private and civil sectors. Recent career destinations include:

- Analyst, National Audit Office
- Forensic Accountant, PwC London
- Columnist, The Daily Telegraph
- Policy Analyst, UN Development Programme
- PhD Studies

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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The Political Economy of the Middle East MA is an interdisciplinary programme that introduces students to political economy from a wide range of academic disciplines. The programme 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. You will acquire a solid foundation in both traditional political economy of the Middle East as well as newer academic traditions, including gender and youth, feminist studies, and cultural studies. The programme will equip you with the necessary analytical skills and expertise on Middle Eastern economies to pursue a career outside academia, or to go on to undertake further doctoral study.

Key benefits:

-Unique in combining the study of political economy and Middle Eastern studies
-Enables you to analyse the political economy of the Middle East from a variety of different perspectives
-Allows you to acquire expertise on Middle Eastern economies and the politics underpinning them
-Provides a strong intellectual and methodological foundation for further research
-Allows you to develop your communication skills by presenting and disseminating research in written and oral forms, to classmates, tutors, and the wider academic community
-Vibrant research community, designated as a Centre of Excellence in Middle Eastern Studies.

Description

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 programme 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.

The core module Political Economy of the Middle East: Theory and Practice offers an in-depth analysis of major scholarly debates in the political economy of the region. The programme also allows you to pursue your own developing interests by choosing from a wide range of specialist option modules. The programme attracts a diverse mix of students from around the world who value the academic, social, economic and cultural appeal of one of Europe's most dynamic cities. Our staff are experienced, research-active and passionate about their subject.

Further literature:

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/enquiry-form.aspx

Course purpose

This programme is ideally suited for graduates with a degree in international relations, economics, politics, international political economy or 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.

Further literature

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/enquiry-form.aspx

Career prospects

We expect students to go on to research in the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies or another department; others may go into teaching, journalism or the financial sector, diplomatic service and NGOs.

How to apply

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

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This advanced specialist degree provides a cutting-edge perspective of economic and financial dynamics, state strategies, and questions of global order and change.

Who is it for?

The MA in Global Political Economy caters specifically to students who wish to broaden their understanding of the complex contemporary global economic system and the socio-political relationships contained therein. Often students begin this course with no formal economics education and from a wide range of subject fields, including politics, law, business studies, media studies and the humanities, among others.

Objectives

The MA in Global Political Economy (GPE) at City, University of London enables students to critically evaluate complex relationships between markets, governments, transnational actors and networks in the context of a globalising world economy. The course is tailored to students who wish to acquire a range of analytical skills and specialist knowledge of the global economic system in the 21st century.

This advanced specialist MA gives you the tools to analyse the complex and changing roles of private markets, states, institutions and transnational forces and actors in the global capitalist system. It enables students to gain an advanced understanding of the means and processes through which actors, institutions and structures of the global political economy participate in economic and political life.

By the end of the course, you will have developed an in-depth understanding of the ways the global economy works and will have learned to address and analyse critical issues facing global business leaders as well as national and international policymakers.

Teaching and learning

The MA in Global Political Economy is taught by internationally renowned and world leading scholars in the field. This includes Ronan Palan, Anastasia Nesvetailova, Stefano Pagliari, Amin Samman, Sandy Brian Hager and Nick Srnicek amongst others.

Academic staff

The staff within our Department of International Politics are research active, enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Often this research and influence leads to policy change and many media appearances.

Student activities

In many modules students are 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 MA student you are also invited to attend PhD workshops organised by doctoral students in the Department. The dissertation in MA in Global Political Economy is grounded in a specialised stream of the Research Design module (IPM111), where GPE students receive specialised training in research methodology tailored for their dissertation in the field of global political economy.

Assessment

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.

Modules

City's MA in Global Political Economy provides you with analytical skills and conceptual knowledge of key debates around the role of states and societies, companies and markets, global finance and international organisations in shaping globalisation in the 21st century.

The Global Political Economy Masters course focuses on contemporary issues and processes in global political economy in the context of the broader changes associated with 'globalisation,' change, crises and global governance. You will consider and become part of the conceptual and policy debates around issues such as:
-Economic growth and financial crises.
-International competition and economic diplomacy.
-Development, growth and inequality.
-States, international institutions and governance.
-The rise of new economic powers.
-Migration and cultural identity.

Core modules
-Global political economy: contemporary approaches (30 credits)
-Global capitalism: past, present, future (30 credits)
-GPE dissertation (60 credits)

Elective modules - choose 60 credits
Typical modules offered by the Department of International Politics:
-Understanding Security in the Twenty-First Century (15 credits)
-Development and World Politics (15 credits)
-Political Economy of Global Finance (15 credits)
-The Politics of Forced Migration (15 credits)
-Global Governance (15 credits)
-International Politics and the Middle East (15 credits)
-Global Financial Governance (15 credits)
-Strategy, Diplomacy and Decision-Making (30 credits)
-Economic Diplomacy (15 credits)
-Foreign Policy Analysis (15 credits)
-Religion in Global Politics (15 credits)

Typical modules offered by The City Law School:
-International Law and the Global Economy (30 credits)
-International Tax Law (30 credits)
-International Trade Law(30 credits)
-Money Laundering Law (30 credits)
-International Investment Law (30 credits)
-International Banking Law (30 credits)

In Term 3 you will complete your dissertation project.

Career prospects

This is a specialised degree enabling graduates who are often non-economists to engage competently and confidently with economic and financial developments and pursue professional careers in the public and the private sectors, including finance and banking, transnational corporations, civil service and international diplomacy, the media and development agencies.

In addition, graduates of this MA may continue their education into doctoral programmes.

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About the MSc programmes

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 MSc in International Political Economy (IPE) offers a multidisciplinary perspective on international economic and power relations, essential to understanding an increasingly globalised world.

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.

The MSc International Political Economy (Research) 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. It is not necessary to decide which programme you prefer until you submit your option choices in the Michaelmas term, normally in mid-October.

Graduate destinations

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 continue on to research degrees and the academic profession.

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Today's global economy is changing faster than ever. To be understood fully, it needs to be considered from a variety of different angles bringing together knowledge and insights from multiple schools of thought across economics, politics and law.

Why are rich countries rich and poor countries poor? How is the global economy structured? Who are the most powerful players, and can China continue to be the engine of growth?

Delving into these important questions and many others, our MSc in Global Political Economy takes a uniquely interdisciplinary approach, to broaden and deepen your skills in policy negotiation, and equip you for a wide range of careers in international organisations, government and NGOs.

Course detail

Highly practical in nature, the Global Political Economy course places a strong emphasis on real world content, drawing on the extensive experience of our cross-department teaching staff. The economics department at UWE Bristol has become known as a leading centre for pluralist economics education, and many of our tutors advise governments and conduct research for major international institutions such as The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

We also bring in guest speakers to guide and support your learning, and you will have access to relevant events in and outside the Faculty and University, alongside focused employability support.

The course is particularly suited to those who have studied international relations, politics, economics, business or law at undergraduate level. It is also suitable for those with relevant professional experience, who wish to deepen their understanding of the theories, ideas and concepts underpinning the global political economy.

Modules

Core modules:

• The Rise of the Global Economy
• The World Trade Organisation and the Global Trading System
• The Rise of the BRICS in Global Trade
• The Politics of Trade Negotiation
• Dissertation

Optional modules:

• Contemporary Policy Analysis
• Globalisation and the Law
• International Financial Crime
• Econometrics
• Political Economy
• Economic Theory and Policy
• Politics of Latin-American Underdevelopment
• Europe in the World
• Global Governance

Format

The Global Political Economy course is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning activities, including lectures, tutor-led and student-led group discussions, seminars, projects, case studies, simulation games, and field trips to conferences. Teaching is based on research literature, professional experience and significant use of debate and discussion.

Assessment

Assessment comprises formal tutor assessment, informal tutor assessment and informal peer review and feedback. We will test your knowledge, and intellectual, subject-specific and transferable skills, through a combination of exams, essays, case studies, presentations, projects and simulation games. We will also test your skills informally through class interaction during work on current academic research, case studies, practical exercises and experiential exercises.

Careers / Further study

This MSc in Global Political Economy provides you with the interdisciplinary analytical tools to tackle the big issues that economies and societies face in an increasingly integrated global economy. You will be equipped with skills and knowledge to go into a wide range of careers in international organisations, government and NGOs.

Successful students may also want to continue in their studies to PhD level, in fields such as economics, development economics, politics, the political economy, development studies, and international studies.

How to apply

Information on applications can be found at the following link: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/applyingtouwebristol/postgraduateapplications.aspx

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Scholarships and other sources of funding are also available.

More information can be found here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding/fundingandscholarships/postgraduatefunding.aspx

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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:
-Theoretical Political Economy
-Political Economy of Society, Space and Environment
-Political Economy of Finance, Business and Work
-Political Economy of Development.

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.

Teaching and learning

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.

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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:
-Theoretical Political Economy
-Political Economy of Society, Space and Environment
-Political Economy of Finance, Business and Work
-Political Economy of Development.

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.

Teaching and learning

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.

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The MSc in the Political Economy of Development is the latest addition to a portfolio of Masters programmes offered by the Department of Economics, and is designed for economists who want to concentrate on applied theory and to expand their regional expertise.

The MSc is a taught masters degree consisting of eight course modules taught by lectures, classes and tutorials and an 8,000 word dissertation.

There are four core units and four optional modules that make up the course.
The precise modules available vary from year to year, but include units on Agriculture, Finance, the Environment, Industry and International Macro- and Microeconomics.

Eight in-depth regional economic development modules are also available, covering:

- Africa
- The Asia-Pacific region
- The Middle East
- South Asia

All students are required to complete the compulsory preliminary course in Mathematics and Statistics (including Computing) to begin studying on this programme. This course is taught over a three week period from the beginning of September covering mathematics, statistics and computing. For further information about this course including a timetable please see here: Preliminary maths and Statistics Course (https://www.soas.ac.uk/courseunits/15PECC050.html)

Visit the website http://www.soas.ac.uk/economics/programmes/mscpolecondev/

Programme Specification

Programme Specification 2015/2016 (pdf; 57kb) - http://www.soas.ac.uk/economics/programmes/mscpolecondev/file39836.pdf

Teaching & Learning

The MSc includes eight taught modules plus a preliminary course in Mathematics and Statistics and an 8,000-word dissertation.
The courses are taught in seminar groups and lectures. The degrees are awarded on the basis of assessed coursework, examinations and the dissertation.

The MSc degrees are taught over a period of twelve months of full-time study within a structured programme. In the case of part-time study, the degrees will be taught over two or three years. Four modules are studied each year, with the dissertation normally being completed in the second year.

- Lectures

Most courses involve a 50-minute lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.

- Seminars

At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work. Students make full-scale presentations and are expected to write papers that often require significant independent work.

- Dissertation

Students are required to complete an 8,000-word dissertation in applied economics.

Learning Resources

- SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Pre Entry Reading

- Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics Course

Our MSc programmes attract students with a wide range of backgrounds including many who have worked for a few years before coming to SOAS. Our popular quantitative courses are designed to be accessible to all of our students including those with a relatively small quantitative component in their first degree. Our well-received quantitative courses focus on applying basic methods used in empirical research. They equip students to carry out their own high quality empirical work and critically evaluate research, with relatively little emphasis on advanced econometric theory and mathematical proofs.

Our quantitative methods teaching begins with a three-week preliminary course in mathematics, statistics and computing.
The objective of the course is to review the basic quantitative skills assumed once formal teaching commences. This course is compulsory. Further details on the Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics Course.

Employment

A postgraduate degree in Political Economy of Development from SOAS equips students with a range of important skills to continue in the field of research as well as a portfolio of widely transferable employability skills valued by a wide range of employers. These include numeracy, analytical thinking and general skills such as organisation and effective communication skills. Graduates will develop their regional expertise as well as an advanced understanding of issues of development in their political and economic context. In addition the study of Economics gives students particular problem solving skills including: abstraction, analysis, quantification, strategic thinking and adaptability.

Postgraduate students from the SOAS MSc in Political Economy of Development have followed successful careers in both academic work and also in international banking and financial analysis, in national governments in many parts of the world, in international development agencies and in a range of non-government organisations. A postgraduate degree is a valuable experience that provides students with a body of work and a diverse range of skills that they can use to market themselves with when they graduate.

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website (http://www.soas.ac.uk/careers/graduate-destinations/).

Find out how to apply here - http://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/howtoapply/

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This course focuses on the key theories of global economics and international relations, and aims to develop the professional skills that many employers expect when hiring political and economic analysts. It will enable you to develop an advanced understanding of the close interaction between economics and politics on the world stage.

Key features
-You will be fully supported in developing postgraduate academic skills and preparing your dissertation, which allows you to research an area of particular interest in greater depth.
-Alongside your academic studies, you will gain skills in problem-solving and organisation; data collation, review and synopsis; communication (oral, written and electronic); time management; computing; and co-operation and teamwork.
-You can take part in an active interchange of policy ideas with research-active staff and visiting speakers through seminars organised by the Political Economy Research Group.

What will you study?

You will gain a thorough grounding in the main issues and theories that shape relations in the international economic system. You will also take modules that outline the main institutions and factors that influence global economic and political governance. At the same time, significant attention is given to your career development skills. There is a strong emphasis on developing research and analytical writing skills. Your dissertation will allow you to develop an area of particular interest in greater depth.

Assessment

Coursework assignments, including essays and reports, plus dissertation.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules
-International Political Economy: Capitalism, Imperialism and the State
-Research Skills and Dissertation/Project Proposal
-Dissertation
-Economics Dissertation

Optional modules
-Economic Change and Ideas
-Financialisation, Globalisation and Economic Policy
-From State to Global Politics
-Political Economy: Effective Demand, Exploitation and Crisis
-Terrorism, Political Violence and Human Rights
-The Theory and Practice of International Relations

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The MSc focuses on the political and economic analysis of the extraction, production and export of energy in Eurasia. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the interlocking challenges facing the energy sector – and political, economic and social actors more broadly – in Russia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe, and an understanding of a range of disciplinary and theoretical approaches to policy and academic analysis.

Key benefits

• Rigorous analysis-driven, multi-disciplinary programme on the functioning and future of the Russian and Eurasian energy sectors, ideally suited to students seeking analytical roles in business or government, or considering further study at the PhD level.
• Quality research-based teaching in a breadth of fields, with unique opportunities to engage with policy practitioners throughout the taught programme.
• Unparalleled opportunity to study Russia and Eurasia in a world-spanning context, amidst King’s Global Institutes and drawing on King’s network of connections, including a wide range of academic links with Russian universities and academic organisations, as well as Russian and international businesses, government agencies, international organisations and others.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/eurasian-political-economy-and-energy-msc.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

As part of the King’s Russia Institute’s Russian Policy Studies programme, the MSc in Eurasian Political Economy & Energy is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to analyze a broad range of contemporary Russian and Eurasian policy challenges in applied settings, as well as the theoretical basis needed for analysis and engagement in broader thematic and geographic contexts. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the interlocking social, political and economic challenges that have faced Russia and Eurasia in recent decades, a fluency in Russian and Eurasian current events and an understanding of a range of disciplinary and theoretical approaches to policy and academic analysis. In addition, through students will pursue specialized research and learning in a field of their choosing, deepening their disciplinary and academic grounding. Throughout, students will be aware of the comparative context and encouraged to use their knowledge of the Russian and Eurasian case to challenge existing global theoretical and policy approaches.

- Course purpose -

The MSc in Eurasian Political Economy and Energy provides students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to analyze the development of the energy sector in Eurasia, stretching from Central Asia and the Russian Far East through to markets in the European Union. The programme will appeal to graduates of politics, economics and energy-related studies, Russian and European studies programmes, as well as those on other programmes who have developed an interest in Russian and Eurasian energy within those contexts and/or who anticipate a career involving work in the sector.

- Course format and assessment -

A mixture of core and optional modules and a compulsory dissertation.

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 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 (up to 14,000 words); a 1,000-word dissertation proposal is required but not assessed.

Career prospects

- Analytical, research or strategic roles in business, particularly the energy sector

- Diplomacy, international civil service

- Non-governmental organisations

- Media and journalism

- Academic research

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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