MA Global Political Economy
University of Leeds, Faculty of Social Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
12 months
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
In conjunction with a firm grounding in the key theories and concepts of global political economy, you will have the opportunity to analyse powerful global economic governance agencies like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, alongside the firms and sectors and markets that generate many of the global conflicts, instabilities, crises and challenges we face. In the first semester we tackle the key concepts and frameworks for political economy analysis. In semester 2 you will explore how sectors, markets and firms are linked to, for example, food and health insecurities, unemployment, job precarity, poverty, climate change and pollution.
The programme’s emphasis on real-world issues allows us to place special attention on how governance agendas and their impact are experienced, negotiated and responded to in everyday lives and to compare and assess how policymakers and communities seek change.
Research expertise
Our academic experts from around the world are generating responses to many of the key global challenges faced by humanity in areas of climate change, global health, water and food insecurities, the gendered dynamics of political economy, and the multiple crises of neoliberal capitalism.
This programme features research-led teaching in the dynamic field of global political economy, and is enriched by the innovative research that occurs in the versatile Centre for Global Development.
Our research approach is most often grounded in the real-world experiences, conflicts, challenges and struggles of communities and classes living in the global North and South.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.
Curriculum
This programme focuses on the development of advanced analytical skills in several key areas of global political economy research.
The compulsory modules studied will give you:
- Critical thinking and insights from a range of cultures, disciplines and researchers.
- Training in the uses and understandings/interpretations of data from business, international and scholarly databases (without statistical or modelling skills being required).
- The practical application of critical insights in case study and experiential learning-based teaching.
- A mix of individual and team-based assessment for real-world stakeholders in international issues.
- Grounding in issues, institutions, ideas, and key economic sectors.
- Focus and knowledge of the Global South and North.
- Access to an interdisciplinary teaching team with expertise in political economy, International Relations, Development, Anthropology, Public Health and Sociology.
Course structure
Compulsory modules
- Theories and Concepts in Global Political Economy
- Capitalism in Practice
- Dissertation
Optional modules
(selection of typical modules shown below)
- Engaging the Modern City: The Civic Researcher
- Global Politics of Health
- Africa in the Contemporary World
- Conflict, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance
- Gender, Globalisation and Development
- Political Economy of Resources and Development
- The Rise of China
- The Politics of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
- International Political Economy
- Popular Culture: World politics, Society and Culture
- Terrorism
- Climate Security
- Global Justice
- Diplomatic Practice
- Global Governance
- Analysing Data in Political Science
Learning and teaching
Modules are conducted through a mix of lectures, seminars and workshops. Tutors also provide you with individual advice on written work and you should begin to develop expertise in improving your work through face-to-face discussion with your tutors, formative assessment and detailed feedback. You’ll be expected to carry out a good deal of independent, detailed and considered study.
In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
You will also benefit from the external seminar series running through the entire programme, with experts and practitioners working on a range of global challenges.
In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Each module is assessed separately, through assessments that range from long essays to projects and assignments, offering you the opportunity to work in your particular field of interest within each topic area. You will also carry out a dissertation into a research area of your choice.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
You’ll gain a wide range of professional skills on top of your subject knowledge. You’ll have an understanding of project design and management in a development context, as well as being able to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. You’ll be able to construct clear arguments, critically assess different options for action, analyse policy documents, write research reports and give presentations. You’ll also be trained to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations.
Our programme equips you with various career paths. Compatible careers include working in international development agencies, international organisations, governments, politics, NGOs, research organisations, policymaking, companies, sectoral/economic analysis, media, and academia.
Careers support
The School of Politics and International Studies has a dedicated Careers Consultant who is on-hand throughout the year to support and advise you in regards to your career. The School also arranges a number of guest speaker events where you are able to engage with prospective employers, and hear from leading figures in the field.
In addition to the School-specific careers support, you will also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Centre. The Careers Centre offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.