The MA in International Political Economy explores the origins, structures and politics of the global economic order. It examines the historical development of global capitalism as well as a range of contemporary issues related to globalisation and neoliberalism.
This course is for students from all over the world who are interested in the problems, challenges and opportunities presented by global capitalism, and for those wanting to gain an advanced knowledge of the theories and practice of international political economy from a range of different disciplinary and empirical perspectives. The programme is designed for students who are either familiar with the study of political and economic issues at undergraduate level or who are enthusiastic to focus on this area of study at the postgraduate level.
You will follow a flexible programme with a wide choice of modules. You take two core modules in Globalisation and Governance and International Political Economy that provides you with a foundation for thinking about the subject. You then design the rest of the programme around your own interests by selecting four modules from a wide range of options. The flexibility of this programme is ideal for those with a broad range of interests in political economy or for those who want to construct a curriculum around a particular area of interest.
As a postgraduate student in POLSIS you will also have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events. You will be welcomed as a member of the International Political Economy research group. This group includes members of academic staff and postgraduate research students who meet regularly to discuss their own research, recent publications and to organise research events including inviting visiting speakers.
Key issues and questions examined include:
- The theoretical foundations of International Political Economy (IPE)
- The history of global capitalism
- Changes to the global political and economic order
- A range of issues central to the study of contemporary IPE, including international economic organisations and regimes
- Development
- Poverty and inequality
- Gender
- Environmental sustainability
Who is the programme for?
The degree will be of interest and benefit to those who are interested in careers in law, journalism, international agencies and NGOs, international development, and diplomacy, as well as those interested in undertaking doctoral work in international relations or international political economy. In all cases, students are encouraged to work closely with staff in a supportive and intellectually-committed environment.
Please note these courses have changed for 2019/20. For students studying in 2018/19 please refer to the Programmes and Modules handbook.
Why Study this Course?
- Choose from an extensive range of optional modules
- Study in a supportive environment with research-active international political economists
- Be a part of the International Political Economy research group
- Participate in a range of intellectual and social events alongside your programme
Institutional Accreditation
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
MA/PGDip International Political Economy
Course Level:
Postgraduate, Taught
Credits
180
Course
CODE P1140
How long it takes:
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$22,500
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
This degree programme comprises the following modules:
Core modules
- 20 credits – Globalisation and Governance
- 20 credits – International Political Economy
- 60 credits – Dissertation MA students to submit a 13,500 word dissertation (not applicable to Diploma Students)
Optional modules
In , we are proud of the extensive range of modules that are available to our students allowing you to tailor your course and study topics that interest you the most.
All modules are 20 credits and are available as options on postgraduate taught programmes where the module is not compulsory.
| International relations theory | Governing British Capitalism | International Political Economy |
| Globalisation and Governance | Diplomacy and Statecraft | Diplomatic History |
| Security Studies | US foreign and defence policy | Developments in Contemporary Political Analysis |
| Radical Social Theory | Politics and the State | Rising Powers and Global Order |
| Global Environmental Governance | Terrorism and Political Violence | Sex, Death Gender and (in)security |
| Gender and Global Governance | Ethnic Conflict and its management: theories and cases | Politics of Arab-Isreali conflict |
| Varieties of Politics | Arguing against Tyranny | Problems in Contemporary Political Theory |
| Dilemmas in International Relations | Authoritarianism and Development | Democracy and Development |
| Fear, Cooperation and Trust in World Politics | Global Cooperation in Practice | Political Psychology of Conflict and Cooperation |
| Asian Pacific Security | Post-conflict Peacebuilding and the International Order |
Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.
Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.
This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
- Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
- Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
- Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs
Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21
MSc: Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300
Tuition fees for International students 2020/21
MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
Graduates from the School have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.
The School takes employability very seriously and as well as linking students to the central careers services, also incorporates opportunities to enhance their employment prospects, including highlighting work experience opportunities, encouraging volunteering in extra-curricular projects (such as student seminars and events) and by inviting backgrounds for students to meet.
Careers Network
The Careers Network provides a dedicated service to help you find work experience or internship opportunities outside of your studies, either part-time during term-time, or over the summer vacation. Right from the start of your degree you will have access to our interactive careers service, through which many regional, national and international employers advertise their vacancies, and your college internship officers will go out and about to find vacancies that will be a useful addition to your CV.
Find out more about support for work experience and internships, bursaries, or mentoring.