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International Political Economy, MA, University of Sheffield

the United Kingdom

University of Sheffield

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MAFull-time, Part-time1 - 2 yearfind outGBP 11120 per yearGBP 23760 per year

About International Political Economy, MA - at University of Sheffield

We can't begin to understand how political decisions are made without examining the economic context that shapes them, yet we also cannot grasp why the economy functions in the way it does without understanding the profoundly political decisions that determine who gets what, when, why and how.

This course will expand your understanding of contemporary capitalism by looking at how the global political economy is constituted, the ways in which it functions to benefit particular groups, countries and people, and how it is evolving.

You'll be taught by expert academics who are pushing the boundaries of international political economy. You will learn how to analyse the operation of contemporary capitalism, who wins and loses from it, and whether we can achieve more equal, just and sustainable societies. Throughout your studies you will address questions such as:

  • Who are the key actors in international political economy and how do they interact with our local, national and international political institutions to produce particular economic outcomes?
  • How do we generate decent living standards in a world of rapid technological change?
  • Why does the global economy seem to be producing ever-greater concentrations of wealth and poverty?
  • What explains the rapid development of the so-called 'rising powers' and is theirs a model that can be emulated?
  • Which level of analysis - the family, the village, the region, the nation, the global - should we examine when seeking to make sense of the global political economy?
  • Is it possible for our economies to keep growing in a world of looming environmental breakdown?
  • Will globalisation continue over the coming decades, or do current conflicts mean we are now entering an era of deglobalisation?
  • Whose theories and concepts can help us make better sense of a rapidly changing 21st Century context that appears to be replete with economic crises?

The MA International Political Economy degree attracts a hugely diverse student body. Some may have already studied politics and international relations previously, whereas others may have little academic experience in the subject but wish to better understand the evolution of the global political economy in an era marked by significant economic upheaval.

Students come from all sorts of different backgrounds, and this really is evident in the classroom. You will be encouraged to share your knowledge and experience, and the varied perspectives help to produce fruitful and lively discussions in seminars.

Notes about fees for this course

The fee listed is for the advertised mode of study. If you're studying for an alternative qualification or via a different mode of study (eg full-time, part-time) then the fee could be different. Due to inflation, the fee for Home students could also increase after your first year of study. Use Sheffield's fee calculator or contact the Student Fees team to check.

Fee status help

Funding for postgraduate taught courses

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant social science, arts and humanities subject or other related subject.

We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

Entry requirements for international students

Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Other English language qualifications we accept

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College . This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

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