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Course overview
Discover the origins, structures, and politics of the global economic order with our MA in International Political Economy. Delve into global capitalism's history and tackle contemporary issues like globalisation and neoliberalism. Tailor the course with extensive optional modules to suit your interests and career goals.
MA International Political Economy | Postgraduate Study | University of Birmingham
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 degree 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 course is designed for those 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 will provide you with a foundation for thinking about the subject. You will then design the rest of the course 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 Department of Political Science and International Studies (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, and
Environmental sustainability.
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, you will be encouraged to work closely with staff in a supportive and intellectually-committed environment.
Unlock diverse career opportunities in law, journalism, international agencies, government departments, and NGOs. Enhance your employability with practical experience and volunteer opportunities during your degree. Our flexible programme also adapts to your interests, allowing you to shape the dynamic and impactful future you want to be part of.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis for Home students.
Students will study one 20-credit core module focused on core debates in International Political Economy, contemporary development and globalisation effects. The remaining 100 credits are gathered across 4 modules out of our list of Political Science and International Studies optional modules. Assessment will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Dive deep into analysing global economic structures and contemporary issues like globalisation. and shape your studies with a wide range of optional modules. Develop practical skills for careers in law, journalism, international agencies, and academia. Engage in exciting events such as research groups or our international Model NATO simulations in Washington DC, London, and Lisbon, gaining first-hand diplomacy experience. All of this complemented by our supportive environment will nurture critical thinking and prepare you for impactful roles on a global scale.
- Choose from an extensive range of optional modules to tailor your studies
- Study in a supportive environment with research-active international political economists
- Be part of the International Political Economy research group
- Participate in a range of intellectual and social events alongside your programme to enhance your employability
- #9
in the UK for research power in Politics and International Studies (REF 2021)
- 41%
of our research rated world-leading (REF 2021)
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
- Lectures: Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Tutorials: Small group discussions with a tutor which are informal.
- Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Workshops: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic.
Module information
The programme is composed of two 20-credit core modules completed by four 20-credit modules from our list of optional modules. To complete this and graduate with the 180 credits that will award you the MA, you will have to undertake a 60-credit dissertation.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
or an equivalent qualification
For the MA programme you require a good Honours degree or its equivalent. For those whose first language is not English, an IELTS Certificate is required.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
30 June 2024 is the application deadline for international students applying through the student route who wish to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date. The deadline for Home students is 30 August 2024.
Application Fee
For international applicants this programme is subject to a £50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, before you can submit it to us, you will be required to pay, or indicate how you will pay the required fee in order for us to process your application. Please complete and submit your application before paying your application fee.
Personal Statement
Entry to this programme is highly competitive and as a result your application and personal statement will be closely scrutinised by our Admissions Tutors. Please ensure that you spend some time familiarising yourself with the programme modules and outcomes. Personal Statements should be relevant to the programme and how you believe it will enable you to achieve your career goals.
How to apply
To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Our MA/PGDip in International Political Economy has taken graduates on the path to esteemed organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and local authorities worldwide. Our commitment to employability extends beyond academic excellence, offering practical experience through internships, volunteer projects, and networking opportunities. Whether you're looking to pursue roles in government, diplomacy or undertake doctoral work in international relations and political economy, our programme will equips you for successful careers in a globalized world.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.