MA Political Economy

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Kings College London

Program Overview

The MA Political Economy at King’s College London is a multidisciplinary program that blends politics, philosophy, and economics to explore how institutions and markets shape society. It’s ideal for students who want to critically engage with domestic and global affairs and pursue careers in policy, consultancy, finance, or civil service.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time)
Students begin with core modules such as Political Economy: Theory & Practice and Advanced Political Economy, which introduce both mainstream and heterodox approaches to understanding political and economic systems. The module Ethics, Economics & Public Policy challenges students to evaluate policy decisions through philosophical and normative lenses, while Research Methods equips them with analytical tools for empirical inquiry.

Dissertation Phase
In the final term, students undertake a supervised dissertation on a topic of their choice—often linked to real-world policy debates or institutional analysis. This independent research is supported by faculty from the Department of Political Economy, which is the only one of its kind in the UK and known for its research-led teaching and industry connections.

Focus areas: Political economy, public policy, ethics, institutional analysis, global governance
Learning outcomes: Critical reasoning, policy evaluation, interdisciplinary analysis, empirical research skills
Professional alignment (accreditation): Not professionally accredited, but highly respected across public, private, and civil sectors
Reputation (employability rankings): King’s College London ranks #40 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is consistently among the UK’s top universities for graduate employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA Political Economy at King’s College London is designed to sharpen your analytical skills through research-led teaching, collaborative projects, and exposure to real-world policy debates. Located in the heart of London, the Department of Political Economy offers access to leading institutions, think tanks, and government bodies, allowing students to engage with current affairs and institutional analysis in meaningful ways.

Here’s how students gain practical experience throughout the program:

Research-Led Teaching: Modules like Advanced Political Economy and Ethics, Economics & Public Policy are taught by active researchers, encouraging students to engage with cutting-edge debates and empirical methods.
Group Projects: Collaborative assignments simulate policy analysis and institutional critique, fostering teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking.
Independent Dissertation: Students conduct supervised research on topics such as governance, regulation, or market ethics, often drawing on contemporary case studies and policy frameworks.
London Advantage: Proximity to Westminster, the Bank of England, and major think tanks like Chatham House and the Institute for Government enhances access to guest lectures, internships, and networking events.
King’s Libraries & Digital Tools: Students benefit from access to King’s extensive library system, including databases like JSTOR, Scopus, and HeinOnline for political and economic research.
King’s Careers & Employability: Offers tailored support including policy-sector career panels, CV and interview clinics, and access to King’s Internships platform for paid work experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA Political Economy at King’s College London are equipped with the analytical depth and interdisciplinary insight to thrive in roles that demand strategic thinking and policy expertise. Many go on to work as policy analysts, civil servants, consultants, or researchers in government, international organisations, and the private sector. The program’s unique blend of economics, politics, and philosophy makes it especially valuable for careers in public policy and institutional reform.

Here’s how King’s helps you move forward:

King’s Careers & Employability: Offers tailored support including policy-sector career panels, CV and interview clinics, and access to King’s Internships platform for paid work experience.
Graduate Outcomes: King’s ranks among the UK’s top 10 universities for graduate employability, with strong representation in public policy, consultancy, and research roles.
Industry Connections: The Department of Political Economy regularly hosts guest speakers from institutions like the Bank of England, UK Parliament, and leading think tanks such as Chatham House and the Institute for Government.
Long-Term Value: King’s interdisciplinary training and global reputation ensure your degree remains a powerful credential for career mobility and leadership roles.
Salary Potential: King’s postgraduates report competitive salaries, particularly in policy analysis, economic consultancy, and governance-related roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often pursue PhD study in political economy, public policy, or international relations at King’s or other leading institutions. The MA provides a strong foundation for doctoral research focused on institutional design, regulatory frameworks, and ethical dimensions of policy.