MSc Global Political Economy

The MSc Global Political Economy at SOAS is designed to immerse students in applied analysis of global capitalism, development, and policy. With interdisciplinary training across politics, economics, and development studies, students gain hands-on experience through research-led modules, digital tools, and access to world-class resources.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the program:

• Research Methods Training: Modules like Fundamentals of Research Methods for Development Studies and Evaluation Methods for Economic Policy equip students with practical skills in policy analysis and empirical inquiry.
• Digital Learning Tools: Moodle is used extensively for coursework, access to datasets, and peer-reviewed literature across economics, politics, and development.
• SOAS Library: One of the UK’s leading research libraries for global studies, offering access to JSTOR, Scopus, and specialised databases in political economy and development.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Delivered jointly by three departments—Politics, Economics, and Development Studies—students benefit from cross-disciplinary seminars and research supervision.
• Optional Study Tour: Students may participate in a study tour to Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, connecting classroom theory with field-based insights (subject to availability and funding).
• Dissertation Supervision: The final 10,000-word dissertation allows students to explore global political economy topics with guidance from SOAS faculty and access to regional expertise.

Graduates of the MSc Global Political Economy at SOAS are equipped to lead in international policy, development, research, and advocacy. With interdisciplinary training and a strong focus on the Global South, alumni often pursue roles such as policy analyst, NGO programme officer, economic researcher, and global affairs consultant.

Here’s how SOAS supports your career journey:

• SOAS Careers Service: Offers tailored support through CareersZONE, including job listings, internships, employer events, and one-on-one guidance on CVs, applications, and interviews.
• Global Partnerships Programme: Students may benefit from co-supervision or research collaboration with institutions such as the World Bank, UNCTAD, and UNIDO, enhancing real-world relevance and professional networks.
• Interdisciplinary Advantage: Delivered jointly by the Departments of Politics, Economics, and Development Studies, the program offers access to diverse academic and professional pathways.
• Long-Term Value: The MSc is grounded in SOAS’s global reputation for critical, policy-relevant education with a focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Reputation: Ranked 6th in the UK and 28th globally for Politics, and 3rd globally for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025).

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies through SOAS’s MPhil/PhD in Global Political Economy or related fields such as Development Studies, International Politics, or Economics. The MSc also provides a strong foundation for interdisciplinary doctoral research and academic careers.