MSc Political Economy

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

The MSc Political Economy at Essex is designed for students who want to explore how economic and political forces shape institutions, policies, and global outcomes. It’s ideal for those aiming to work in government, international organisations, think tanks, or research, combining rigorous training in economics with deep insight into political structures.

Curriculum Structure

Autumn Term
You’ll begin with Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, which provide a strong foundation in market behaviour, fiscal policy, and economic modelling. Alongside these, Political Economy introduces key debates in institutional design, governance, and the interaction between political and economic systems.

Spring Term
In the second term, Applied Econometrics equips you with the tools to analyse real-world data and test political-economic theories. You’ll also study Public Choice, which explores how political decisions are made and how institutions evolve. Optional modules such as International Trade or Economic Development Theory allow you to tailor your learning to global or policy-focused interests.

Summer Term
You’ll complete a supervised dissertation, applying your theoretical and empirical skills to a research question of your choice—whether analysing voting behaviour, policy reform, or institutional performance.

Focus areas: Political economy, public choice, econometrics, institutional analysis, policy evaluation
Learning outcomes: Economic modelling, political analysis, data interpretation, independent research
Professional alignment (accreditation): Delivered by Essex’s Department of Economics, internationally recognised for its strength in political economy and applied economics
Reputation (employability rankings): 4th in the UK for research power in economics and econometrics (REF 2021); Top 25 in the UK for economics and econometrics (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Political Economy at Essex is designed to immerse you in the practical analysis of how political institutions and economic systems interact. You’ll gain hands-on experience with econometric software, work with real-world data, and engage in research that reflects current global challenges. The program is delivered by the Department of Government, which is internationally recognised for its empirical approach to political economy and policy analysis.

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

Software Training: Modules such as Applied Econometrics include practical training in STATA and R, preparing you to analyse political and economic data with precision.
Economics Computer Lab: A dedicated space equipped with specialist software and technical support for quantitative research.
Dissertation with Political-Economic Focus: You’ll conduct independent research on topics like institutional reform, voting behaviour, or policy evaluation using real datasets and empirical methods.
Group-Based Assignments: Modules like Public Choice and Political Economy include collaborative projects that simulate policy analysis and institutional design.
Albert Sloman Library: Offers access to leading journals, datasets, and archives in economics, politics, and international relations—including JSTOR, EconLit, and OECD iLibrary.
Department Seminars and Research Events: Regular sessions feature guest speakers from government agencies, international organisations, and research institutes, connecting students with current debates and professional networks.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Political Economy at Essex are equipped to analyse how institutions, policies, and economic systems interact—making them highly valuable in roles that demand both political insight and economic rigour. This program suits those aiming for careers in government, international organisations, research institutes, and policy think tanks. Typical job titles include: policy analyst, economic advisor, research consultant, and public affairs strategist.

Here’s how Essex supports your career journey:

Career Services at Essex: Offers lifetime support including one-to-one career coaching, employer networking events, and access to exclusive job boards. Students in the Department of Government benefit from tailored workshops and alumni panels focused on careers in policy, governance, and international affairs.
Graduate Outcomes: The program develops advanced skills in political analysis, econometrics, and institutional evaluation—preparing graduates to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and strategic governance.
Industry Connections: Essex hosts regular seminars featuring speakers from HM Treasury, the Bank of England, and international organisations, giving students direct exposure to current political-economic practice.
Long-Term Value: Delivered by Essex’s Department of Government, internationally recognised for its research in political economy and institutional analysis.
Reputation: Essex ranks 4th in the UK for research power in economics and econometrics (REF 2021), and is consistently ranked among the top 25 UK universities for economics (QS World University Rankings 2024).

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies through Essex’s MRes or PhD in Political Economy, or pursue doctoral research in related fields such as public policy, international relations, or development economics.