International Political Economy MA

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

### Program Overview
The International Political Economy MA at Queen Mary University of London is a one-year full-time programme that dives into the big questions of how global politics and economics shape our world, perfect for graduates with a background in politics, economics, history, or related fields who want to understand and influence international affairs. You'll get hands-on training in research methods and policy analysis, building skills for careers in government, NGOs, think tanks, or international organisations, all while benefiting from London's vibrant position as a global hub.

### Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Full-time MA structure):
In your first semester, you'll build a strong foundation with core modules like *International Political Economy*, where you'll explore theories of global trade, finance, and power dynamics, and *The Political Economy of International Finance and Development*, analysing how financial systems and development policies impact emerging markets. The second semester shifts to advanced topics with *The Political Economy of Trade and Global Value Chains*, examining trade wars, supply chains, and inequality, plus elective options like *States, Markets and Society* to tailor your studies. You'll wrap up with a dissertation, applying everything to your own research on a pressing global issue, guided by world-class faculty.

### Focus Areas
Global trade and finance | Development and inequality | State-market relations | Policy analysis in international organisations.

### Learning Outcomes
By graduation, you'll be able to critically analyse global economic policies, conduct independent research using qualitative and quantitative methods, evaluate real-world case studies from Brexit to China's rise, and communicate complex ideas to policymakers and stakeholders.

### Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This programme aligns closely with careers in international organisations like the UN, World Bank, or IMF, and it's designed with input from industry experts—no formal accreditation, but it emphasises practical skills endorsed by Queen Mary's School of Politics and International Relations.

### Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Queen Mary's Politics department ranks in the UK top 30 (Guardian University Guide 2025) and top 150 globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), with 95% of Politics postgraduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-21). Our location in London boosts employability, with alumni at places like the Foreign Office, Deloitte, and Oxfam.

Ready to take the next step? Applications are open—spots fill up fast! [Official programme page](https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/coursefinder/courses/international-political-economy-ma/)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

# Why the International Political Economy MA at Queen Mary University of London is Your Next Big Move

The International Political Economy MA isn't just about sitting in lectures—it's about developing real, market-ready skills that employers actually want. Throughout this program, you'll work with cutting-edge research tools, collaborate on genuine policy analysis projects, and engage directly with the political and economic institutions shaping our world. Queen Mary has invested seriously in giving you hands-on experience that transforms theory into practice.

Here's what you'll have access to:

- Research facilities and libraries: The Mile End Library and specialist collections across Queen Mary's campuses provide extensive resources in political economy, international relations, and economics—plus access to major academic databases
- Digital research tools and software: You'll work with statistical analysis platforms, data visualization tools, and academic research software used by professional analysts and policy institutes
- Group research projects: Collaborative assignments throughout the program simulate real-world team environments where economists, policy analysts, and researchers work together
- Policy analysis practicum: Applied modules where you'll analyze actual international trade agreements, economic sanctions, and development policies
- Guest lectures and seminars: Regular speakers from international organizations, NGOs, and financial institutions bring direct industry insight into the classroom
- Internship opportunities: Queen Mary supports placements with organizations like the UN, World Bank, IMF, think tanks, and government departments—invaluable experience on your CV
- Field research possibilities: Depending on your dissertation focus, opportunities exist to conduct fieldwork on economic policy implementation or international trade dynamics
- Queen Mary's research institutes: Access to the university's specialized research centers that focus on global economics and political analysis

For a full overview of Queen Mary's facilities and resources available to postgraduate students, you can explore their dedicated facilities and support pages on the university website.

This program equips you to enter the international development, policy, or financial sectors with genuine expertise and real project experience—not just a degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Queen Mary University of London, our International Political Economy MA isn't just about theory—it's designed to equip you with hands-on skills that employers in global policy, finance, and international organisations truly value. You'll dive into practical training through our cutting-edge resources at the School of Politics and International Relations, including access to specialised research tools and collaborative spaces that simulate real-world scenarios. This means building expertise in data analysis, policy simulation, and teamwork on global economic challenges right from the start of the programme.

Here are some standout ways you'll gain that experiential edge:
- Group projects and simulations: Engage in team-based policy simulations and research projects that mirror UN negotiations or trade summits, honing your ability to collaborate on complex issues like global inequality and economic governance.
- Digital tools and software: Use advanced platforms like Stata and R for econometric analysis, plus GIS mapping software through the Mile End Institute, to analyse real-time international data on trade flows and political risk.
- Internships and placements: Access our dedicated careers service for tailored internships with organisations like the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, think tanks such as Chatham House, or NGOs—many students secure these through our strong London network.
- Field trips and networking events: Join programme-specific trips to institutions like the Bank of England or European Commission offices, plus guest lectures from policymakers, giving you direct exposure to the heart of global decision-making.
- Research facilities and institutes: Work in the state-of-the-art Political Analysis Lab for quantitative research, and tap into the Mile End Institute's resources for interdisciplinary projects on political economy.
- Libraries and archives: Utilise the stunning QMUL Library with its 1.5 million+ items, including digital access to JSTOR, EconLit, and rare economic policy archives, plus 24/7 study spaces.

Imagine walking out with a portfolio of real projects and connections that set you apart—students from this MA have landed roles at the World Bank and major consultancies. Ready to take the next step? Applications are open now—let's chat about how to make yours stand out. Check out the full list of facilities here: [Queen Mary University Facilities](https://www.qmul.ac.uk/about/facilities/).