Political Economy MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University College London

Program Overview

The MSc Political Economy at UCL explores the dynamic relationship between politics and economics, equipping students with advanced analytical and quantitative skills to tackle pressing global challenges. It is ideal for graduates with a strong interest in politics, economics, and public policy who want to pursue careers in research, policymaking, or international organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin with Advanced Political Economy, a two-term core module that builds a rigorous foundation in theory and evidence, alongside Causal Inference, which develops quantitative skills for analysing political and economic data. These modules encourage students to diagnose contemporary challenges such as inequality, globalisation, and financial crises, while learning to apply statistical tools to real-world problems.

Year 2

The focus shifts to applied and comparative perspectives. Modules such as The Politics of Public Policy and Qualitative Methods: Case Studies and Comparative Analysis train students to evaluate policy decisions and conduct in-depth empirical research. Students also select optional modules like Democratic Political Institutions, Trade Policy and Climate Change, or The Political Economy of Development, tailoring their studies to personal interests and career goals.

Dissertation

The program culminates in a substantial Dissertation, where students design, execute, and author original research in political economy. This project allows them to demonstrate mastery of both quantitative and qualitative methods, while contributing fresh insights into the intersection of politics and economics.

Focus Areas

Political economy theory, quantitative methods, public policy analysis, globalisation and trade, development, climate change, and institutional governance.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

Understand and critically assess the interaction between politics and economics.
Apply advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Diagnose and propose solutions to contemporary global challenges.
Communicate complex ideas clearly to academic, policy, and professional audiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is delivered by UCL’s Department of Political Science, a globally recognised centre of excellence. While not tied to a specific professional accreditation, its strong quantitative emphasis and policy relevance align closely with careers in government, NGOs, think tanks, finance, and academia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCL is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities:

QS World University Rankings 2025: UCL is ranked 9th globally.
The Department of Political Science is internationally respected, with graduates highly employable across research, policy, and consultancy sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the MSc Political Economy at UCL don’t just study theory — they actively apply it through hands-on research, advanced data analysis, and engagement with real-world policy debates. The program emphasises quantitative and qualitative methods, meaning students gain practical skills in causal inference, comparative case studies, and policy evaluation. Learning is enhanced by UCL’s world-class facilities, including access to the UCL Library Services, the Department of Political Science’s research centres, and digital tools that support statistical and qualitative research. The dissertation component further develops independent research skills, allowing students to design and execute projects that mirror professional policy analysis.

To make this experiential learning concrete, here are the specific opportunities and resources students benefit from:

Specialist software training: Students use statistical packages such as Stata and R for quantitative modules like Causal Inference, gaining transferable skills in data analysis.
Group projects and seminars: Core modules like Advanced Political Economy and The Politics of Public Policy involve collaborative discussions, presentations, and peer-led analysis of contemporary challenges.
Research centres and institutes: Students benefit from UCL’s Department of Political Science and affiliated institutes such as the UCL European Institute and Global Governance Institute, which host seminars, workshops, and policy engagement events.
Library and digital resources: Access to UCL Library Services, including the Political Science Subject Library, ensures students can draw on extensive databases, journals, and archives for coursework and dissertations.
Policy engagement opportunities: The department regularly invites policymakers, practitioners, and academics to speak, giving students exposure to real-world debates and networking opportunities.
Independent dissertation research: Students conduct original projects under supervision, applying both quantitative and qualitative methods to pressing issues in political economy.

This blend of advanced software training, collaborative projects, and direct engagement with UCL’s institutes ensures students graduate with not only academic knowledge but also the practical skills employers and policymakers demand.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of UCL’s MSc Political Economy are highly sought after for their ability to bridge economics and politics with advanced analytical skills. Typical career paths include roles as policy analysts, economic consultants, research officers in international organisations, and government advisors. The program’s strong methodological training ensures students are prepared for both professional and academic futures:

University services for employability: Students benefit from UCL Careers, which offers tailored one-to-one guidance, employer-led events, and access to the UCL Careers Service Dashboard that tracks graduate destinations and salaries.
Employment stats and salary figures: According to UCL’s graduate outcomes data, over 90% of UCL postgraduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with average salaries for political science graduates ranging from £30,000–£40,000 depending on sector.
University–industry partnerships: The Department of Political Science collaborates with institutes such as the UCL European Institute and the Global Governance Institute, connecting students with policymakers, NGOs, and think tanks through seminars and workshops.
Long-term accreditation value: While the MSc Political Economy is not tied to a specific professional accreditation, its rigorous training in quantitative methods (Stata, R) and policy analysis provides transferable skills valued across government, finance, and consultancy sectors.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni progress into influential roles in international organisations (UN, OECD), government departments, research institutes, and private consultancies, reflecting the program’s strong reputation for employability.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Political Economy, students may continue their academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Political Science or Political Economy at UCL, which builds on the methodological and theoretical foundations of the MSc. This pathway opens opportunities for careers in academia, advanced policy research, and leadership roles in international institutions.