MA International Political Economy (Research)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The MA in International Political Economy (Research) at the University of Manchester is designed for students who want to deeply understand how global politics and economics shape today’s world, from inequality and development to financial crises and environmental change. It is especially suited to those aiming for research-focused careers, policy roles, international organisations, or progression to PhD study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first stage of the programme, students develop strong theoretical and methodological foundations in international political economy. Core units such as Critical Approaches to International Political Economy and Critical Globalisation Studies introduce key debates on global power, markets, and governance, while Research Design and Skills builds the ability to plan and conduct academic research. Training in Qualitative Research Methods and Introduction to Quantitative Methods ensures students gain practical analytical skills, alongside optional units like The Politics of Money and Finance or Critical Environmental Politics to explore specialised interests.

Focus Areas

International political economy theory, globalisation and governance, political and economic research methods, development and inequality, finance and monetary politics, environmental political economy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop a critical understanding of global political and economic systems, the ability to design and conduct independent research, strong qualitative and quantitative analysis skills, and the capacity to communicate complex ideas clearly in academic and professional settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is ESRC-accredited, confirming that it meets nationally recognised standards for advanced research training and preparation for PhD-level study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally for Politics and Economics, and is widely recognised as one of the most targeted universities by graduate employers according to official graduate employment reports.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA in International Political Economy (Research) at the University of Manchester is designed as a hands-on, research-driven degree where you actively develop practical skills used in academic, policy, and international research settings. Students learn through small-group seminars, research workshops, and close supervision from experienced academics, allowing them to apply theory directly to real global political and economic issues. Throughout the programme, you benefit from advanced research facilities, specialist institutes, and one of the UK’s strongest social science learning environments, ensuring your training is both rigorous and professionally relevant; this practical approach is reflected through the following opportunities and resources:

Individual academic supervision from the start of the programme, supporting research design, methodology selection, and dissertation development
Research-intensive modules that involve data analysis exercises, research proposals, and critical evaluation of real political-economic cases
Group seminars and student-led discussions that build collaboration, presentation skills, and policy-focused debate
Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods used in political economy, including structured data analysis and research software introduced through methods modules
Full access to The University of Manchester Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the UK, offering extensive digital databases, journals, archives, and dedicated postgraduate study spaces
Engagement with research centres and institutes linked to political economy and global studies, providing exposure to ongoing research projects, seminars, and guest lectures
Dedicated postgraduate learning spaces and digital learning platforms that support independent research, collaboration, and academic writing
Professional development and career support tailored to research, policy, and international organisation pathways, delivered through the University’s careers and employability services

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates typically pursue careers across the public, private, and third sectors, including roles in government, international and supranational institutions, think tanks, NGOs, and policy consulting. Many students also continue their academic journeys with PhD study in Politics or related fields, building on the robust research training provided by the ESRC-accredited route.

- University services to assist employability: The University’s dedicated Careers Service offers tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application guidance, job listings for Manchester students, and access to services during the course and for two years after graduation.
- Long-term accreditation value: The Research Route is ESRC recognised (1+3), providing structured doctoral training that supports advanced research careers.
- Graduation outcomes: Graduates move into government roles, international and supranational institutions, research and policy institutes, think tanks, NGOs, and consultancy, with the option to continue to PhD study.

Further Academic Progression: A PhD in Politics or a related field is a common next step for those seeking research-focused careers.