MA International Political Economy (Standard)

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The MA International Political Economy at the University of Manchester helps students understand how global politics and economics interact to shape today’s world, from inequality and development to power, markets, and governance. It suits students interested in critical thinking, global affairs, and research-driven careers in policy, international organisations, and academia.

Curriculum Structure

Year of Study (Full-time – 1 year):
The programme begins by building strong analytical and research foundations through core units such as Comparative Political Analysis, Critical Approaches to International Political Economy, and Research Design and Skills. These modules introduce key theories and methods used to examine global political and economic systems, while encouraging students to question dominant ideas and policies.

As the year progresses, students deepen their expertise through optional units like Comparing Capitalisms in the Global Political Economy, Global Governance, EU as an International Actor, and Critical Environmental Politics. The course concludes with an independent dissertation, allowing students to apply theoretical and methodological training to an in-depth research project on a topic of their choice within international political economy.

Focus areas: Global political economy, comparative political analysis, global governance, political economy of development, capitalism and markets, environmental and critical political economy.

Learning outcomes: Advanced understanding of international political economy theories, strong research and analytical skills, ability to critically evaluate global political and economic issues, and confidence in presenting complex arguments clearly.

Professional alignment (accreditation): ESRC-accredited programme with recognised training in social science research methods.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally for Politics and Economics, with strong graduate employability and international academic reputation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme goes beyond lectures, giving you plenty of opportunities to build practical skills that are directly relevant to careers in policy, research, and international organisations. From interactive seminars and group projects to independent research and presentations, your learning combines theory with hands-on experience. You’ll also have access to excellent academic facilities, including one of the UK’s best-resourced library systems, workshops with expert tutors, and opportunities to engage with research centres focusing on global political economy.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout the course:

In research-focused units like Research Design and Skills and the dissertation, you’ll design your own research projects, gather and analyse data, and present your findings, supported by experienced academic supervisors.
Interactive seminars and group work give you regular chances to develop teamwork, discussion, and presentation skills across multiple units.
You’ll work alongside students and tutors from politics, economics, sociology, and statistics, reflecting how global policy challenges are approached in real-world settings.
Access to The University of Manchester Library, one of the UK’s most extensive research libraries, supports your learning and research, alongside workshops to enhance your digital and analytical skills.
The School of Social Sciences offers networked study spaces and academic support services where you can collaborate with peers, work on projects, and prepare for your career after graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MA go on to meaningful careers across the public, private, and third sectors, often taking roles that influence policy, research, and global decision‑making. Typical positions include Policy Analyst, Research Officer in think-tanks or international organisations, Government Affairs Advisor, and Consultant in public, private, or non-governmental sectors.

Here’s how the University supports your progression and what opportunities you can expect after graduation:

The University’s Careers Service offers tailored guidance during your studies and for two years after graduation, including one-to-one advice, CV and application support, interview preparation, and access to internships and job opportunities.
Careers staff work closely with organisations across sectors, giving students access to mentoring programmes, careers fairs, and targeted opportunities relevant to politics and international political economy.
The University of Manchester is highly sought after by leading graduate employers, giving you an advantage when applying for competitive roles in government, international institutions, consultancy, research institutes, and NGOs.
Graduates in politics and related fields from Manchester often secure roles soon after completing their studies, with strong long-term career progression and growth in earnings.
The advanced research, data analysis, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills you develop are highly valued, ensuring lasting employability across multiple sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to continue their studies with a PhD in Politics, International Relations, or International Political Economy, either at Manchester or other institutions. This path is ideal for those interested in research-led careers, university teaching, or specialised policy analysis. The strong research skills and analytical foundation you gain on this programme make you well-prepared for competitive doctoral applications.