International Political Economy MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The International Political Economy MA at the University of Sussex is a dynamic one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) program that dives into how the global economy shapes societies, exploring the political ripple effects of economic shifts and the policies driving real change. It's perfect for students with a passion for understanding neoliberalism, financial crises, rising powers, inequality, and multinational corporations—ideal if you're coming from politics, economics, international relations, or related fields and want cutting-edge insights from world-class researchers.

### Curriculum Structure
In the autumn term, you'll build a strong foundation with core modules that ground you in key theories and debates, like those exploring foundational concepts in international political economy (specific core details via program contact). This sets the stage for analyzing how economic forces intersect with politics right from the start.

During the spring term, you'll dive deeper into timely global issues through optional modules such as China's Rise & the Emerging World Order, where you'll examine shifting power dynamics; The Political Economy of Development, focusing on inequality and growth strategies; and Fair Trade, Ethical Business & New Moral Economies, unpacking sustainable alternatives to mainstream capitalism. These courses blend rigorous analysis with real-world applications, helping you connect theory to pressing challenges like debt, austerity, and ethical trade.

In the summer term, you'll sharpen your research skills with a dissertation or project, applying what you've learned to a topic of your choice, such as global governance or environmental justice, under expert supervision. This capstone pulls everything together, giving you hands-on experience in independent research that's directly relevant to policy and careers.

Focus areas: Gain fresh perspectives on neoliberalism and its alternatives, financial crises, debt and austerity, rising powers and global governance, development and inequality, and multinational corporations—all informed by Sussex's renowned research centres like the Centre for Global Political Economy.

Learning outcomes: Develop interdisciplinary skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and research; understand the geopolitics of economic change; and build expertise for analysing global policies and insecurities.

Professional alignment (accreditation): No specific external accreditation noted, but the program aligns closely with careers in international organisations, NGOs, government policy roles, and think tanks through its practical, research-driven approach.

Reputation (employability rankings): University of Sussex ranks 10th in the UK for Social Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025) and =12th in the UK for Political Sciences (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025), with strong employability from our global faculty and events.

Ready to take the next step? Applications are open for September 2026—apply by 1 August if international or 1 September if UK. Learn more and apply here: [https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/masters/courses/international-political-economy-ma](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/masters/courses/international-political-economy-ma)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Sussex's International Political Economy MA, you'll dive into hands-on learning that builds real-world skills through our world-renowned research centres and practical opportunities. Hosted in one of Europe's largest International Relations departments, the program immerses you in cutting-edge environments like the Centre for Global Political Economy, where you'll engage with multidisciplinary experts tackling global capitalism, inequality, and resistance movements. You'll sharpen your critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork by exploring topics like neoliberalism, financial crises, and rising powers, all while accessing events, seminars, and collaborations that connect theory to practice.

This experiential edge prepares you perfectly for careers in policy, NGOs, or international organisations—here's how:
- Optional summer placements: Gain at least 6 weeks of professional experience (June-August), building your CV with real-world application—though you'll cover your own travel.
- Field trips to Brussels and London: Join optional visits to key political hubs for firsthand insights into global governance and power dynamics (self-funded travel and accommodation).
- Centre for Global Political Economy access: Work with leading scholars like Prof Andreas Antoniades and Prof Benjamin Selwyn on empirical research into economic shifts, debt, and sustainability—no designated labs mentioned, but vibrant seminars and events foster group discussions and collaborative projects.
- Interdisciplinary research centres: Tap into Sussex Centre for Global Insecurities Research and Centre for Advanced International Theory for group projects, workshops, and international faculty events that hone research and communication skills.
- University library and facilities: Use Sussex's extensive library resources tailored for politics and IR research, supporting your independent and group work on development, corporations, and governance.

Imagine applying to this program and stepping into opportunities like these—your future in international political economy starts here. Check the full facilities list: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/masters/courses/international-political-economy-ma.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the University of Sussex's International Political Economy MA, you'll dive into hands-on learning that builds real-world skills through our world-renowned research centres and practical opportunities. Hosted by one of Europe's largest International Relations departments, the programme immerses you in cutting-edge environments like the Centre for Global Political Economy, where you'll engage with multidisciplinary experts tackling global capitalism, inequality, and resistance movements—giving you direct exposure to innovative research and events. You'll also benefit from optional placements and field trips that let you apply classroom insights in professional settings, all while developing teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in an international, interdisciplinary community.

Here are some standout experiential learning features tailored to this MA:
- Optional summer placements: Gain 6+ weeks of professional experience between June and August, building your CV with real-world roles in international organisations or related fields (travel costs covered by you).
- Field trips to Brussels and London: Join optional visits to key political hubs for firsthand insights into global governance and policy-making (self-funded travel and accommodation).
- Centre for Global Political Economy: Access seminars, events, and collaborative research with scholars on topics like neoliberalism, financial crises, and rising powers—perfect for networking and practical analysis.
- Sussex Centre for Global Insecurities Research and Centre for Advanced International Theory: Participate in events and discussions that sharpen your interdisciplinary approach to global challenges.
- Group projects and teamwork: Collaborate with diverse international students on breaking down complex issues like debt, austerity, and multinational corporations, honing communication and problem-solving.

Imagine turning these experiences into the edge you need for careers in global governance, NGOs, or policy—students rave about how they prepare you to stand out. Ready to take the next step? Check the full facilities and research centres here: [University of Sussex Research Centres](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/). Apply now and let's chat about making this your future!