MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MA International Political Economy
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA in International Political Economy (IPE) at the University of Sussex is designed for students who wish to explore the complex relationship between politics, economics, and global affairs. The program provides an in-depth understanding of the global political economy, including the influence of international institutions, multinational corporations, and global trade dynamics. Students examine key global challenges such as economic inequality, international development, global governance, and the impact of economic policies on global markets. This interdisciplinary program combines political science, economics, and sociology, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, government policy, NGOs, and the private sector. The MA IPE program is ideal for those looking to understand the forces shaping international economic policies and their social, political, and environmental implications.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA in International Political Economy at Sussex is designed to offer students a comprehensive understanding of global economic and political systems. Core modules include the foundations of international political economy, global capitalism, international trade and development, and the role of institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in shaping global economic policies. Students are also introduced to critical perspectives on globalization, economic inequality, and the political economy of environmental sustainability. The program provides both theoretical frameworks and practical tools for analyzing real-world economic and political issues. Additionally, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as international finance, trade policy, or political economy in the Global South, tailoring their studies to match their personal interests and career goals.
Research Focus: Research at the University of Sussex is a key component of the MA International Political Economy program, with a strong emphasis on addressing contemporary global challenges. Faculty members conduct interdisciplinary research on topics such as global financial crises, climate change and sustainability, development economics, political governance, and international trade. Sussex is home to several research centers that focus on critical global issues, including the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), which is renowned for its work on international development, and the Sussex European Institute, which explores the political economy of Europe. The university’s research output is highly regarded, and students are encouraged to engage with ongoing research projects, gaining valuable insights into current academic debates and global policy challenges.
Industry Engagement: The MA International Political Economy program at Sussex offers students a variety of opportunities to engage with industry professionals, international organizations, and policy makers. The university maintains strong links with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international institutions, and the private sector. This provides students with access to guest lectures, internships, and work placements that allow them to gain real-world experience and network with professionals in the field. Additionally, Sussex’s active career services provide personalized support, including workshops on career development, job search strategies, and opportunities to meet with employers in the international political economy sector. These industry connections ensure that students are well-prepared to transition from academia into careers in international development, policy analysis, global governance, and other related fields.
Global Perspective: The MA in International Political Economy at Sussex is designed to offer a global perspective on political and economic issues, reflecting the interconnected nature of today’s world. The program covers both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of political economy in a global context. It explores how global economic forces shape political decisions, how political institutions affect economic outcomes, and the role of international governance in regulating global trade and finance. With an emphasis on understanding both developed and developing economies, students are encouraged to examine the impact of globalization and international economic policies on different regions of the world. The international diversity of the student body and faculty further enriches the program’s global perspective, ensuring that students engage with a wide range of viewpoints and experiences from across the globe.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The MA in International Political Economy (IPE) at the University of Sussex prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in global political, economic, and social contexts. Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand and address complex international challenges, such as global trade, international development, financial crises, and the impact of globalization. With a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of political economy, Sussex IPE graduates can pursue a wide range of career paths in both the public and private sectors, as well as in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international institutions.
International Development Specialist: Graduates can work for international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, or NGOs focused on development. In these roles, they will help design and implement policies that aim to reduce poverty, promote economic growth, and improve the standard of living in developing countries.
Policy Analyst: Many graduates work as policy analysts for governments, think tanks, or international organizations, where they analyze economic and political data, develop policy recommendations, and assess the impact of policies on both national and global levels.
Global Trade Advisor: Graduates can work as trade advisors, helping businesses and governments navigate international trade agreements, tariffs, sanctions, and regulations. They may also analyze the impact of trade policies on global economic relations.
International Relations Consultant: International relations consultants provide advice to corporations, governments, and NGOs on political, economic, and diplomatic matters. They help organizations understand the political landscape and how it affects their global operations.
Researcher/Academic: For those interested in pursuing a career in academia, the MA in International Political Economy offers a strong foundation for postgraduate research. Graduates may choose to undertake further study (such as a PhD) and contribute to scholarly research on political economy and global governance.
Public Policy Advisor: Graduates can work as policy advisors in both governmental and non-governmental sectors, shaping national and international policy decisions related to economics, politics, and global governance. They help ensure that policies are informed by sound economic principles and political analysis.
Financial Analyst: Graduates can enter the financial sector, working for international banks, investment firms, or financial consultancies. Their role may involve analyzing global financial markets, advising on international investments, and assessing economic risks and opportunities.
Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer: The MA IPE program provides graduates with the skills to work as diplomats or foreign service officers. These professionals represent their country’s interests abroad, negotiating treaties, participating in international summits, and shaping foreign policy.
Humanitarian Aid Specialist: Graduates with an interest in international aid and development can work with organizations that provide humanitarian assistance in conflict zones or areas affected by natural disasters. These roles involve designing and managing aid programs that respond to global crises.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: As global businesses increasingly focus on sustainable practices, graduates can work in CSR roles, helping companies develop strategies that align with ethical, economic, and environmental goals.
Environmental Policy Advisor: Graduates can pursue roles as environmental policy advisors, helping governments, businesses, or international organizations address the political and economic aspects of environmental sustainability, climate change, and global conservation efforts.
International Financial Institutions Expert: Graduates can work with financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, or regional development banks, where they provide analysis and recommendations on international financial stability, lending, and global economic policies.
International Human Rights Advocate: With expertise in political economy, graduates can become advocates for human rights, working with organizations such as Human Rights Watch or Amnesty International to promote policies that protect the rights of marginalized communities worldwide.
