University of Sussex, MA, Global Political Economy

Core modules

• Contemporary Theories in Global Political Economy
• Global Political Economy
• Research Methods and Professional Skills (IR)

Options

• Dissertation (Global Political Economy)
• Dissertation with Placement (Global Studies)
• East Asia and the International System
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• Global Politics of Disease and Biosecurity
• Global Queer
• Human Rights in International Relations
• Irregular Warfare
• Peace Processes and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
• Political Economy of Global Finance
• Rethinking Imperialism
• Russian Foreign and Security Policy
• Science, Technology and War
• Sex and Violence
• Sovereignty, Discipline and Government: Reading Foucault for International Relations
• Terror, Security and the State in Global Politics
• The Middle East in Global Order

Related courses:

• Corruption and Governance MA
• European Politics MA
• Media Practice for Development and Social Change MA

• A first- or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree, preferably in a humanities or social science subject. Relevant degrees include political science, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, sociology, and area studies. A degree in the social sciences or humanities does not constitute a strict requirement and applicants with degrees in other disciplines will be given due consideration. Relevant work and voluntary experience will also be considered, particularly in cases where candidates fall short of the academic requirement.
• For international students - IELTS 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each section. Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall, with at least 56 in all four skills.

To be considered for postgraduate study at Sussex, you must submit an application. Applying online is free of charge and includes the following features:

• ability to submit all supporting documents, including references, alongside the application
• online tracker updates you on the process of the application
• any offer letter is available online to view/print as soon as a decision has been reached
• if a visa is required, the CAS number is displayed online and a statement can be printed immediately
• students eligible for University accommodation can submit their housing application online too.

International relations and security draws on Sussex’s recognised reputation for interdisciplinarity. Working this way allows you to collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines, and to develop new understandings of the concept and issues of international relations and security. 

Sussex was ranked in the top 3 international relations departments in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 95 per cent of our research was rated as internationally recognised, higher than any other UK department. 

Fundamental questions are being raised as to the ability of the global political economy to cope successfully with an ever-increasing number of challenges such as climate change, financial instability, food crises, energy, security, and the rise of new economic powers. This MA is uniquely placed to analyse the impact of these contemporary transformations. 

You examine the historical emergence of the global political economy, contemporary transformations such as globalisation and environmental challenges, the changing nature of global governance, and the implications of the current economic crisis for the nature of the capitalist system and the global distribution of wealth and power. 

Sussex is one of the leading UK centres for research in global political economy. The Centre for Global Political Economy provides a unique forum for original interdisciplinary research on global politico-economic change. Also, many MPs have graduated from Sussex.

Research placements

The School of Global Studies offers you support in finding a research placement, allowing you to gain experience in an area of work relating to your subject of study and to acquire practical skills in preparation for a professional career. Research placements run over a 12-week period in the summer term and vacation. If you take a research placement, you have the opportunity to write a dissertation based on your experience.