Course Structure

• To obtain the MSc degree, students typically complete three modules per semester (or three per year for part-time students).

• Core modules include ‘Approaches to Political Economy’ (Semester 1), ‘Global Governance and its Discontents’ (Semester 2), and ‘Approaches to Research Design’ (Semester 2). In addition, students choose three elective modules from a range of topics, including the political economy of development, climate, energy, and broader geopolitical issues shaping the global economy.

• To obtain the MSc degree, students will submit a research dissertation of no more than 15,000 words. Dissertation is to be completed over the summer semester (60 CATs).

Learning and Teaching

Upon completing the programme, students will have gained in-depth knowledge, subject-specific expertise, and a strong set of transferable and analytical skills.

The Dissertation module provides an opportunity to apply these skills in an original research project, showcasing critical thinking, independent inquiry, and academic rigour.

Cognitive Skills

Upon completion of the MSc in International Political Economy, students will be able to:
• Analyse issues from multiple perspectives.
• Initiate and sustain self-guided research and the ability to handle complex information independently.
• Interpret, analyse, and synthesise both quantitative and qualitative data effectively, and to apply such to relevant problems and scenarios.
• Continuously evaluate one’s own understanding and performance, refining skills, and judgement through critical self-assessment.
• Possess advanced research capabilities necessary to pursue independent study, including the formulation of viable research questions, systematic data collection, and the rigorous analysis of results.
• Critically assess the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of different sources of information.
• Construct and advance well-considered, evidence-based arguments in a clear and persuasive manner via various modes.

Knowledge and Understanding

Upon completion of the MSc in International Political Economy, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of core concepts within International political economy, such as power, inequality, wealth, and governance. This includes a deep knowledge of traditional, historical, and heterodox approaches and the ability to critically assess their relevance and application in various global contexts.
• Apply diverse theoretical frameworks to real world contexts and cases, critically evaluating the former’s effectiveness in explaining and addressing key issues in International political economy. Students should be able to debate the merits and limitations of these theories in seminars and written work, demonstrating an ability to link abstract concepts with real-world phenomena.
• Interpret and analyse the historical development and the evolving empirical dimensions of International political economy. This includes an appreciation of significant shifts in the discipline and the capacity to engage in scholarly discussions about future trends and potential developments.
• Assess the various enablers and constraints—both procedural and structural—that affect international cooperation and governance. This includes examining international institutions, multinational agreements, and both formal and informal networks that shape global eco-nomic and political landscapes.
• Integrate insights from economics, political science, sociology, and other relevant fields to analyse and interpret global economic and political phenomena. This will enable learners to appreciate how various dimensions interact to shape international affairs and global market dynamics.
• Conduct comparative analyses that respect and incorporate different cultural perspectives and practices. This is critical for evaluating and comparing national and regional economic policies and political systems, enhancing the ability to work effectively in diverse international settings.

Subject Specific Skills

Upon completion of the MSc in International Political Economy, students will be able to:
• Identify and formulate viable research topics by critically engaging with existing literatures and crafting well-defined research questions or hypotheses that address significant issues in International political economy.
• Consider various research designs and methodologies and aptly choose between qualitative and quantitative approaches based on the research question and the nature of the data.
• Develop the ability to accurately collect, assess, and synthesise information on key trends and dynamics in global political economy, applying this knowledge effectively in various academic and practical contexts.
• Critically evaluate social and economic issues within broader political, historical, and sector-specific frameworks, understanding how these contexts influence and shape the phenomena under study.
• Plan and execute substantial independent research projects, characterised by advanced analysis and extensive engagement with interdisciplinary academic resources.
• Move beyond basic comprehension to actively apply diverse analytical perspectives to com-plex social and economic issues, demonstrating an ability to interlink theory and practice in insightful and productive ways.
• Demonstrate a robust command of relevant literature and significant debates within the field of International political economy, including contemporary theories and methodologies that drive current research and discussion.

Assessment

The MSc in International Political Economy employs a variety of assessment methods, including article and book reviews, essays, presentations, and research projects, culminating in the dissertation.

Lively debate and discussion are central to class sessions, providing students with the opportunity to apply diverse analytical approaches to real-world political challenges. Teaching staff are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and contribute to key debates in their fields.

• Continuous assessment across a range of various outputs.

Modules

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

The MSc in International Political Economy equips students with the skills and expertise for careers in international organisations, government agencies, NGOs, think tanks, policy research institutes, consultancy, journalism, and the private sector. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in economic policy analysis, global governance, trade and finance, environmental and development policy, and geopolitical risk assessment. The programme also serves as a strong foundation for further academic research or doctoral study.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,700
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,700
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£10,400
EU Other 3	£23,000
International	£23,000

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

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Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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