Political Economy at University of Buckingham - UCAS

Course summary

The University of Buckingham is:

  • Home of the two-year degree, the University of Buckingham, based in the South East of England, is ranked 6th for Student Satisfaction in the UK (National Student Survey, 2020).
  • We are proudly independent and not-for-profit, and offer courses in Allied Health, Business, Computing, Education, Humanities, Law, Medicine, Psychology and Security and Intelligence. We are one of the few universities in the UK that offer September and January start dates for almost all of our courses.
  • Based in Buckingham on a riverside campus, we are only 20 minutes’ from Milton Keynes central station and a short drive from Bicester, Aylesbury, Banbury and Northampton. There is free parking on-site and we are within easy reach of London and Oxford.
  • Our award-winning small class tutorials ensure every student is known by name and supported throughout their studies, including by dedicated personal tutors.
  • As pioneers of the two-year degree, we offer a condensed version of the traditional three-year degree, meaning you can gain a full honours degree and complete your studies a whole year earlier. Alternatively, you can complete both your undergraduate and master’s degree with us in just three years: saving you time and money.
This MA programme is aimed at graduates with a strong interest in the history of economic ideas and the application of economics to questions of public policy. It offers the opportunity to study in detail a range of ideas in self-guided fashion and to conduct a significant piece of independent research on a particular topic of the student’s choice. Online seminars will cover topics on Adam Smith; David Ricardo; John Stuart Mill; Alfred Marshall; the marginalists and neoclassical economics; Karl Marx; Friedrich Hayek and the Austrians; J.M. Keynes; James Buchanan, Gordon Tullock and public choice theory; the Frankfurt School; behavioural economics. There will be a virtual seminar on research project preparation and there will also be an online session which will look at policy issues such as government spending, monetary policy and climate change through the lens of different schools of thought. The programme is not primarily vocational in orientation, although possession of the award is likely to enhance the careers of school and FE teachers and policy advisors at local and national levels. It could also lead naturally on to further study and research at doctorate level. It is particularly envisaged that the programme will appeal to candidates of all ages who are attracted to the subject area for its intrinsic interest and wish to pursue a structured learning experience in a sympathetic environment.

Assessment method

Supervisors will be appointed with an interest in the student’s topic area, and the student will receive regular one-to-one online sessions with the supervisor as the dissertation progresses. This will include written feedback on drafts of the dissertation. Assessment will be based on a project proposal, which will link to material covered in the seminar sessions. This proposal (c5000 words) will be weighted at 60 units, of which 10 units will be based on verbal presentation and response to questions. The dissertation (15,000 words) will be weighted at 120 units.


How to apply

International applicants

With staff and students from over 90 countries around the world, the University enjoys a wonderful and culturally diverse atmosphere. Ranked joint 4th in England and joint 7th in the UK in the National Student Survey (NSS) for student satisfaction this year, the University and has always scored highly since it started taking part 14 years ago. We provide support for students from outside the UK including: assistance with visa application and renewal; guaranteed accommodation in halls of residence; and a personal tutor to support your academic studies. Academic staff are available to help and advise, and operate an open-door policy. We have the best staff to student ratio of any university in the UK. Our students have formed a number of overseas clubs, and there is a sports and social programme each term to ensure you enjoy your time with us. Our idyllic setting between Oxford and Milton Keynes offers access to a range of cultural and social activities and Bicester Village, the renowned shopping outlet is a short bus ride away. English Language requirements: it is very important that your English level is of a good standard for you to be successful in your studies. All applicants must achieve specific requirements in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Please check our website for more details of the undergraduate or postgraduate language requirements for your course. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/.

Entry requirements

Good Honours (2.1 or above) BA or BSc degree in an appropriate discipline and/or equivalent professional qualification or Prior Experiential Learning. This programme is open to candidates with initiative and a proven ability to operate as self-guided learners, corroborated where appropriate through an admissions interview.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £7704 Whole course
International £7704 Whole course
England £7704 Whole course
Northern Ireland £7704 Whole course
Scotland £7704 Whole course
Wales £7704 Whole course
Channel Islands £7704 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £7704 Whole course

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship – 33% discount for graduates with a first-class honours degree recognised to UK standard Buckingham Postgraduate Scholarship – 25% discount for Buckingham graduates with a 2:1 undergraduate degree; 33% discount for those with a first-class degree

Political Economy at University of Buckingham - UCAS