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Global Political Economy at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

3Sep
Birkbeck, University of London - September Open Evening
Undergraduate

Course summary

Ideal for developing your in-depth understanding of actors and structures governing the global economy, this MSc Global Political Economy offers you a fascinating, cross-disciplinary perspective on the interplay of political and economic forces that shape our world. Why choose this course?

  • This course explores different approaches to the study of political economy and prioritises you gaining in-depth knowledge and engagement with contemporary challenges.
  • Our academics are active researchers publishing in prominent scholarly journals and offering internationally renowned expertise on an extensive array of topics.
  • The diversity of our staff and student body provides you with a unique learning environment to gain insight into fast-changing global political economic dynamics.
  • This course welcomes graduates with interests in other areas of social sciences and humanities, and without a formal background in economics.
What you will learn You will explore a variety of topics and their socio-political implications, and develop a robust understanding of major theories in the field and the historical evolution of global political economy. Topics explored include foundational themes, such as transnational production, trade relations, international financial regulation and economic crises. You will also examine more recent debates relating to:
  • the political economy of migration
  • the climate crisis
  • evolving North-South relations and the rise of new powers
  • the future of neoliberal globalisation amidst resurgent geopolitical tensions
  • new modes of economic nationalism.
You will be able to further tailor this course to your interests with option modules on a wide variety of topics. How you will learn This MSc emphasises critical analytical thinking, in-depth engagement with course themes and guided independent learning. You will be able to apply your knowledge by completing a dissertation on a topic of your choice, with the supervision of an academic adviser. The course is available to study full- or part-time, with lectures, seminars and workshops taking place in the evening in small groups. Many modules may also offer classes online, as well as on campus, though international students holding a Student visa will only be able to attend classes taking place on campus. This course is part of our Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both. If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa. Highlights
  • We organise a lively programme of seminars and conferences and are home to affiliated research centres, such as the Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life.
  • Our academic staff are international authorities in their respective fields, publishing and delivering stimulating teaching in a wide range of topics including civil society and the state, public policy, development, gender, international security and terrorism, and social and political theory.
  • You will have the opportunity to take a joint module with other political economy postgraduate students as part of a research partnership within the Birkbeck Centre for Political Economy and Institutional Studies.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue further academic research at PhD level or follow career paths in journalism, international organisations, local and national government and NGOs. Possible professions include:
  • Civil Service fast-streamer
  • government research officer
  • politician’s assistant
  • public affairs consultant
  • diplomatic services officer
  • public relations officer
  • journalist.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

A 4000-word essay, year-end examination and a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck. Please note, if you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in the social sciences or humanities or equivalent professional experience. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £5850 Year 1
Northern Ireland £5850 Year 1
Scotland £5850 Year 1
Wales £5850 Year 1
International £10170 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Global Political Economy at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS