MA Political Economy
University of Essex
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Economics
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Politics
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Course info

Over the last three decades, political economy has been one of the fastest growing approaches in the social sciences. At Essex, we are primarily interested in the scientific study of political institutions and how they might determine economic variables.If you are interested in how institutions shape the behaviour of political actors and how political decisions influence markets and vice versa, then you will profit from our course.You will have a great deal of choice for your optional modules ...Read more

Over the last three decades, political economy has been one of the fastest growing approaches in the social sciences. At Essex, we are primarily interested in the scientific study of political institutions and how they might determine economic variables.

If you are interested in how institutions shape the behaviour of political actors and how political decisions influence markets and vice versa, then you will profit from our course.

You will have a great deal of choice for your optional modules as they will be selected from both our Department of Government and Department of Economics. Our MA Political Economy covers all aspects of modern political economy, including:

  • Market failure
  • Environmental policies
  • The quality of governance
  • Monetary policy choices

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began.

Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

This course is a good choice if you wish to maintain the flexibility of pursuing a career at an international organisation, a government organisation, a private enterprise or as a political consultant. You will develop key employability skills including analytical reasoning, research, problem solving, and essay-writing.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:

  • The Civil Service
  • Local government
  • The World Bank
  • The United Nations
  • NATO
  • YouGov and YouGov America

We also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Key stats

Economics
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
43rd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
What students say
A
Anamika
29 Feb 24

The overall environment makes it the best university. The faculty and participatory events all year around, make it more fun loving to balance out academic stress...Read more

M
Meeth
16 Feb 24

University of Essex has consistently stood out as a leader in academic excellence, research, and innovation. The Economics of Business Management program aligns seamlessly with my..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A 2.2 degree in American Studies, Economics, Finance, International Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Political Studies, Statistics, or United States Politics or a 2.2 degree in any subject which includes study in two relevant modules. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to: Comparative Political Systems; Constitutional Democracy; Contemporary World Affairs; Current Affairs; Democratic Theory; Econometrics; European Integration/Dynamics of Integration; Foreign Policy/Comparative Foreign Policy; Game Theory; Governmental Processes/Systems; Human Rights; Ideology and Political Analysis; International Economic Law etc.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£10,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£21,700 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Economics reviews

Economics
Economics
Politics
A
Anamika
29 Feb 24
MSc Economics
The overall environment makes it the best university. The faculty and participatory events all year around, make it more fun loving to balance out academic stress....
Read more
M
Meeth
16 Feb 24
MSc Economics of Business and Management
University of Essex has consistently stood out as a leader in academic excellence, research, and innovation. The Economics of Business Management program aligns seamlessly with my...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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