International Political Economy: Critical Theories, Issues and Conflicts

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Launched in October 2009, the programme offers a critical theory approach to the study of international political economic topics like globalisation, development and developmental states, poverty and anti-poverty policy, class, conflict, citizenship and more from critical perspectives such as neo-Gramscianism and Open Marxism.

The programme approaches both theoretical learning and empirical knowledge, based on two core modules: Critical Theories of International Political Economy and Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy. These core modules concentrate on the critical comprehension, understanding, and analysis of developments in international political economy, in terms of its theories, issues, and conflicts.

Students can also choose two option modules, one in the Autumn Term, the other in the Spring Term.

The programme concludes with the preparation and presentation of a theoretical and/or applied analysis in the form of a dissertation.

On completing the programme, students should understand the key concepts and issues of, and the historical evolution of different approaches to, international political economy, and be able to apply that to understanding a range of political questions.

Core Modules

Critical Theories of International Political Economy
The module introduces students to different approaches and theories of international political economy, ranging from classical political economy to Marx´s critique of political economy, and from neo-liberal economics to contemporary critical theories of international political economy. Students will be made familiar with the critical ideas and arguments in political economy, their evolution, and contemporary significance and application. The module develops an Open Marxist critique of economic categories, focusing on the social processes that inform state economy relationships, market organisation, and economic developments.

Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy
The module introduces students to some of the key contemporary issues in the field of International Political Economy (IPE). The module consists of two closely related sections. Through Part One, a series of approaches to the study of IPE are reviewed. These approaches range from traditional state-centred models that focus on competition over scarce material resources, to works that aim to uncover the roots of persistent global poverty and inequality, to literatures that encourage critical reflection on the mechanisms through which ideas and identities intersect with patterns of production and distribution. Through Part Two, these frameworks are applied to a series of contemporary trends and dynamics. Issues explored typically include patterns of global trade and finance, changing forms of private power, and (in)-stability in US leadership on global economic issues. Overall the module aims to extend student's capacity to both engage with contemporary scholarship, and to apply insights gained to 'real world' issues. Assessment is structured to allow for an in-depth exploration by students of areas of interest they develop through the module.

Option Modules

Students can choose two optional modules: one in the autumn term and one in the spring term. For an up-to-date list of the modules available in the Department of Politics please see

Lecturers

The convenor for this programme is Professor Werner Bonefeld.

The main criterion for admission to an MA course in the Department of Politics is a 2.i BA degree or foreign equivalent.English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English need to satisfy language requirements.The Department of Politics has a higher minimum level than the university more generally, because of the more difficult nature of the literature that Politics students must engage with. The requirements are: * IELTS: 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) * TOEFL iBT: 87 (with a minimum of 21 in each component) English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test: 87 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

For the most up-to-date information on university level funding please see
For the most up-to-date information on department funding please see


Please note there will be a deadline associated with obtaining funding. Students who wish to obtain funding towards their studies are advised to apply for their chosen course no later than March in the year they wish to start their course.