International Political Economy

The Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Political Economy at Nanyang Technological University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between politics, economics, and global trade. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip students with the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to analyze contemporary issues such as globalization, economic development, international trade policies, and political stability. Through a rigorous curriculum that combines political science and economics, students will explore the roles and influences of governments, international organizations, multinational corporations, and civil society in shaping the global economic landscape. The program emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics including international institutions, security studies, regional integration, sustainable development, and the digital economy. In addition to theoretical foundations, the program offers opportunities for practical experience through internships, research projects, and seminars conducted by leading academicians and practitioners. The program also promotes interdisciplinary understanding and encourages students to develop a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy in a rapidly changing world. Graduates will be well-positioned to contribute to policy formulation, economic analysis, and strategic decision-making in various international contexts. By providing a balanced mix of knowledge and skills, the Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Political Economy aims to prepare students for a dynamic and competitive global job market while fostering a keen awareness of the socio-economic and political issues that influence international relations.

Core Courses

• IP6000 Theories and Issues in International Political Economy
• IP6001 Economics for International Political Economy
• IP6015 Quantitative Methods in the Study of International Politics

Primary Courses

• IP6008 A Globalizing China in the World Economy
• IP6009 Monitoring Forecasting and Managing Country Risk and Economic Crisis
• IP6016 Energy and Environment Issues
• IP6018 Regional and Global Financial Crisis
• IP6021 International Economic Institutions and International Economic Policies
• IP6022 Indonesian Economy
• IP6025 Comparative Political Economy
• IP6026 Introduction to the Political Economy of Southeast Asia
• IP6027 Political Risk Analysis
• IP6030 The Political Economy of Economic Development and Integration in Asia
• IP6031 Culture, Institutions & Development
• IP6032 International Trade & Finance
• AS6021 Government-Business Relations in Asia

Elective Courses

• AS6000 The International History of Asia
• AS6001 Comparative Politics of Asia
• AS6007 Government and Politics of Southeast Asia
• AS6008 Maritime Security and Territorial Disputes in the Indo-Pacific
• AS6010 State and Politics in Modern Indonesia
• AS6011 State, Society and Politics in Malaysia
• AS6013 State, Society and Politics in China
• AS6015 Non-Traditional Security Issues in Asia
• AS6020 Islam, State and Society in Southeast Asia
• AS6022 China’s Foreign and Security Policy
• AS6023 India’s Foreign and Security Policy
• AS6024 Nationalism and Multiculturalism
• AS6025 Introduction to Discourse Analysis, with a special emphasis on Religio-Political Discourse
• AS6026 Religion, Violence and Peacebuilding
• AS6027 State, Society and Politics in the Philippines
• AS6028 Studying Religion in Plural Societies
• AS6029 Governance & Security in Myanmar AS6026 Religion, Violence and Peacebuilding
• AS6030 Encountering Religions in Plural Societies: Comparative & Contrastive Perspective
• AS6032 Contemporary Relations of Islam and Politics: Deconstructing Islamism
• AS6033 Modern Challenges, Contextualisation & the Qur’an
• AS6034 Political Anthropologies of Southeast Asia
• AS6035 Dialogue: Interreligious Encounters & Peacebuilding
• AS6036 Islam, Diversity & The Religious Other
• AS6037 Christianity, Religious Violence & Peacebuilding
• AS6039 Comparing the Dynamics of Islam in Turkey & Indonesia
• AS6040 China’s Foreign Relations
• IR6001 The Study of International Relations
• IR6003 Critical Security Studies
• IR6004 International Relations of Northeast Asia
• IR6005 International Relations of South Asia
• IR6006 The Study of Institutions
• IR6011 Foreign Policy and Security Issues in Southeast Asia
• IR6015 Japanese Foreign Policy
• IR6020 European Union and Contemporary European Security
• IR6023 An Introduction to International Law
• IR6024 International Human Rights Law
• IR6025 Global Governance
• IR6028 Current Topics and Controversies in U.S. Foreign Policy
• IR6029 Foreign Policy Analysis
• IR6030 The International Politics of Islam: Ideas, Actors and Contemporary Issues
• IR6031 International Politics of Communication
• IR6033 Global Environmental Politics
• S6005 The Analysis of Defence and Security Policies
• S6010 Technology and Military Innovation: A Revolution In Military Affairs Defense Transformation or Something Else?
• S6014 The Evolution of Strategic Thought
• S6016 The Study of War
• S6019 Terrorism, Intelligence and Homeland Security
• S6024 Problems in Combating Insurgency and Terrorism
• S6028 Countering Religiously-Motivated Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Issues and Challenges
• S6029 Nuclear Politics in Asia
• S6031 Globalisation, Arms-Racing and Naval Development in the Asia Pacific
• S6034 Jihadist Strategic Thought and Practice
• S6035 Insurgency and Counterinsurgency in Modern Asian Politics
• S6037 Selected Issues in Terrorism and Counterterrorism
• S6038 Conflicts in the Digital Age: Information and Cyber Warfare
• S6040 Intelligence in Peace and War
• S6041 Comparative Civil-Military Relations: In Theory and Practice
• S6043 Comparative Asian Security Policy

MBA Elective Courses

• B6260 Global Financial Markets, Institutions and MNCs
• B6602 Sustainable Business Operations
• B6631 Strategic Technology & Innovation Management
• B6834 Strategy Implementation
• B6840 Emerging Markets Strategy

MACC (Master of Arts in Contemporary China) Elective Courses

• CC6001 The Making of Modern China: Historical and Social Perspectives
• CC6002 China’s Economy in Transformation
• CC6290 Special Topics in Politics & International Relations: The Rise of China
• CC6305 Religion in Contemporary China

MPA (Master of Public Administration) Elective Course

• PM6000 Applied Public Sector Economics
• PM6100 Macroeconomic Environment & Policy
• PM6134 Financial Development & Financial Supervision

WKWSCI (Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information) Elective Courses

• A6301 Communication, Technology & Society
• A6325 Public & Promotional Communication Issues & Strategies

Requirements

1. One passport-sized photograph (electronic copy, jpeg format)
2. Copy of Academic Transcript(s) issued by your university (must be in English, otherwise an official English translation must also be provided).
3. Copy of undergraduate degree certificate (must be in English, otherwise an official English translation must also be provided).
4. Statement of Purpose: applicants should discuss the professional, academic and personal experiences which contributed to their desire to study at RSIS, their specific interest in the intended area of focus, and professional goals/objectives upon graduation (600 words).
5. Essay on an issue of national/international importance: discuss an issue of national or international importance and its concern to you (600 words).
6. Copy of NRIC / Passport (page showing your nationality and personal details).
7. All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of S$21.40 per programme
8. Completed scholarship application form, if applicable.
9. Documentary proof of present and previous employment (with designation, dates of appointment and resignation indicated), if applicable.
10. Minimum two references are required. References must be submitted by referees directly toRSISadmissions@ntu.edu.sg, using the email title: ‘Reference <candidate name>’. If any of your referees does not provide his/her report, your application will not be processed. We strongly recommend that referees use their official email address (company email address/university email address) and not personal emails such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, 163.com, qq.com etc, when submitting their references. We recommend that both your referees are past or current lecturers/supervisors/managers who can comment on your abilities and potential to successfully complete the program.  Referees should use this Referee Report Form.
11. Standardised Test Scores: test scores for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) must be submitted by all applicants except those with undergraduate degrees from universities where English was the medium of instruction. A TOEFL Test Score of minimum 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) or 100 (internet-based) or a IELTS score of minimum 7.0. are required. Test dates must be within two years or less from the date of your application

The financing of the International Political Economy program at Nanyang Technological University primarily includes a variety of funding sources available to both local and international students. The university offers a comprehensive financial aid package designed to support students throughout their studies. These include government scholarships, tuition grants, and bursaries. For Singaporean students, the Ministry of Education (MOE) provides subsidies and loans that significantly reduce the financial burden. International students are also eligible for various scholarships, such as the NTU Foundation Programme Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic excellence and leadership potential.

Additionally, NTU offers merit-based scholarships that cover partial or full tuition fees, encouraging talented students to enroll in the program. External funding options include scholarships from Singaporean government agencies, international organizations, and private foundations that support students pursuing studies in political science, economics, or related fields. The university's financial aid office provides guidance and application assistance to help students navigate available options.

Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the student’s residency status and are subject to annual updates. For local students, subsidies greatly reduce the cost, while international students pay higher fees that reflect the market rates. Students are also encouraged to seek part-time employment opportunities available on campus or in the surrounding area to support their finances.

Research assistantships and teaching assistantships may be available for postgraduate students, offering stipends in exchange for research or teaching duties. These roles not only offset costs but also provide valuable academic and professional experience. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to student financing, combining scholarships, government support, work opportunities, and personal savings to make the program accessible to a diverse student body.

Furthermore, students are advised to explore student loan options offered by financial institutions in Singapore, which can provide additional sources of funding. The university's financial services team provides detailed information and counseling to help students plan and manage their finances effectively throughout their academic journey.

International Political Economy (IPE) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the complex interactions between politics, economics, and international affairs. This program combines rigorous training in political science, economics, and international relations to prepare graduates for careers in government, international organizations, policy institutes, and multinational corporations. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis of global economic policies, trade relations, financial systems, and development issues, while also exploring the influence of political institutions and ideologies on economic decision-making processes.

Students enrolled in the IPE program at NTU benefit from a diverse array of courses taught by experts in their respective fields, utilizing cutting-edge research and real-world case studies to foster practical understanding and analytical skills. The program also encourages experiential learning through internships, overseas study opportunities, and participation in seminars and conferences featuring leading scholars and practitioners. Interdisciplinary approaches are promoted to enable students to evaluate complex global challenges such as economic crises, inequality, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts.

NTU’s strong connections with industry partners and international institutions provide students with valuable networking opportunities, internships, and research projects, enhancing their employability upon graduation. The program is designed to develop competencies in policy analysis, risk assessment, negotiation, and strategic thinking. Graduates of the NTU International Political Economy program are well-prepared to contribute to global policy making, economic strategy formulation, and diplomatic endeavors. The program’s emphasis on cross-cultural understanding and analytical rigor ensures that students gain a nuanced perspective on international economic issues. Overall, NTU’s IPE program aims to produce informed, skilled, and adaptable professionals capable of addressing the challenges of an interconnected world.