International Political Economy (MA)

at University of Warwick

International Political Economy (IPE) is a field of enquiry concerned with the distribution of power, wealth and agency in a rapidly changing and contested global context. With such a diverse range of interest, IPE encourages a plural and often eclectic approach to study.

Our MA is a truly global programme and attracts students from all over the world. You will benefit from an engaging intellectual environment and are able to choose from a selection of cutting-edge options in trade, finance, development, and global governance. Our department boasts leading figures in the IPE discipline.
 

Core modules

Theories and Issues in International Political Economy

International Political Economy (IPE) builds on the scholarly legacy of classical political economists, but is oriented to the international political context of globalisation. IPE is concerned with the connections between politics and economics within the contemporary world order. Since the seminal work of scholars such as Susan Strange in the early 1970s, IPE has grown into a large and buoyant field of study. PAIS can boast one of the largest concentrations of IPE scholars anywhere in the world. This module builds on the expertise to be found in the department in order to survey the principal theories developed and the main issues addressed in IPE.

By examining ‘theories’, the module explores the ways that we construct knowledge about international political economy. What assumptions do we make? What concepts do we employ? What explanations do we propose? What normative judgements do we assert? By examining ‘issues’, the module considers some of the prominent substantive items on the policy agenda of international political economy. How, from an IPE perspective, can we deal efficiently, equitably and democratically with questions of governance related to money, finance, trade, production, consumption, development, gender, the environment, and so on?

As the title of the module might be read to imply, theories and issues are interconnected in International Political Economy. Theoretical work and empirical work are not separate exercises. Practical problems stimulate theory construction, and theories inform the ways that we handle substantive issues. Our analysis of practical issues will be richer if it is informed by theories and by the theorising of international political economy scholars.

Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

• Contemporary Challenges in Global Economic Governance
• The Global Food System
• Issues and Cases in the Politics of International Trade
   

Minimum requirements

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.

English language requirements

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
   

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.
 

Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including: Action Aid; World Bank; UN agencies; UK and other universities; Deloitte; Japan Ministry of Defence; Nationwide Building Society; and the UK Cabinet Office. They have pursued roles such as: communications officers for major INGOs, business and financial project management professionals; economists; finance officers; policy analysts and public services associate professionals.

Our Department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• Your future awaits - the many things you can do after your degree in the PAIS Department
• Careers in Government and Politics
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• After your PAIS Master’s – What Next?
• Assessment Centres and Interviews: an overview of what to expect for PAIS students