Find out more about studying International Political Economy MSc at University of Aberdeen? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Old Aberdeen Campus
Part Time
Jan 2027
2 Year
The MSc in International Political Economy (IPE) is designed for those seeking to engage with the pressing economic and political challenges of our time, from financial crises and trade disputes to global inequality and sustainable development. You will be equipped with the knowledge and analytical skills to critically assess the structures, hierarchies, and power dynamics that govern finance and trade, drive globalisation and economic nationalism, and shape the distribution of wealth and poverty within and across states, regions, and the world. The MSc in International Political Economy provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between politics and economics in the global system. You will explore the conceptual and theoretical foundations of IPE, focusing on how globalisation has transformed the movement of capital, goods, and labour. The programme examines key issues such as neoliberalism, international trade, financialisation, economic nationalism, gender and the global economy, development and post-development, and poverty and inequality. Through a combination of core courses and optional specialisations, you will develop the ability to analyse complex global economic challenges from multiple perspectives. You will critically engage with contemporary debates on international finance, trade agreements, and the role of international institutions, bridging the gap between theory and real-world policy. Beyond academic knowledge, this programme equips you with practical skills highly valued by employers. You will develop expertise in policy analysis, data interpretation, and economic research, preparing you for careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, multinational corporations, and financial institutions. With a strong focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the intersection of political and economic forces, this programme ensures you graduate with the skills and insights necessary to navigate and influence the rapidly evolving global economic landscape.
This interdisciplinary course focuses ON substantive dimensions of globalization BY considering recent changes occurring IN the economic, political, social, AND cultural realms of society. These themes are analysed BY considering recent empirical studies, which seek TO clarify our theoretical understanding of globalization through advanced social scientific research. The substantive themes covered include GLOBAL capitalism, the GLOBAL division of labour, GLOBAL governance, the changing role of the nation state, transnational social CHANGE, AND cultural homogenization AND heterogenization. Interconnections BETWEEN these aspects of globalization are highlighted.
The dissertation in IPE enables students to develop in-depth knowledge of a topic of interest. Under close supervision by an expert on the topic selected, students have an opportunity to frame, develop, research and write a substantive and original thesis on a topic of their choosing.
Introduces students to the key theories and themes in the disciplinary study of International Political Economy. Topics covered include global inequality and wealth distribution; financialization and crisis; precarization of work; global regulation of trade, labour, and money; gender, and the environment in the international political economy.
