Global Political Economy

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

In addition to degree classification in a relevant subject we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

See international entry requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

MSc Global Political Economy

This new programme offers an advanced and distinctive exploration into the major field of global political economy. The MSc Global Political Economy fuses together the expertise in Political Economy from across SOAS (Politics, Economics, and Development Studies) to offer a truly unique and exciting postgraduate degree on the politics of the world economy. It combines cutting-edge theoretical and empirical perspectives from Politics and Economics with inter-disciplinary application and analysis that puts the Global South at its centre. Students will examine the complexity of modern global capitalism, including its structural roots, processes, and uneven outcomes. The programme features a solid core disciplinary grounding in global political economy; a variety of specialised modules drawn from Politics, Economics, and Development Studies; and the opportunity to write a dissertation on a related topic. Students will also have the chance to participate in a Study Tour in a city located in either Asia, Africa, or the Middle East.

Why study MSc Global Political Economy at SOAS?

We’re ranked 5th in the UK and 18th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2024)

4th globally for academic reputation (QS World University Rankings 2024)

SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.

Modules are taught by a combination of methods, principally lectures, tutorial classes, seminars and supervised individual study projects. The MSc programme consists of three taught modules (corresponding to three examination papers) and a dissertation.

Lectures

Most modules involve a 50-minute lecture as a key component with linked tutorial classes.

Seminars

At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work taking place in two-hour sessions. Students make full-scale presentations for each unit that they take, and are expected to write papers that often require significant independent work.

Dissertation

A quarter of the work for the degree is given over to the writing of an adequately researched 10,000-word dissertation. Students are encouraged to take up topics which relate the study of a particular region to a body of theory.

Learning resources

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Information for international students

For details, including English language requirements, please see SOAS website

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees, please see SOAS website