Political Economy

This programme is also open to candidates with initiative and a proven ability to operate as self-guided learners, corroborated where appropriate through an admissions interview.

This MA programme is aimed at graduates with a strong interest in the history of economic ideas and the application of economics to questions of public policy. It offers the opportunity to study in detail a range of ideas in self-guided fashion and to conduct a significant piece of independent research on a particular topic of the student’s choice.

Online seminars will cover topics on Adam Smith; David Ricardo; John Stuart Mill; Alfred Marshall; the marginalists and neoclassical economics; Karl Marx; Friedrich Hayek and the Austrians; J.M. Keynes; James Buchanan, Gordon Tullock and public choice theory; the Frankfurt School; behavioural economics.

There will be a virtual seminar on research project preparation and there will also be an online session which will look at policy issues such as government spending, monetary policy and climate change through the lens of different schools of thought.

The programme is not primarily vocational in orientation, although possession of the award is likely to enhance the careers of school and FE teachers and policy advisors at local and national levels. It could also lead naturally on to further study and research at doctorate level. It is particularly envisaged that the programme will appeal to candidates of all ages who are attracted to the subject area for its intrinsic interest and wish to pursue a structured learning experience in a sympathetic environment.

Although this is a full-time degree programme, it is expected that students undertaking relevant work will be able to complete the programme if they have a first degree in a related subject.

Two scholarships of £2,250 are available to students who show an interest in and passion for political economy applied to public policy and who join the programme in September. Candidates for the Beloff scholarships should apply before 15th July and explain in 800 words their plans following the end of the programme and their interest in applied political economy. Decisions will be taken by 15th August. Beloff scholarships can be taken in addition to other bursaries and scholarships to which a student may be entitled.

This is the final year of the Adam Smith Institute studentship programme honouring the work and memory of John Blundell. Grants of £3,000-£5,000 are available to students who help to advance personal and economic freedom and who are planning postgraduate work but cannot find sufficient funding. If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please email: len.shackleton@buckingham.ac.uk