Introduction to Comparative Economics and Policy MA

The Comparative Economics and Policy MA is a postgraduate program offered by the University College London (UCL) School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES). This program is centered around the economics and economic policy of emerging markets, with a focus on Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, as well as other emerging economies and societies in South and South-East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America.

Program Overview

The MA program focuses on the development experiences of the 28 nations that have emerged from the former Soviet bloc in Europe and Asia. Students will analyze the impact of institutional reforms on diverse outcomes, including economic performance, socio-economic development, financial integration, democratization, innovation, entrepreneurship, and internationalization.

Key Features

• The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and private study.
• The third term is devoted to revision sessions and the dissertation project.
• A 15-credit module is equivalent to 150 hours of study, and a 30-credit module is equivalent to 300 hours, including contact time, private study, and coursework assignments.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have:

• A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
• Studied macroeconomics, microeconomics, and quantitative methods/statistics in their degree.
• Applicants whose undergraduate studies were undertaken outside the UK must submit either a GMAT or GRE score as part of their application.

English Language Requirements

The English language level for this course is Level 3. UCL offers Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.

Course Structure

The program is available in both full-time and part-time study modes.

• Full-time students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits in total, with 120 credits from taught courses.
• Part-time students take the program over two years, with a similar distribution of credits.

Modules

• Compulsory modules include Quantitative Methods, SSEES MA Dissertation Preparation, Advanced Quantitative Methods, International Macroeconomic Policy, and the M.A. Dissertation.
• Optional modules may include Trade and FDI Policy with Reference to Eastern Europe, Public Choice - Private Interest, and Inequality Dynamics in Modern Capitalism.

Careers and Employability

Graduates from this program can expect to find career opportunities in think tanks, political parties, national, European, and international organizations, the media, and NGOs as economic and political analysts. The program also prepares students for further research or doctoral studies.

Networking Opportunities

SSEES scholars have developed strong links with various institutions in London, including the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, EBRD, Roubini Global Economics, NGOs, and the European Commission, providing excellent opportunities for networking and career development.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are ｣25,300 for full-time students and ｣12,650 for part-time students.
• Overseas tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are ｣39,200 for full-time students and ｣19,600 for part-time students.
• Additional costs may include expenses for books, stationery, printing, or photocopying, and conference registration fees with associated travel costs.

Funding Opportunities

UCL offers various funding opportunities, including scholarships. Students are advised to apply early due to competition for places and to note application deadlines for scholarship funding.

Conclusion

The Comparative Economics and Policy MA at UCL SSEES offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the economics and policy of emerging markets, particularly in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. With its strong academic foundation, research opportunities, and career prospects, this program is ideal for those seeking to specialize in comparative economics and policy.

UCL is a top-ranked university with life-changing research and a_x000D_ progressive approach to academia, making it different from the rest. At UCL,_x000D_ postgraduate students learn by doing—shaping the world around them with a_x000D_ hands-on approach.

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