Program Overview

Introduction to the Economy, State and Society: Politics and the International Economy MA (International)

The International Master's in Economy, State and Society (IMESS) is a two-year postgraduate programme offered by a consortium of leading European universities, leading to the award of a highly prestigious double degree. Students will spend their first year at UCL's School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) and their second year at a partner university in the Central and East European region.

Programme Details

• Location: London, Bloomsbury for year one and either Belgrade, Budapest, Helsinki, Krak, Prague, or Tartu for year two.
• Study Mode: Full-time.
• Duration: 2 calendar years.
• Programme Start: September 2026.
• Tuition Fees:
  • UK students: ｣15,400 (2026/27).
  • Overseas students: ｣27,400 (2026/27).

Entry Requirements

• 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.
• Applicants are usually expected to have studied a minimum of macroeconomics, microeconomics, and quantitative methods/statistics in their degree.
• English language requirements: Level 2.

Course Overview

The programme is designed to attract and challenge the brightest students, as well as professionals wishing to retrain to acquire European expertise and meet the challenges of the changing global environment. It offers a unique opportunity to study the economies, states, and societies of the wider European region in both London and the SSEES region.

What the Course Will Give You

• An integrated study programme with the first year spent at UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) and the second year at one of the partner universities.
• Access to a specialist library, which is unrivalled in the UK, and a central London location providing an ideal environment for research.
• Excellent opportunities for networking and career development through close contacts with employers, policymakers, and alumni.

Careers

Graduates of the programme progress to careers in governmental or international organisations, and many specialise in finance, commerce, analysis, or consultancy. Others begin careers in diplomacy, journalism, or in non-governmental organisations. Some have continued to further study with many students undertaking PhDs.

Employability

With an international outlook and experience, graduates are well-placed to work across global markets and organisations. They acquire transferable skills such as critical reasoning, independent thinking, and the application of theoretical concepts, which strongly place them to find employment in international organisations, and particularly careers which cross international boundaries and value linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Teaching and Learning

• Teaching Methods: A combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and research supervision.
• Assessment: Written examination, coursework, and dissertation; language courses involve an oral examination.
• Contact Hours: Approximately 8-10 contact hours each week during term time for full-time students, with additional hours for those undertaking language modules.

Modules

• Compulsory Modules: SSEES MA Dissertation Preparation.
• Optional Modules:
  • Quantitative Methods.
  • Understanding and Analysing Data.
  • Financial Development.
  • Public Choice - Private Interest.
  • Qualitative Methods.
  • Political Economy of International Business.
  • Trade and FDI Policy with Reference to Eastern Europe.
  • Advanced Quantitative Methods.
  • Corporate Finance and Investment in Emerging Markets.
  • The Economics of Property Rights.
  • International Macroeconomic Policy.
  • Inequality Dynamics in Modern Capitalism.
  • Russian Politics.
  • Baltic Politics and Society.
  • Governance and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe.
  • Migration and the European Union.
  • Poland: Plural Perspectives.
  • Nations, Identity and Power.
  • IMESS: Language Centre Module.
  • Popular Culture and International Politics.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees: As mentioned earlier.
• Additional Costs: Students will need to budget for living costs for both their first year at UCL and the second year abroad, which may vary depending on the country. Visa costs should be factored in if applicable.
• Funding Opportunities: A number of IMESS scholarships are available to Home and International students. All applications received by the specified deadline will be automatically considered for the IMESS Scholarship.

Next Steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding should take note of application deadlines. All applicants are required to complete the IMESS Supplementary Questionnaire in place of the personal statement.