Program Overview

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Overview

The International Political Economy MA course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to understand and analyze key global economic challenges and debates. The course explores key themes in contemporary international political economy, such as the growing tensions between the globalizing world economy and the traditional nation-state, and the persistence and causes of poverty.

What You'll Learn

As a student on this course, you will develop:

• Knowledge of the more important approaches and methods in social science research and the techniques required to carry out advanced research
• Theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials from a variety of primary and secondary sources

Modules

You will study modules on this course, including:

• Theories and Theorists of International Political Economy
• Thinking About Politics
• Dissertation
• Optional modules, such as:
  • Global Sustainable Futures: Solutions, Concepts, and Skills
  • Creative Methods in Social Science
  • Political Geographies of the Middle East
  • Geographical Inequalities and Policy
  • Migration, Displacement and Global Challenges
  • Cybersecurity Law and Policy
  • Public International Law
  • Law and Emerging Technologies
  • Social Media Regulation: Law, Policy and Society
  • Heritage Processes: global perspectives, practices and politics
  • European Union: Policy and Politics
  • Theories of International Relations
  • American Foreign Policy
  • Global Justice and Human Rights
  • Development, Environment and International Politics
  • Critical Geopolitics
  • World Politics and Popular Culture
  • The United Nations: Policy, Politics and Power
  • Principles of Data Science for Political Research
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Theoretical Foundations
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Public Policy Projects
  • Problem Solving for Defence (H4MoD)
  • Public Policy in Practice: from the Local to the Global
  • Power and Policy: Understanding Impact
  • Global Security: Politics, Space and Society (P)
  • Critical Approaches to Environment and Society
  • Global Sex Global Race
  • Inequalities: Issues and Intersections
  • Perpetual Wars? Crime, Policing and (in)Security

How You'll Learn

Teaching usually takes place on Newcastle University's city centre campus, but may include some online delivery. Small group seminars create a highly positive and intimate learning environment.

Assessment Methods

Depending on your modules, you will be assessed through a combination of:

• Dissertation
• Essay
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Written exercise

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for Politics and International Studies - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

As a Politics student, you will be based in the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

• Qualification: MA Full time: £11,400 (Home students), £26,500 (International students)
• Qualification: MA Part time: £5,700 (Home students)

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Degrees from all disciplines will be considered. We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience.

Qualifications from Outside the UK

Please check the university's website for specific requirements.

English Language Requirements

Please check the university's website for specific requirements.

How to Apply

Before You Start

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course, but we recommend that you apply by the start of September.
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500.

Programme Codes

• Qualification: MA Full time: 4031F
• Qualification: MA Part time: 4031P

Using the Application Portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.