MSc International Political Economy

Program Overview

The MSc International Political Economy program delves into the multifaceted dynamics of the global economy, encompassing trade, finance, globalization, and the interplay with environmental, social, and political issues. It prepares students for careers in research, academia, or policy analysis in international organizations, government agencies, and NGOs. The program offers a combination of core modules and elective options, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: MSc International Political Economy
• Program Level: Graduate Taught (level 9 NQF, credits 90)
• Program Description: This program explores the international trade, monetary and finance systems, the processes of globalization, the impact of emerging economies, and the causes and consequences of economic underdevelopment.
It probes the linkages of the global economy with international environmental, human rights, gender, and migration issues. The program includes core modules covering both the 'British' and 'American' schools of IPE. It also includes additional research components and is particularly suitable for those seeking a career in research or academia.
• Program Outcomes:
• Allow students to participate in debates around both the theory and practice of IPE.
• Boost students' research and writing skills.
• Develop methodological research expertise.
• Develop oral presentation skills.
• Enhance group work skills.
• Enhance students' skills in policy analysis.
• Familiarize students with a comprehensive knowledge of leading issues in International Political Economy.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The MSc International Political Economy is a 90-credit program.
Full-time students must take three 10-credit modules in the autumn trimester and three 10-credit modules in the spring trimester. Students must also submit a thesis worth 30 credits that will be written during the summer trimester.
• Part-Time Program: SPIRe part-time programs run for 2 years, and students normally do 1-2 modules per semester.
The final 30-credit module is completed during the second year of the program. Please note that part-time programs run during the day and are not timetabled in the evenings or at weekends.
• Core Modules:
• POL40950 Introduction to Statistics (Autumn)
• POL42530 The Politics of International Trade and Investment (Autumn) (NEW)
• POL40370 International Political Economy (Spring)
• POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science (Spring)
• Option Modules:
• Autumn:
• POL40050 Theories of International Relations
• POL40140 Theories of Global Justice
• POL40160 Comparative Public Policy
• POL40540 Comparative European Politics
• POL41020 Politics of Human Rights
• POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa
• POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies
• POL42040 Gender & the Political System
• POL42070 Politics of (mis-)information
• POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation (5-Credits) (NEW)
• POL42550 Feminist Theory (NEW)
• POL42570 Connected_Politics 1 (5-Credits) (NEW)
• Spring:
• DEV40020 Gender and Development
• POL40100 Politics of Development
• POL40610 EU Foreign, Security, and Defence Policy
• POL40970 Politics of European Governance
• POL41030 Theory of Human Rights
• POL41720 Gender Peace and Security
• POL41860 Governance, Politics and Development
• POL41910 Political Violence (NEW)
• POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis
• POL42060 International Security
• POL42340 Programming for Social Scientists
• POL42350 Connected_Politics 2
• POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity (NEW)
• POL42500 Politics of Authoritarianism
• POL42560 AI and Large Language Models (NEW)
• Summer Trimester Core Module:
• POL42310 Thesis (30 credits)
• Important Note: POL42570 & POL42540 must be taken together.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Thesis:
A 30-credit thesis is required for all students.
• Module Assessments: Each module likely has its own assessment methods, which may include exams, essays, presentations, and other forms of coursework.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program likely employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
These provide a structured overview of key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: These offer opportunities for interactive discussion and critical analysis.
• Workshops: These provide practical skills development and hands-on experience.
• Guest Speakers: These bring real-world perspectives and insights to the program.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in International Political Economy.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes a critical and interdisciplinary approach to the study of International Political Economy.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in:
• International Private-Sector Employers:
This could include roles in multinational corporations, investment banks, and consulting firms.
• Government Agencies: This could include roles in ministries of foreign affairs, trade, and finance.
• NGOs: This could include roles in international development organizations, human rights groups, and environmental organizations.
• Specific Career Examples:
• Government Social Researcher
• Public Affairs Consultant
• Political Advisor
• Recent Graduate Placement Examples:
• United Nations, New York and Geneva
• World Trade Organisation
• Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei
• Asia Development Bank
• IMF
• Dutch-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Program Availability: The program is available in both full-time and part-time options.
• Program Duration: The full-time program is 1 year in duration, while the part-time program is 2 years in duration.
• Program Intake: The next intake for the program is September 2024/2025.

MSc International Political Economy (W293) Full Time EU fee per year - € 10100 nonEU fee per year - € 22600 MSc International Political Economy (W294) Part Time EU fee per year - € 6420 Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. SPIRe operates a Graduate Scholarship programme, which opens on May 1st. To access details, see SPIRe Graduate Scholarship Scheme.