Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Government. This one-year full-time (or 24 months part-time) Master of Arts (MA) program in Political Economy is an intellectually rigorous course that provides students with a deep and wide-ranging understanding of the contemporary political economy. The program, run jointly by the Departments of Government and Economics, focuses on exploring theoretical debates in economics and finding solutions to critical real-world economic problems. It encompasses a wide variety of topics such as market failure, environmental policies, the quality of governance, monetary policy choices, trade policy, and industrial development. Students examine how institutions shape the behavior of political actors and how political decisions influence markets, and vice versa. Core modules typically include "Comparative Political Economy," "International Political Economy," and "Research Design." Students also have a great deal of choice for optional modules from both the Department of Government and Department of Economics. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct a significant piece of independent research under expert supervision, developing strong research and analytical skills.

Career options for graduates of this program are diverse and highly valued in various sectors. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in academia, consulting, government (local, national, international), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (e.g., World Bank, UN), think tanks, and public policy analysis. Roles can include policy analyst, economic researcher, political risk analyst, or positions within public administration and research. The strong emphasis on developing research skills and methodologies, combined with an understanding of complex global economic and political issues, provides a competitive edge in today's job market.

The University of Essex is a forward-thinking university with a diverse international community, offering a rich and inclusive learning environment. Essex is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, ensuring students are taught by academics at the forefront of their fields who are actively engaged in impactful research. The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, providing a balance of campus life and access to a major global city. The Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research, and publication, consistently highly rated in national assessments.