MSc International Political Economy MSc International Political Economy (Research)

About the MSc programmes

These programmes are intended for graduates with a good first degree in politics, economics, history, international relations and other degrees with similar content.

The MSc International Political Economy is an advanced, academic study of the subject and would be suitable if you plan to progress to a career that might have an international focus. The MSc International Political Economy (Research) is designed as a preparation for future research work if you are entering the field from another related discipline, or if you wish to focus particularly on methodological training. It is not necessary to decide which programme you prefer until you submit your option choices in the Michaelmas term, normally in mid-October, unless you intend to apply for ESRC funding, in which case you will need to have decided to study the research programme and state this on your application form. If you do not apply for, or do not get, ESRC funding, it may be possible, depending on your choice of options, to change programmes up to the end of the first term of the programme.

The majority of the teaching takes place in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. You must also submit a 10,000 word dissertation by 1 September.

For those interested in taking the LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree in International Affairs, comprising of a one year MSc programme at Sciences Po, Paris followed by MSc International Relations or International Political Economy, see LSE-Sciences Po Double Degree|.

Applicants should note that these programmes focus on political economy and do not specialise in international economics. Although economic concepts are taken very seriously, the focus is firmly upon the political determinants and effects of economic outcomes.

Compulsory courses

• International Political Economy
• Dissertation

Research track only

• Comparative Political Economy
• Foundations of Social Research – this paper comprises three modules:
• Quantitative Analysis
• Fundamentals of Research Design
• Qualitative Research

Options

(* half unit)

Choose two full units for the non-research track only:  

• Turkey: Political Economy and European Integration*
• International Political Economy of the Environment
• Economic Diplomacy
• The Politics of Money in the World Economy
• The Political Economy of International Trade
• Comparative Political Economy
• Chinese Foreign and Security Policy

Please note that the options are not necessarily available every academic year. Applicants who are offered a place will be notified on the departmental web page (lse.ac.uk/internationalRelations) of any course which will not be available in their year of study.

You may take other relevant courses with the approval of your supervisor.

You may find it helpful to read the International Relations Department's FAQs| for prospective MSc IPE/MSc IPE (Research) applicants.