MSc Political Economy of Europe (formerly European Political Economy)

About the MSc programme

The programme is an historically grounded, multi-disciplinary analysis of European integration and the post-communist transformation process, driven by teachers of academic distinction, with experience of policy making in Europe.  In the degree, students focus on the main theories and models of political economy relevant to the process of European integration and of transition in Central and Eastern Europe, and on major trends in the economic and political development of contemporary Europe.

Students take compulsory courses to the value of one and a half units and optional courses to the value of one and a half units, plus a compulsory dissertation. Students can choose from specialist courses in aspects of political economy; institutions, politics and policies of the EU; Central and Eastern Europe transition and reform; European identity and ideas; and regional courses. In addition, all students must take Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Design to prepare for the dissertation. Students must also attend European Union: Contemporary Issues- a programme of guest lectures from distinguished outside speakers, including business leaders and policy makers . Students can expect an average of 180 hours of teaching.

Former graduates pursue successful careers in politics, journalism, diplomacy, business and in international financial institutions. Students from this programme are actively head hunted by companies and international organisations working in the region.

Applicants for the MSc European Political Economy should have a good upper second or first class degree, or a GPA of 3.5 or better in any of the social sciences, including contemporary history and international relations. 

Compulsory courses

(* half unit)

• European Political Economy
• Concepts in Political Economy*
• Dissertation

Options

Choose at least one of the following:

• European Models of Capitalism*
• Patterns of Economic Integration in Europe: Institutions and Politics of EMU*
• The Political Economy of Transition and EU Accession in Central and Eastern Europe*
• The Political Economy of European Welfare States*
• Interest Representation and Economic Policy-Making in Europe* 
• Political and Fiscal Integration and Disintegration in EU Member States*

Choose up to the value of one full unit from the following:

Institutions, Politics and Policies of the EU  

• The Economics of European Social Policy*
• European Union Law and Government*
• Policy-Making in the European Union*
• Economic and Social Policy in Mediterranean Europe* 
• Europeanisation: the Comparative Politics of Domestic Change*
• Law and Governance of the Single European Market  
• Migration and Mobility: EU Law and Politics*
• Politics of Social Policy: Welfare and Work in Comparative Perspective* 

European Identity and Ideas

• The Idea of Europe*
• The West: Identity and Interests* 
• Europe Beyond Modernity* 
• Public Policy Responses to International Migration*
• The Philosophy of Europe*
• Democracy, Ideology and the European State* 

Regional courses  

• Greece and the European Union*
• Greece and South East Europe: Government, Economy and Foreign Policy*
• The Political Economy of Southeast Europe*
• Turkey: Political Economy and European Integration*
• Economic History of Southeastern Europe and the Middle East, 1820-1970*

Option from another degree programme (maximum one half unit)