Program Overview
The Master of Arts in International Political Economy: Critical Theories at University of York is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of York. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in social sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in social sciences.
Key Program Features
Why choose International Political Economy at York?
Gain a deeper understanding of today's most pressing issues. Stand on the shoulders of history's intellectual giants, such as Karl Marx and Adam Smith. You'll learn about the different approaches to the study of international political economy. In the process, you'll discover new ways of exploring ideas.
Study across the full breadth of the subject area. Our modules cover a wide range of topics, from policy-making to public finances, and international trade to migration. You'll not only analyse traditional state-centred models of governance, but also works that encourage critical reflection on these approaches.
Craft an interdisciplinary perspective with a wide range of option modules. This course is highly customisable. You can tailor your degree to focus on the topics that interest you most. You'll also have the opportunity to study modules taught by other academic departments. This includes the Department of History and the School for Business and Society . By doing so, you'll have the chance to tackle problems from new and diverse perspectives.
Be supported by internationally-renowned experts. Our staff regularly contribute to news media and advise governments and institutions across the globe. Their research informs their teaching and spans the full breadth of the discipline. From classic thinkers to debates over contemporary trade policy and trans-national financial regulation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZlyWgSYFX0
Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
A York Politics degree is recognised by employers worldwide. Our students go on to careers in international organisations, the media, law, the civil service, politics, journalism and business.
The skills you'll acquire through the study of international political economy will leave you well prepared for further study or work in a wide range of sectors, from social and political research to journalism, marketing and HR.
Career opportunities
- External affairs officer
- Parliamentary affairs assistant
- Civil Service Fast Streamer
- Diplomatic services officer
- Policy officer
- Political risk analyst
Transferable skills
- Independent research skills
- Evidence analysis
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
- Time management
Program Curriculum
Course content
You'll study 180 credits in total. The course consists of:
- a core module
- option modules
- independent research dissertation
Taught modules will run throughout Semester 1 and 2, with your core module running in Semester 1 and option modules each semester. You'll complete your dissertation during the summer, supported by dissertation workshops in the early stages of writing.
Modules Dissertation Modules Core modules You'll take the following core module: Theories and Issues in International Political Economy Option modules You will also study five option modules. Examples can be found below. Themes & Theories in International Relations Global Governance European Public Policy Conflict and Development Africa and International Politics Challenges to Policy Making in Democratising Countries Global Development Politics Justice, Legitimacy and Democracy Critical Theory The Political Economy of Global China Theories and Policies of Development Governance Governing for the Environment The Making of the Contemporary World: History, Politics and Ideas since 1945 Introduction to Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis Introduction to Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis Leading and Managing Change Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation During the second semester and vacation you'll consolidate your interests in a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Regular meetings with your assigned dissertation adviser will help guide you through the dissertation process, and support you in the exploration of your chosen topic. You'll also have the opportunity to present your dissertation at our research seminar presentation workshops. Previous dissertation titles have included: The effectiveness of coalitions in the WTO: leadership, tactics and strategies What role have grassroots movements played in the rise of Podemos in Spain and what role can they play towards electoral success The North American Free Trade Agreement: The social dynamic within the political and economic integration of North America "Who don't listen, does fool" The impact of promised oil on Guyanese institutions: Lessons from Nigeria Kazakhstan and the WTO: exploring the foundations of effective trade integration A critique of the Keynesian use of the state for resolving the economic crisis of 2008 Constructing the crisis differently. Why we need a new economics: a gendered analysis Organised labour and neoliberalism in Mexico: clash of ideas or fusion of interests?
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent. We are willing to consider applicants with lower qualifications, particularly if you have high marks in relevant modules and/or appropriate professional experience. Additional information may be requested. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,290/year (international)
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £26,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,450 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-25
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)
