Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Political Economy at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. 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
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Social Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities by the UKâs top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024). Our MA Political Economy gives you the specialist knowledge and skills required for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors, such as in: local and central government; international and supranational institutions, such as the UN and the EU; research, policy, think-tanks, institutes, and NGOs; management and policy consulting. You will also acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, academic writing, and communication and teamwork. Recent graduates have succeeded in organisations such as: The House of Commons; Manchester City Council; The British Army; KPMG; BNY Mellon; Boeing; Princeton University. Another popular option is to continue specialising for a career in research and universities through a PhD in Politics or in another related field. The University has its own dedicated, award-winning Careers Service where you can benefit from tailored careers support, practice interviews, CV and application support, job listings for Manchester students, and much more. Better yet, you will have access to our Careers Service both during your course and for two years after you graduate, so we know youâre on the right path.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Study a masterâs in Political Economy at a university ranked top 10 in the UK and top 40 worldwide for Politics and for Economics (Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2025). Pursue your own areas of interest with a choice of four distinct pathways: Theoretical Political Economy; Political Economy of Society, Space and Environment; Political Economy of Finance, Business and Work; or Political Economy of Development. Join one of the UKâs largest and most prestigious politics departments, situated in a uniquely political city. Graduate from one of the UKâs most targeted universities by top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024). Seamlessly transition from master's to PhD study through a fully-funded 1+3 pathway with our prestigious ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).
Open days
The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses. During the open day, you will have the opportunity to find out more about the School of Social Sciences, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have. For more information, see open days and visits .
Contact details School/Faculty School of Social Sciences Contact name School of Social Sciences Admissions Office Telephone +44 (0) 161 306 5500 Email pgt-politics@manchester.ac.uk Website http://www.manchester.ac.uk/politics School/Faculty overview See: School Subjects
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Politics
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline. When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English language
Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements: IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5 TOEFL IBT 100 with 25 in writing and no further score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757 Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 76 overall, with 76 in writing and no further score below 70 Further information on accepted language requirements can be found here . Pre-Sessional English Courses We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you will be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course. To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores: 6 Week Pre-Sessional Course : IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no more than one sub-skill of 6.0. 10 Week Pre-sessional Course : IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 or above in each sub-skill If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate to ensure that you are eligible for a separate visa for the English language course.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course. Applicants from Majority English-speaking countries If you are a national of a  majority English-speaking country   (or have studied for a full bachelor's degree or higher from one of these countries) you may be exempt from submitting further evidence of English language proficiency.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students, the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our country-specific information page   for guidance on the academic and English language qualifications which may be accepted from your country.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 17,000/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MA (full-time) UK students (per annum): £18,400 International, including EU, students (per annum): £29,900 MA (part-time) UK students (per annum): £9,200 International, including EU, students (per annum): £14,950
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees iinformation . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For information on available scholarships please visit: Masterâs Fees and Funding
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CSFP) General Scholarship
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MA (full-time) UK students (per annum): £18,400 International, including EU, students (per annum): £29,900 MA (part-time) UK students (per annum): £9,200 International, including EU, students (per annum): £14,950
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees iinformation . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For information on available scholarships please visit: Masterâs Fees and Funding
- Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CSFP) General Scholarship
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)