Course description
The MA in Political Economy course at The University of Manchester offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy.
The MA is housed in the Centre for the Study of Political Economy, which brings together the world-class research strengths in the field of political economy at the University.
The course is taught by members from across the Faculty of Humanities in the School of Social Sciences, the School of Environment and Development, and the Alliance Manchester Business School.
You will pursue your particular interests in political economy through one of our four pathways:
theoretical political economy;
political economy of society, space and environment;
political economy of finance, business and work; or
political economy of development.
Each pathway offers courses drawn from across the different disciplines in the schools, offering you exposure to the full breadth of the field of political economy.
Teaching and learning
Part-time students complete the full-time course over two years. There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time route.
You must first check the schedule of the compulsory units and then select your optional units to suit your requirements.
Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your unit choices during induction week with your course director.
Career opportunities
Recent MA Political Economy graduates have gone into careers in academia, the civil service, journalism, the NGO sector, and wide range of related positions in both the public and private sectors.
The University also has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.
September 2025
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road,
Manchester,
M13 9PL, NORTHERN ENGLAND, England
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.