International Political Economy BSc (Hons) • City, University of London

This course is for 2021/22 entry. 2022/23 entry is also available.

Key information

International Political Economy examines the ways in which conflicting real-life issues the economy, politics and society can be reconciled. It combines the study of economics, politics, international relations and social sciences. Developing sought-after analytical skills, our first-of-its-kind degree prepares you for careers in the public and private sector.

Start date

September 2021

UCAS code

4J80

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years with placement year

Institution

City, University of London

Location

Northampton Square

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:

6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component

EFL requirements grade B in GCSE (or International GCSE)

PTE Academic: 59 overall with a minimum of 59 in each component.

English language programmes

Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

Apply now

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Course overview

Our International Political Economy BSc is designed to meet increasing demand for an interdisciplinary course that prepares students for both the public and private job markets.

This bespoke programme – the first degree in IPE in the UK – provides training in a range of conceptual and analytical skills. These will help you analyse the challenges facing decision-makers in business and politics in the global age.

You will be able to analyse complex dynamics of the global markets, financial systems and national political structures. You’ll have the skills and knowledge to draw connections between economic, political and social processes driving major changes on the global scene.

Study politics, the economy and society as a whole, developing a fully integrated understanding of the world’s changing economic and political topography
Receive interdisciplinary training from the largest concentration of world-renowned experts in IPE and related fields
Benefit from our close links to business, the financial sector, policy-makers and think tanks

Develop data literacy, analytical skills and in-depth understanding of micro- and macro-economic theory that are sought-after a wide range of careers.

Structure

Course content

During the three years of this degree, you will take an integrated approach to studying politics, the economy and society, with interdisciplinary teaching from across the social sciences.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Placements

Year 1

Study key issues in economics and political economy, the basic tools of micro- and macro-economics, and social data and statistics.

Studying Politics (15 credits)

This module introduces you to some of the big ideas and fundamental questions that are central to the study of politics, international politics and international political economy and which help us to make sense of the world around us.
Introduction to Political and Economic Data Analysis (15 credits)

This module helps you develop a critical approach to statistical claims and the analysis of quantitative data. The module will be problem based – with different weeks focusing on the analysis of different sets of data.
Principles of Economics I: Markets and Prices (15 credits)

It introduces you to the fundamental concepts in economics by focusing on different types of markets and factors influencing the price-setting mechanism.
Principles of Economics II: Countries and Systems (15 credits)

This module introduces students to the major concepts, topics and debates on aggregative economic systems, including national economies and international economic relations.
Introduction to Political Economy (15 credits)

This module provides an introduction to the great tradition of political economy. It begins with classical thinkers, then focuses on the revolutions in economic thought.
The Making of Modern World Economy (15 credits)

This module provides a theoretically informed overview of how the modern world economy emerged.
Puzzles of Comparative Politics (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the logic of comparative politics: what is it? What questions can you ask in comparative politics? What does it mean to think comparatively?
Introduction to Politics (15 credits)

Introduction to Politics will give you a broad overview of how politics is contemporarily studied as an academic discipline.
Introduction to Political Theory (15 credits)

This module teaches you how to study politics normatively. It covers central ideas in the study of political theory at an introductory level while also considering the distinctive method of study in political theory.
Politics and Power in the 20th Century (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce you to the dynamics of global politics and power, with a focus on developments in world history.
Emerging Powers/Emerging Issues (15 credits)

This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to the dynamic and changing character of global power, with a special focus on rising powers and the challenges they face and constitute to “the West”.
Myth and Mysteries of World Politics (15 credits)

This module provides a basic introduction to a range of questions and debates that define contemporary global politics and the study thereof.
International Relations Theories (15 credits)

This module provides you with a focused introduction to a range of theories underpinning the study of global politics. It begins by exploring ‘traditional’ theories and the ongoing debates between them before examining a range of ‘critical’ theories.
Politics of Britain (15 credits)

This module provides you with an overview of politics in the British modern state, focusing on the key institutions of British politics, political culture and political ideas and ideologies.

Year 2

Develop the key skills of a political economist. Study key approaches to economic analysis and learn to apply an analysis to real-world phenomena of political-economic interest.

Transnational Social Movements (15 credits)

Provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of transnational social movements, and to enable you to assess their nature and impact in respect of a wide range of contemporary global political issues.
Advanced Theories of Global Politics (15 credits)

The course covers the latest debates within the rationalist sphere. In addition, the module explores institutionalist approaches and contemporary critical theory.
States and Markets in the Era of Globalization (15 credits)

This module discusses the forces that are currently shaping the world economy, with specific emphasis on the diverging political and social responses to globalisation.
Security Studies: Conceptual Approaches (15 credits)

Provides an overview of the main conceptual approaches to the study of international security, and their contribution to the analysis of a number of contemporary international security threats, challenges and conflicts.
Security Studies: Contemporary and Emerging Issues (15 credits)

This course provides you with the opportunity to critically engage with some of the more pressing international security issues in today’s world and will also explore existing solutions to contemporary international security issues.
Foreign Policy Analysis : Theories and Issues (15 credits)

This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive review of a variety of issues and problems in the study of foreign policy by engagement with the theoretical and practical dimensions of Foreign Policy Analysis.
Foreign Policy Analysis: Instruments and Practice (15 credits)

This module provides you with a comprehensive review of the dynamics, processes and implications of foreign policy implementation, and gives you the opportunity to assess how foreign policy tools are employed and their impact.
Religion and Politics in the Age of Global Change (15 credits)

This unit, far from being a course on comparative religion or on the sociology of religion, will address the interplay between religion and politics throughout history with a focus on the 20th and 21st centuries.
Comparative Political Economy (15 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide a survey of the key political economy concepts, issues, and theories that shape democratic and non-democratic systems.
Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics (15 credits)

In this module you will engage with several contemporary debates in the field of comparative politics. Some examples of topics that might be covered in this module include state formation; democracy, authoritarianism, and democratisation.
Politics of the USA (15 credits)

This module provides you with a comprehensive overview of the American political system, focusing on the intersection between the main actors and ideas that shape political outcomes.
Comparative Asian Politics (15 credits)

The module will comparatively examine the historical origins and outcomes of systems of government, strategies of economic development as well as the sources and impact of corruption across Asian states.
Analysing Political and Economic Data in the Real World (15 credits)

This module focuses on the ways in which we can understand major issues in political economy through real world data.
Advanced Principles of Economics: Financial Markets and Corporate Systems (15 credits)

This module continues to analyse key concepts and approaches to economic theory, and focuses on two major areas of international politics economy: the firm/corporation and the financial market.
Political Risk Analysis (15 credits)

The module explores the ways in which political risk is analysed and managed by different political organizations and decision-makers.
Violent Politics: Riots, Civil wars & State repression (15 credits)

The module will raise and address a number of key questions related to the role of political violence in contemporary politics: E.g. Why do individuals take part in violence? Why do different countries face different types of violence?
Political Psychology: Reason & Emotion in Politics (15 credits)

The module will introduce you to the growing field of political psychology. It will explore how insights from psychology can help us understand important political phenomena, such as decision-making, political ideology and voting behaviour.
Theories of International Political Economy (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to the main theories and concepts of international political economy (IPE). It provides in-depth knowledge of the rich intellectual history of IPE as it has developed over time.
Practical Politics (15 credits)

This module aims to place employability into the context of Politics by helping you develop the career readiness and practical skills necessary for careers political graduates commonly go onto.
Fifty Shades of Red – Russia in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

This module introduces you to political, social, and cultural developments in modern Russian history, and encourages you to consider how the Soviet experiment influenced the history of Russia and the world, and how we should relate to it today.
Ordering the World: International Thought in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

This module explores the history of ideas of World Order in western internationalist thought during the twentieth century.
The American Century: The United States in the Twentieth Century (15 credits)

This module will help you understand and assess the evolving role of the United States as a world power.
Cultures of Benevolence: Philanthropy and Civil Society from 1601 to the Present (15 credits)

The module will examine the many political, economic and social functions of philanthropy and voluntary action from the early modern period to the present day.
The Making of Modern Japan (15 credits)

This module considers how the politics, economics, society, and culture of Japan developed from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, with a particular emphasis on modernisation, diplomacy, conflict, and culture.
India in the Eighteenth Century (15 credits)

This module will examine the period of the great Mughal Empire, and its collapse, reflecting on the nature of the English Company and why it successfully adapted to territorial rule.
New Media Challenges (15 credits)

A sociological analysis of major spheres shaping and shaped by the development of ICTs and the Internet.
Understanding Social Change (15 credits)

Introduces you to a range of debates about the ways in which social change is affecting us today, including the emergence of modernity and how this brought about new forms of social inequality, new identities and new patterns of social conflict.
Contemporary Social Theory (15 credits)

This module focuses on the development of social theory in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
Sociology of Race and Racism (15 credits)

This module will allow you to develop an understanding of sociological theories about race and racism and their application to the analysis of specific social phenomena.
Humanitarian Reporting (15 credits)

This is a module which examines how we understand and explain faraway disasters.
Data Journalism (15 credits)

Equips students with the skills to work as data journalists, such as basic research skills, data analysis skills, and data visualisation tools to take a story from conception to online realisation.

Year 3

Deepen your professional understanding and expertise by conducting independent research on topics related to your own professional interests. Apply your analytical skills to a range of theoretical and empirical issues in international politics.

Final Year Dissertation Project (45 credits)

The first part of the module aims to guide you through the process of choosing a thesis project and developing a thesis proposal. The second part of the module aims to guide you through the process of finishing a thesis project.
The Global Politics of Forced Migration (15 credits)

The module addresses key themes in international politics (governance, globalisation, security, international (non)cooperation, regionalism and the global political economy).
Advanced Topics in International Political Economy (15 credits)

The module aims to cover a variety of issues and problems in international political economy. Potential topics may include: the offshore world and globalization, theories of money, economic historiography and climate change.
Global Governance (15 credits)

This module examines the mechanisms by which collective problems and global issues are managed at the global level in the absence of global government.
International Politics of the Middle East (15 credits)

Provides a critical understanding of the key dynamics shaping the International Politics of the region since 1918, focusing on processes of state and ideology formation, the foreign policy of key states, conflict, external powers, and the impact of globalization.
American Foreign Policy (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to American power in the world and its foreign policy through a combination of theory, institutions, and case studies.
The Global Political Economy of Development (15 credits)

This module bridges international politics and political economy to demonstrate the role of international organizations in promoting domestic political institutions and social welfare policies needed for promoting development.
Political Change in Europe (15 credits)

The module examines a broad range of social and political developments and changes taking place in contemporary Europe, with a focus on the process of European integration and a range of political actors and institutions involved.
Governance of the Global Economy (15 credits)

You will be introduced to key concepts and analytical perspectives to the study of global economic governance, and critically apply these concepts and theories to the analysis of the governance of key areas of the world economy.
Global Money and Finance (15 credits)

You will address many topics, such as the problems of money and the financial system in the global economy, the origins and different meanings of ‘money’ and the approaches to financial instability and regulation.
Global Ethics: Power and Principle in World Politics (15 credits)

This module seeks to introduce you to the traditions of ethical thought in international politics by looking at pressing issues faced in today’s world, such as state and non-state violence that exceeds territorial boundaries.
The Theory and Practice of Conflict and Peace (15 credits)

This module provides an introduction to how national decision-makers and diplomats have pursued war and peace since the early twentieth century with the aim of applying theory to illuminate key historical cases.
Technology, Money, Power (15 credits)

This module introduces the key concepts, approaches, and debates in this field, and to provide an opportunity for in-depth study of the cultural logics at work in one or more aspect of contemporary capitalism.
Political Economy of Global Inequality (15 credits)

This module explores wealth and income inequality from a historical and global perspective. In particular, the module examines inequality within countries, between countries and among citizens of the world.
Ethnicity and nationalism: Global comparisons (15 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the major theoretical approaches and problems in the study of ethnicity and nationalism.
Geopolitical Macroeconomy (15 credits)

By taking this module you will expand your research skill-set, and learn how to analyse and compare existing policy tools of macroeconomic strategy and planning, fiscal and monetary interventions.
Advanced Political and Economic Data Analysis (15 credits)

This module further develops your understanding of the fundamentals of statistical data analysis.
The Multinational Corporation: Governance, Politics, Ethics (15 credits)

This course will apply your knowledge of economics and politics to the multinational corporation, helping you to understand the real world of the corporation and its social, political, ecological and economic influence.
Sexuality and Gender in World Politics (15 credits)

This module provides tools to analyse how the power dynamics of world politics are closely intertwined with and draw on the dynamics that shape the gendered and sexual hierarchies.
Practical Politics (15 credits)

This module aims to place employability into the context of Politics by helping you develop the career readiness and practical skills necessary for careers political graduates commonly go onto.
Radicals and Reformers: LeftWing Politics and Activism in Britain and the World since 1945 (15 credits)

This module will introduce you to left-wing politics, political parties and protest movements in Britain since 1945.
Revolution: Rebels and Riots in Modern History (15 credits)

Provides an overview of the history of the major revolutionary moments that occurred between the Atlantic Revolutions and WWI, and examines the history of revolutionary movements.
Comparative Empires in the Modern Era (15 credits)

This module explores the history of modern imperialism, focusing on the development of the European, Japanese, and American empires in the 19th and 20th century.
The Holocaust in History and Memory (15 credits)

This module examines the origins, implementation, and aftermath of the Holocaust as it unfolded across the European continent, paying particular attention to the divergent perspectives of perpetrators and victims.
Disruptive Divas. Riot Grrrls and Bad Sistas: A History of Women in Popular Music (15 credits)

The module will introduce you to concepts of gender history and politics as well as to the historical study of popular culture.
Poverty: What Counts? (15 credits)

Introduces: the conceptualisation of UK poverty, how to understand and critically evaluate the different approaches to the quantitative measurement of UK poverty, the practical measurement of approaches using SPSS, and, social surveys.
Global Migration Processes (15 credits)

This module introduces students to a key sociological and global phenomenon. This module allows students to develop a global and in depth understanding of this issue, and some of the economic, political and social factors that shape it.
International News (15 credits)

This module explores the contemporary international news system, the political and financial forces that shape news content, and examines globalization and the digital revolution, and how these are changing traditional news practices.
Reporting Business (15 credits)

This module provides you with an opportunity to explore the role and practices of finance and business specialist journalists.

Placements

You can choose to undertake a work placement for one year between years two and three. The degree awarded is a BSc (Hons) International Political Economy with Integrated Professional Training.

Download course specification:

BSc International Political Economy

Teaching and assessment

Our educational aims are achieved through a combination of:

Lectures and Interactive sessions
Practical workshops and small group classes (tutorials)
A personal tutorial system.

Lectures

Lectures are used to provide commentary on and explanation of key content areas. Small group classes are used to develop understanding by inviting students to raise questions and participate in the debate and by providing guidance for further study.

Personal tutorial system

Lecturing and teaching is supported by a personal tutorial, mentoring and supervision system, and from your second year of study, with an organised research seminar series with outside speakers, both professional and academic.

Third year UG students are also invited to attend PhD workshops organised by doctoral students in the Department of International Politics and specialised events (e.g. workshops, conferences) hosted by City Political Economy Research Centre (CITYPERC).

Independent study

In order to understand the topics covered in lectures and classes and to broaden and deepen your knowledge, you are required to undertake extensive reading and independent study.

This course will include an average of ten contact hours per week (eoght teaching face-to-face hours and two office hours with module leaders and tutors).

This amounts to around 200 contact hours during the academic year. In addition, you will be expected to undertake 20 independent study hours per week (around 400 per year). Some of these hours will include use of online learning tools such as Moodle.

Academic staff

The staff within our Department of International Politics are research active, enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Often this research and influence leads to policy change and many media appearances. Find out more about International Politics staff.

Watch our academics talk about China's future on Al Jazeera.

You can follow our staff’s activity through their Twitter feed: @cityintpolitics

Assessment methods

Assessment is by coursework (assessed essays and assignments), team projects, presentations, unseen examinations and the final year dissertation.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:

Assessment

Year 1

Written examination: 27%

Coursework: 73%

Year 2

Written examination: 19%

Coursework: 81%

Year 3

Coursework: 100%

Written examination: 0%

Overall workload

The BSc in IPE will include an average of 10-12 contact hours per week (8-10 teaching face to face hours and two office hours with module leaders and tutors). This amounts to around 200 contact hours during the academic year.

In addition, you will be expected to guided under take independent study hours. Some of these hours will include use of online learning tools such as Moodle.

The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:

Workload

Year 1

Scheduled learning: 15%

Independent learning: 85%

Year 2

Scheduled learning: 14%

Independent learning: 86%

Year 3

Scheduled learning: 11%

Independent learning: 89%

Fees and funding

Fees for year 2021/22

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£15,700

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2021/ 22 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase, which is normally 2%.

Funding options

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Fee waivers are available for this course.
Means tested support is available for 2021/22 entry.

Future finance loans

Future Finance offers students loans of between £2,500 and £40,000 to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. All students and courses are considered. All loans are subject to credit checks and approval for further details please visit our finance pages.

Career

A degree in International Political Economy is designed to prepare graduates for a career in the public or private sector.

You will develop highly sought-after analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of politics and economics. You will be able to analyse complex dynamics of the global markets, financial systems and national political structures.

As a result, graduates will be suited to a wide range of career options including:

Global corporate sector
Banking
Finance
Civil Service
International diplomatic corps
Global media
International organisations.

How to apply

Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Apply now

You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.

www.ucas.com

You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.

Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.

UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.

You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £23 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £12.

For general enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.

Telephone lines are currently open between 10am - 3pm.

If your enquiry is about admission to a particular course, please use the contact details provided on the course page.

When to apply

Your application for entry in September 2021 should arrive at UCAS between September 2020 and 29^th January 2021. Applications that arrive after 29^th January 2021 will be considered only at City's discretion.

Contacting UCAS

Website: www.ucas.com

Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ

Telephone:

from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468

For callers with hearing difficulties:

from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.

Our students

Italian Alumna Lara shares her experiences of studying at City, University of London and how she has progressed onto her postgraduate degree at London School of Economics. 2 minutes

Key information

Entry requirements

UK

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INTO City, University of London

Kaplan International College (KIC) London

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