University of Sussex, MA, Global Political Economy

International relations and security draws on Sussex’s recognised reputation for interdisciplinarity. Working this way allows you to collaborate with colleagues from other disciplines, and to develop new understandings of the concept and issues of international relations and security. 

Sussex was ranked in the top 3 international relations departments in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 95 per cent of our research was rated as internationally recognised, higher than any other UK department. 

Fundamental questions are being raised as to the ability of the global political economy to cope successfully with an ever-increasing number of challenges such as climate change, financial instability, food crises, energy, security, and the rise of new economic powers. This MA is uniquely placed to analyse the impact of these contemporary transformations. 

You examine the historical emergence of the global political economy, contemporary transformations such as globalisation and environmental challenges, the changing nature of global governance, and the implications of the current economic crisis for the nature of the capitalist system and the global distribution of wealth and power. 

Sussex is one of the leading UK centres for research in global political economy. The Centre for Global Political Economy provides a unique forum for original interdisciplinary research on global politico-economic change. Also, many MPs have graduated from Sussex.

Research placements

The School of Global Studies offers you support in finding a research placement, allowing you to gain experience in an area of work relating to your subject of study and to acquire practical skills in preparation for a professional career. Research placements run over a 12-week period in the summer term and vacation. If you take a research placement, you have the opportunity to write a dissertation based on your experience.