Master of Political Economy
Unparalleled knowledge of the important trends underlying the global economy
About this course
The Master of Political Economy focuses on how economic life is shaped by political, institutional, social, cultural and historical factors, and explores different theoretical traditions to ask a variety of questions about markets, the state and households.
Who is it for?
For those seeking a career in economic analysis and research, the Master of Political Economy will provide you with a deep knowledge of current economic challenges and trends.
Studying Political Economy
Key information
Duration
1.5 years full-time
(Available part-time)
Not available to student visa holders.
Intake/s
Location
Camperdown/Darlington University of Sydney
Study mode
Face to face
Additional information
Credit points
Total amount of credits points required to complete this course. All subjects have a credit point value to indicate their contribution towards completing the course.
Career paths
The program provides students with a foundation in political economy relevant to a range of professional employment settings. Our graduates enjoy careers in government and international agencies, business, leading research institutions, the community sector and the media.
With this qualification, you may explore a career as:
- Policy analyst and researcher for government, think tanks, consultancies, peak industry bodies
- Business and government consultant
- Public sector positions
- Economics and business journalist
Our graduates can be found in:
- State and Federal Treasuries
- ACCC, ASIC and the Australian Energy Regulator
- Leading Australian think tanks
- Private tech companies
- Offices of Federal Politicians
- Leading Australian Media companies
- Peak Industry Associations
- Non-government organisations
- Labour unions
What you’ll study
The Master of Political Economy is a postgraduate coursework degree that will develop your critical analysis and communication skills and will enable you to engage with a range of theoretical perspectives and their practical applications in all areas of public policy.
You will complete Core and Selective units in Political Economy, and a Capstone unit comprising either a dissertation or a research project. Your degree may also include a specialisation in Country Risk Assessment, Social Research or Global Political Economy.
Core units of study survey the history of economics as a discipline, economic theory, research and Australian political economy. Additional units allow students to explore a range of specialist areas in political economy, including environmental economics, business cycles, country risk, economic development and wellbeing, China in the global economy and other topics. There are also opportunities for interdisciplinary study.
Why study with us?
Learning from leading political economists
The University of Sydney has the largest number of political economists in Australia, and is affiliated with world-renowned scholars such as Greece’s former Finance Minister, Honorary Professor Yanis Varoufakis.
You will learn from leading academics that have worked with and advised the Asian Development Bank, Energy Australia, Sydney Water, the Federal Government, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority, and the Australian Institute.
Many of our distinguished academic staff have recognised international standing and include Federation Fellows and Fellows of Learned Academies and Societies.
Fees
*How this is calculated
Admission criteria
1
Qualifications
Mandatory for course entry
Entry in the 1 year or 1.5 year degree program is determined by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) criteria below:
Admission to candidature for the Master of Political Economy (1.5 years full-time) requires:
- a bachelor's degree with a minimum credit (65%) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in the Social Sciences, or an equivalent qualification
Admission to candidature for the Master of Political Economy (1 year full-time) requires:
- completion of the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Political Economy with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification; or
- an Honours degree in a relevant discipline; or
- relevant professional work experience and a bachelor's degree with a minimum credit (65%) average or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course.
2
English language requirements
Mandatory for course entry
You may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study with us. Find out which requirements are applicable to you below:
How to apply
Submit application
Submit an application through our portal.
Closing dates
Semester 1
31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2
2 August of the commencing year (2024 applications only).
