MSc International Political Economy at University of Aberdeen

Programme overview

The MSc in International Political Economy (IPE) is designed for those seeking to engage with the pressing economic and political challenges of our time, from financial crises and trade disputes to global inequality and sustainable development. You will be equipped with the knowledge and analytical skills to critically assess the structures, hierarchies, and power dynamics that govern finance and trade, drive globalisation and economic nationalism, and shape the distribution of wealth and poverty within and across states, regions, and the world. This course has both January and September start dates.

Duration: 1 year (12 months) or 2 years (24 months) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Intake: September / January | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1 compulsory courses: International Political Economy and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen.

Career pathways

Careers relating to International Political Economy involve policymaking and research in organizations working in the fields of development, health, energy law and migration.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body in International Relations, Politics, Economics, Management, Business Studies, Law, Geography, History or cognate subject deemed appropriate by the School of Social Science. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study e.g. government officials, members of UK or other armed forces, officials of International Organizations and business executives. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.2 but with 2.2 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,100 a year (2026/27). UK fee. Reduced rate (University of Aberdeen Graduates): £7,000. Source

International applicants: GBP 23,000 a year (2026/27). EU / international fee. Reduced rate (Self-funded Students): £15,000. Source

Intake: September / January

Duration: 1 year (12 months) or 2 years (24 months)

Apply through the official page: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/

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