Political Economy (subject to approval)

The MA Political Economy is one of the few opportunities to study advanced political economy in the UK. This innovative MA programme draws on interdisciplinary work at the boundary of politics, philosophy and economics to analyse the ability of political and market processes to address economic and ethical problems. The focus of the degree is both theoretical and empirical with an emphasis on comparative instititutions.

KEY BENEFITS

• A truly interdisciplinary course drawing on work in politics, philosophy and economics.
• It offers students the opportunity to acquire specialist introductory training in disciplines distinct from their undergraduate degree.
• It exposes students to a wide range of theoretical approaches in political economy - both mainstream and heterodox.
• It focuses on the inter-relationship between institutional/empirical analysis and standards of ethical evaluation.
• It has close links with the world of politics and policy both in the UK and overseas.
• Located in the heart of London.

PURPOSEThe MA Political Economy reflects King's commitment to developing political economy as a discipline. The MA is particularly suitable for students who want to: * acquire the conceptual tools necessary to engage with contemporary domestic and global affairs at an advanced level. * develop the skills needed to make lateral connections across and between fields of study – skills which are required not only for careers in academic research but also increasingly for employability in the public, civil and private sectors. * develop the rounded approach to learning and personal development which an interdisciplinary environment can bring. There are no disciplinary prerequisites for entry to the programme.

DESCRIPTION

This new MA programme will enable students to:

• Aquire the core background in economic and political theory necessary to engage in the interdisciplinary enquiry of political economy.
• Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of rival theories in both positive and normative poliotical economy.
• Develop the interdisciplinary skills necessary to engage with debates about the ability of political and market process to address economic and ethical dilemmas.
• Apply key political economic concepts to a range of subject areas including comparative political economy, economic development, constitutional analysis, crime and punishment, and distributive justice.

The programme is designed around core taught modules on Key Concepts in Contemporary Political Economy and an independent dissertation.

A range of option modules are offered, enabling the student to specialise and develop in-depth knowledge of various sub-fields within political economy.

The Department of Political Economy is the only such department in the UK and provides a unique opportunity to study this interdisciplinary terrain in an environment uniquely designed for that purpose.