Political Economy (Research)

Although this is a full-time degree programme, it is expected that students undertaking relevant work will be able to complete the programme if they have a first degree in a related subject.

This MA programme is aimed at graduates with a strong interest in the history of economic ideas and the application of economics to questions of public policy. It offers the opportunity to study in detail a range of ideas in self-guided fashion and to conduct a significant piece of independent research on a particular topic of the student’s choice.

Online seminars will cover topics on Adam Smith; David Ricardo; John Stuart Mill; Alfred Marshall; the marginalists and neoclassical economics; Karl Marx; Friedrich Hayek and the Austrians; J.M. Keynes; James Buchanan, Gordon Tullock and public choice theory; the Frankfurt School; behavioural economics; the environment and the debate on sustainability.

The programme is not primarily vocational in orientation, although possession of the award is likely to enhance the careers of school and FE teachers and policy advisors at local and national levels. It could also lead naturally on to further study and research at doctorate level. It is particularly envisaged that the programme will appeal to candidates of all ages who are attracted to the subject area for its intrinsic interest and wish to pursue a structured learning experience in a sympathetic environment.