Acquire unparalleled knowledge of the important trends underlying the global economy through the Master of Political Economy.
Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
Gain extensive knowledge of key trends underlying the global economy and its transformation. Analyse economic issues in their social and political contexts and from a variety of perspectives. Develop an understanding of issues such as power and inequality, globalisation and its impact on national economic policy settings, and the trade-offs between the free market and broader social concerns.
The Department of Political Economy is a leading centre for economic analysis and research. The Master of Political Economy will provide you with a deeper knowledge of current economic challenges and trends.
Taught from a range of heterodox economics traditions, our approach promotes dialogue and synthesis with other social science disciplines. Subjects include country risk, wealth and income inequality, labour migration, environmental sustainability, finance and fragility, trade and development.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year (to be considered for CSP, you must apply by 15 January)
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year (to be considered for CSP, you must apply by 30 June)
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
Candidates for the Master of Political Economy are required to complete 72 credit points, including:
Recognition of Prior Learning / credit for previous studies is available for this course, refer to Admission requirement below.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
You can choose from a year-long supervised writing of a 10,000 word Dissertation on a topic of your choosing, or a semester-long Research Project which will provides you with the opportunity to conduct a supervised research project of your own design, drawing on the theoretical perspectives in Political Economy introduced earlier in the course and exploring issues previously encountered in greater depth.
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:
Admission to candidature for the Master of Political Economy (1 year full-time) requires:
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.
Graduates enjoy careers in government and international agencies, business, leading research institutions, the community sector and the media.
Our graduates can be found in:
