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Political Economy

Coursework

The Political Economy postgraduate degrees introduce students to key economic debates within their social, political and institutional contexts. The approach is pluralist, encouraging students to critically analyse issues and engage with a range of theoretical perspectives and their empirical applications.

You will study issues such as country risk, globalisation, financialisation and fragility, economic and social policies, development and trade, economic and environmental sustainability, labour and migration, developing economies and economic inequality.

Our degrees are designed to encompass and support a range of training and experiences – including media, business, government policy, social and community work and public health. Our students and staff reflect this diversity and bring a variety of perspectives to the classroom.

Awards and requirements

Please refer to the course rules in this handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.

Master of Political Economy
Candidates for the Master of Political Economy are required to complete 72 credit points including:

  • a minimum of 18 credit points from core units of study
  • a minimum of 18 credit points from selective units of study
  • a maximum of 24 credit points from elective units of study
  • a minimum of 6 credit points of capstone units of study
  • an optional specialisation as listed in the unit of study table


Graduate Diploma in Political Economy
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Political Economy are required to complete 48 credit points including:

  • a minimum of 12 credit points from core units of study
  • a minimum of 12 credit points from selective units of study
  • a maximum of 18 credit points from elective units of study


Graduate Certificate in Political Economy
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Political Economy are required to complete 24 credit points including:

  • a minimum of 6 credit points of core units of study
  • a maximum of 18 credit points from selective units of study
Learning outcomes

At the completion of the Master of Political Economy, a student will be able to:

No. Learning outcome
1 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the core concepts, methodological approaches, analytical tools and historical origins of the principal schools of economic thought.
2 Examine quantitative and qualitative data to understand political economic challenges and to construct alternative policy prescriptions.
3 Apply competing economic theories to explain the historical and contemporary evolution of capitalist economies.
4 Recognise the ethical, social, and professional responsibilities of social scientists and the value-laden character of economic thought.
5 Evaluate dominant explanations or narratives for contentious and significant social phenomena from different traditions of political economy.
6 Demonstrate effective oral, visual and written skills for communicating political economic enquiry and debate, in collaboration with others.
7 Conduct independent research and enquiry using a body of knowledge of theories of political economy to design and implement analyses of relevant issues.
8 Demonstrate extensive and diverse primary and secondary research skills in the construction of a sustained piece of original research.
Reduced volume of learning (RVL)

Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below.

Level of prior learning

Full-time duration

Credit points to complete

Requirements for completion of degree

AQF Level 7 e.g. a bachelor's degree in a directly relevant field in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Medicine

1.5 years (dependent on the specialisation selected)

72

 

Relevant professional experience 

N/A

N/A

Reduction in requirements may be granted on a case by case basis by Departmental approval up to a maximum of 24 credit points.

AQF Level 8 e.g. Honours in a relevant discipline

1 year

48

 

 

Contacts and further information

Website: Department of Political Economy
Coursework coordinator: Dr Susan Schroeder
Phone: +61 2 9351 3666
Email:

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