The Department of Political Economy program at the University of Sydney offers unparalleled insight into the key trends underlying the global economy and its transformation. Designed and taught by the largest group of political economists at any Australian university, this program looks at economic questions in their social and political context and from different theoretical perspectives. You will gain a deep understanding of issues of power and inequality, the forces of globalisation and their impacts on national economic policy settings, and trade-offs between the free market and broader social concerns. You will also engage with issues such as: finance, economic and social policy, development and trade, economic management for sustainability, labour and migration, regional economies and economic rights.
The program introduces you to a pluralist approach, drawing on competing theories. During your study you will engage with issues such as:
- globalisation
- finance
- economic and social policy
- development and trade
- economic sustainability
- labour and migration
- regional economies and economic rights.
Political economy combines effectively with a range of other training and experience, including journalism, business, social and community work and public health. You will join students who reflect this diversity and bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the debates.
A CHOICE OF QUALIFICATIONS
You can study political economy at the level of a master’s degree, graduate diploma or graduate certificate.
In all three courses, you will benefit from core studies in political economy concepts, China’s role in the world economy, human rights, international development, global employment and migration.
MASTER OF POLITICAL ECONOMY
The only course of its kind in the region, the Master of Political Economy attracts a diverse spectrum of social scientists seeking a deeper knowledge of economic issues and perspectives. This program is also suitable for those holding existing qualifications in economics, business or finance who want to understand the social context and alternative views on economic processes.
Acquire a multifaceted understanding as you undertake core units on research methods of political economy. You will be exposed to the technical economic debates shaping our world, and the socioeconomic context in which they occur.
You will also have the opportunity to specialise in particular issues, including trade regulation, finance and economic change, migration, human rights and development.
Course structure
Completion of the master’s degree requires 72 credit points (12 units of study). This comprises:
- a minimum of 18 credit points (three units) from core units of study and
- a minimum of 18 credit points (three units) from core elective units of study and
- a maximum of 24 credit points (four units) from elective units of study* and
- a minimum of six credit points (one unit) from a capstone unit of study.
*With the permission of the degree coordinator, a maximum of 12 credit points can be taken as elective units from units of study outside those listed in the Political Economy subject area of the postgraduate unit of study table, including units of study offered by other faculties.
Capstone experience
You also have the option of completing a long essay/project on an approved topic with a value of six credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.
Duration
Domestic students: 18 months full time/up to six years part time.
International students: 18 months full time.
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN POLITICAL ECONOMY
The Graduate Diploma in Political Economy gives you the opportunity to complete a foundation qualification in the discipline, with the opportunity to upgrade to the Master of Political Economy, subject to faculty approval.
Course structure
Completion of the graduate diploma requires 48 credit points (eight units of study). This comprises:
- a minimum of 12 credit points (two units) from core units of study and
- a minimum of 12 credit points (two units) from core elective units of study and
- a maximum of 18 credit points (three units) from elective units of study.
Duration
Domestic students: one year full time/up to four years part time.
International students: one year full time.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN POLITICAL ECONOMY
If you want to sample the Political Economy program, you could consider enrolling in the graduate certificate, with the opportunity to later upgrade to the graduate diploma and then the Master of Political Economy, subject to faculty approval.
Course structure
Completion of the graduate certificate requires 24 credit points (four units of study), including at least one core unit:
- Core Concepts in Political Economy or
- Strategic Debates in Economic Change or
- Research in Political Economy.
You can choose other units from the list of approved
electives.
Duration
Domestic students: six months full time/up to two years
part time.
International students: six months full time.
UNITS OF STUDY
Core units of study
- Core Concepts in Political Economy
- Strategic Debates on Economic Change
- Research in Political Economy
Core elective units of study
- China in the World Economy
- Economic Development: Growth and Wellbeing
- Economic Management for Sustainability
- Finance and Economic Change
- Global Employment and Migration
- Human Rights and International Development
- Dissertation Part A
- Dissertation Part B
- International Trade Regulation
- USA-Europe-Japan: Trade and Investment.
Elective units of study
- Academic Communication for Postgraduates
- Australia in Diplomacy, Defence & Trade
- Democracy and Development in SE Asia
- Development: Civil Society and Wellbeing
- Development: Communication and Education
- Development and World Politics
- Globalisation and Governance
- Identity Place and Culture
- International Industrial Relations
- Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies
- New Debates in Social Theory
- People, Work and Employment
- Population and Security
- Religion, War and Peace
- Rethinking Poverty
- Microeconomic Theory
- Macroeconomic Theory
- Social Science of Environment
- The Human Right to Food.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Master of Political Economy
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65 percent) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in the social sciences or an equivalent qualification.
Graduate Diploma in Political Economy
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 60 percent average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, including a major in the social sciences or an equivalent qualification.
Graduate Certificate in Political Economy
You need either:
- a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sydney, with a major in the social sciences, or an equivalent qualification or
- evidence of a minimum of three years’ recent, relevant professional experience.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
IELTS: A minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band.
TOEFL paper-based: A minimum result of 600 overall including a minimum result of 4.5 in writing.
TOEFL IBT: A minimum result of 100 overall including a minimum result of 22 in reading, listening and speaking and 23 in writing.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply online, after selecting your preferred course.
Course code: MAPOLECN2000
Graduate Diploma in Political Economy
Course code: GNPOLECN2000
sydney.edu.au/courses/graduate-diplomain‑political‑economy
Graduate Certificate in Political Economy
Course code: GCPOLECN1000
MORE INFORMATION
Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator
Email: bill.dunn@sydney.edu.au
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