The MPE-IRD takes the form of a thoughtfully integrated set of courses in the social sciences and humanities leading to a Master of Arts degree in Political Economy with a specialization in International Relations and Development.

The Program covers a variety of courses on theory, concepts and practical approaches to the study of domestic and international policy issues. The student will be equipped with higher analytical and research skills, including the ability to use qualitative and quantitative data. From these courses, MPE-IRD students learn how to analyze various issues and problems within an applied theoretical framework that enables them to contextualize their future work within a much broader and multidisciplinal perspective.

Those who complete this program should be able to prepare clear, logical and objective assessments of issues facing decision-makers; to make well-argued and well-supported presentations of such assessments and proposals; to work effectively and ethically as a member of a team; and to provide sustained and authoritative leadership as required in any organization. In the end, the graduate should demonstrate the ability to analyze a complex question, bringing to bear both the depth of their knowledge and the breadth of their liberal arts education.

The MPE-IRD is oriented towards both theory and practice. In the third year of the student’s stay in the University and upon entry into the program, the student is introduced to the concepts and theory in both politics and economics. The study of Politics will acquaint the student with the institutions that make crucial decisions that govern our lives as members of nations, states and other political groupings. An appreciation of economics and the general workings of the economy have become increasingly necessary to make sense of government policymaking, the conduct of businesses, and central questions about production and consumption.

In the following two years, the student goes through a number of core courses in political economy and specialized courses in international relations and development, which includes methodological courses that will equip him with analytical tools. These include:

Core courses

• Approaches to the Study of Politics
• Political Institutions and Dynamics
• Theories of Political Economy
• Managing Governance
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Social Ethics
• Research Methods
• Practicum

• International Relations
• International Economics
• Comparative Politics
• Economic History
• International Political Economy
• Political Economy of Development
• Public Policy Analysis
• Theories of Development and Underdevelopment
• Politics of International Trade
• Politics of International Finance

The Program also provides 18 units of elective subjects, which offer seminar courses on contemporary political and economic issues. They provide students with an in-depth view of various policy questions and allow them to explore its dynamics at both the national and global level. Of these 18 units, 6 are considered free electives, i.e., students are allowed, subject to the approval of the academic adviser, to enroll in courses offered by the other schools and institute in the University. This option provides students with the flexibility to chart their field of specialization.

The Program also provides the opportunity for the student to apply his training in the real world through the MPE-IRD’s internship program. The student is exposed to the actual practice and operation of a particular organization or office during the summer period. Interacting with practitioners allows him to observe first-hand the working environment and complement his theoretical knowledge of the field.