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The Political Economy program aims to equip the student with the knowledge and analytical skills to understand and examine the inextricable relationship between the political and economic spheres of human activity.
The boundaries established by traditional academic disciplines have worked to artificially divide and separate social reality and impede many important and natural inquiries. Economists have long studied allocation mechanisms in market economies often downplaying the ability of institutions and non-market factors to affect behavior. Conversely, while political scientists study both the development of institutions and potential effects they have on political and non-market events, they typically fail to highlight issues of resource allocation and the interplay with incentives on individuals.
Increasingly complex social conditions call for a more complete understanding of both the political and economic dimensions of social phenomena. Contemporary problems can rarely be approached from one discipline nor can they be classified as solely political or economic in nature. Both market and non-market interactions are influenced by the character and structure of society’s institutions and culture. Power and wealth interact and mutually affect each other.
There is need for professionals with familiarity in both fields of inquiry and capable of adopting a holistic view of man’s complex environment. The MA Political Economy is intended to address this need by enabling students to more closely understand how the two subjects intertwine.
The Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of modern society; encouraging the integrated analysis of social problems and issues, using tools and methods of Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy as informed by an understanding of history and tempered by the appreciation of particular sociological contexts.
The Program stresses the appreciation of competing theoretical perspectives, the consideration of multiple and over-lapping economic, political, and social linkages between and among global actors and events, and the application of this powerful framework to the analysis of a wide range of issues. Students here necessarily learn to consider issues broadly, to see how issues and problems are interconnected, and to engage in critical and creative thinking.
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 The Specialization |
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Globalization has now become a subject for intense debate and concerns nearly everyone and every aspect of life. Trade, capital, information and people increasingly cross national boundaries creating a truly global economy. The MPE program offers a specialization in International Relations and Development (IRD) that allows students to examine the political economy of globalization from several different perspectives. Globalization means different things to different people, and that these differences matter for the way in which we understand, and act within, global economic relations.
The MPE-IRD program’s primary objective is to prepare students for an increasingly interdependent world through the study of international and global issues. The program offers an opportunity for students to assess the sources and implications of international political and economic change and to explore the values and specific actions of private individuals, local communities, multinational corporations, governments and international organizations trying to respond to the challenge of globalization.
The Program is meant to provide students with an understanding of a rapidly transforming international environment and the impact upon developing economies like the Philippines. Students will be introduced to contemporary political and economic trends and will be equipped with the necessary analytical and conceptual skills to better understand these developments.
The Program particularly emphasizes the study of the Asia Pacific region, especially China, the ASEAN countries, Japan, and the rest of East Asia. Particular reference will be placed on contemporary issues and problems facing these countries and the region as a whole.
This graduate program is also designed for students who wish to acquire a practical understanding of methods, concepts, and theories relevant to development issues and problems in both developed and developing countries. Problems of growth, inequality and overall human development confronting governments and communities will be examined. Students will study various theories concerning political and economic development and underdevelopment both at the domestic and international level.
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The Graduate |
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The MPE-IRD Program brings together some of the most important approaches to understanding the social and human world around us and develops several useful skills in preparation for a whole range of future careers and activities. The Program’s primary aim is to prepare students with an interest in international relations and development for positions of leadership in business, government, diplomacy, private consulting, journalism, academe, and other fields.
The Program is also designed to train students for international professional careers as analysts and administrators in business, government and non-profit sectors. These positions require keen analytical skills and an advance inter-disciplinary knowledge of global economic relations and international development issues.
It is intended for those who seek positions and occupations with international exposure, who may be required to work in multicultural settings. For example, the MPE-IRD Program prepares one intending to enter the diplomatic service or private corporations with international exposure in international finance and investment banking. Those seeking to pursue a career path in international organizations, such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization or in a number of International NGOs should consider applying for this program.
The program is designed not only for students who wish to pursue careers in the public sector, international aid agencies, or international organizations but also for those who wish to work in private consulting firms and for-profit companies. In general, the MPE-IRD Program caters to the diverse needs and various career aspirations, both traditional as well as non-traditional, of every student.
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The Careers |
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What Types of Students Has the Program Produced?
MA Political Economy attracts many of the best and brightest students of the
University. Our students exhibit a marked degree of erudition, and are able
to present complex political ideas and compelling political and economic
problems with clarity and vigor. Our students also constitute a diverse
group. Their aspirations in life also vary, e.g., to become consultants,
diplomats, legislators, politicians, corporate lawyers, businessmen,
community organizers, political analysts and private consultants,
professors, researchers, etc. Association with them offers endless
opportunities for sustained and spirited academic interactions and
exchanges.
What are my possible career opportunities?
The Program's multi-disciplinary character allows graduates to enter and
excel in a diverse range of professions. It trains students in critical
thinking, numeracy, research, planning, and policy analysis---skills that
are necessary in most knowledge professions.
Career path options for MA Political Economy graduates include, but are not limited
to, the following:
INTERNATIONAL CAREER The international focus of the program allows
one to prepare for a career in international organizations like the United
Nations (UN), ASEAN, APEC or the World Trade Organization. MA Political Economy
graduates are also well equipped to join multi-national corporations and
international financial institutions. One will also be adequately prepared
to pursue diplomatic careers in the country's foreign service.
LAW Get a law degree and become a lawyer. A course in MA Political Economy is a
good preparation to the rigorous study of law. Many of our graduates who
went on to become lawyers are also distinguished and dedicated public
servants now -- as corporate lawyers, legal officers, career executives and
even political actors.
BUSINESS Business cannot be successful apart from the environment
it operates in. It is necessary to understand and anticipates the changes
and developments around us to ensure a profitable business. A
multi-disciplinary education in Politics is profoundly useful for careers in
banking and finance, corporate and strategic planning, management
consulting, public relations and networking. After all, Politics does not
only teach political knowledge; it imparts practical wisdom as well.
JOURNALISM If you intend to pursue a career in broadcast or print
media, then this program is for you. The program equips you with the skills
to undertake analysis of current domestic and international events.
Likewise, the course provides you with historical background and the
conceptual tools necessary for such high-profile careers.
PRIVATE CONSULTANCY There is a great demand for persons in private
consulting services such as the SGV or Anderson Consulting companies of the
business world for individuals capable with multiple and analytical skills.
As the Philippines continues to move toward globalization, there will be
greater demands for serious and credible studies about the political and
socio-economic environment of public and private sectors.
RESEARCH AND TEACHING In the noble profession of the academe, you
form future generations of leaders by imparting an understanding of the
complex workings of government and politics even as you gain an unparalleled
opportunity to excel in the discipline. Research can also provide a rich
and rewarding professional opportunity for you and will require the steady
and analytic mind of the person trained in this program.
PUBLIC SERVICE For those interested in pursuing careers in
civil-society organizations and in government, this program is for you.
Working in local, national or international non-governmental organizations
is an increasing career choice for many. Walk in the corridors of power or
engage in the formulation of policy that affects the whole country by
joining the executive, legislative or judicial offices or with the national
or local government or even government-owned and controlled corporations. If
you are running in the next elections, what better preparation than this
program.
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University of Asia & the Pacific
Institute of Political Economy
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