The MSc International Political Economy (Research) offers a multidisciplinary perspective on international economic and power relations, essential to understanding an increasingly globalised world.
The study of international political economy is the study of interactions between markets and politics; the influence of markets on politics and the influence of policy on markets. The Research stream in particular is designed as a preparation for future research work if you're entering the field from another related discipline, or if you wish to focus particularly on methodological training.
The core focus of the programme is international money and international finance, and there's a particular focus on the 2008 financial crisis, its causes and its consequences. Other central topics include international trade and investment, which looks at the drivers of market globalisation and factors which shape the flow of trade and investment, and the international political economy and the environment, specifically, what impedes a genuine agreement on climate change.
Alternatively, we offer the MSc International Political Economy programme, which has the same core course, International Political Economy, but doesn't entail a compulsory methodology course.
Discover more about our students and department.
The Department of International Relations is one of the largest of its kind in the world, home to 500 students, from 30 countries.
Founded in 1927, our department is a leading centre for teaching and research in international relations – ranked second in the UK and fifth globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 .
Many leading thinkers in the field – including Martin Wight, Hedley Bull and John Vincent – have taught in the department and pioneered new developments and thinking in the field. The department also helped found the student-run Millennium: Journal of International Studies – one of the most prestigious international relations journals.
We have around 225 undergraduates, 220 postgraduates and 30 postgraduate research students on our programmes. Our aim is to provide a wide range of study options, covering diverse themes such as major theoretical perspectives on international relations, the study of conflict and conflict management, the work of international institutions and the major regions of the world, from Europe to the Middle East.
We’re proud of the broad international profile of our department – with students and staff from Europe, North America and further afield. As a department we’ve played a pivotal role in training diplomats and academics and we’re proud of their success in various fields.
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in politics, economics, history, international relations or a similar discipline.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
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The English language requirement for this programme is Higher . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.