Political Economy of Capitalism

The Master in the Political Economy of Capitalism offers an innovative programme of study in political economy that is unique in Europe and goes well beyond the narrow limits of traditional teaching in mainstream economics. The programme offers students a distinctive and stimulating intellectual breadth in terms of economic theories and methods, the objects of economic inquiry as well as its normative conclusions. It incorporates the socio-political and historical foundations of economic activity as an explicit part of its curriculum. To that end, it is enriched by perspectives from other social sciences, notably from sociology, political science and history, but only to the extent that they are concerned with economic phenomena such as the social relations that incorporate a trade or monetary dimension, that influence the distribution of economic resources or that shape the allocation of power. For that reason, the Master in the Political Economy of Capitalism is designed for students who are seeking a solid foundation in political economy rather than a multidisciplinary programme. The curriculum is organised around a core group of obligatory courses that will give students a solid grounding in the political economy of capitalism. Students then develop basic knowledge and skills in three areas of inquiry by choosing from a selection of courses in comparative political economy, economic history and international economics. Finally, they have the opportunity to tailor their programme to their own interests by choosing from a list of optional courses. As an integral element of their Master's degree, students will write a dissertation based on their own original research in political economy, conducted under the supervision of an instructor in the programme, with the option of continuing their research in political economy by writing a doctoral dissertation being available to excellent students.