MSc in International Financial and Political Relations

The contemporary world is connected by global networks of finance as never before, yet it remains a world where nation-states still exert control. Global flows of money are thus pivotal in the making of our modern world, yet are shaped by regulation in geographically-specific ways to produce an iniquitous financial landscape of opportunity and threat.

In this programme, this intersection of finance and politics is explored by way of an overview of the changing nature of finance systems and the governance of the global economy, with a specific focus on the forms of moneyspace created within Europe.  Combining the disciplinary expertise of geographers, economists and political scientists, this programme thus provides a unique understanding of  the making of the contemporary world.

Who should apply?

This programme has vocational relevance for those seeking employment in government, commerce or industry, and has has been designed for recent graduates in social science disciplines, as well as business people, government and voluntary sector employees, planners, teachers and local community representatives who are interested in extending their knowledge and skills.

What will I gain?

• An understanding of contemporary globalization as it is manifest in geographies of finance

• An appreciation of the working of current banking and financial markets

• An awareness of the way forms of governance shape the political economy

• Skills acquisition in globalization-based research, IT and internet use -

• An ideal multi-disciplinary grounding to pursue doctoral research in the social sciences (geography, international relations, sociology, women’s studies, economics, development studies)

It consists of eight modules:

• Globalization: key ideas and issues – how globalization has been
  conceptualised and explored across the social sciences

• Researching Global Flows: applies practical training skills to research in global economic and political change

• International Relations – an introduction to political theories of international change

• Research Communication – enhances skills in data presentation and writing-up

• Research Methods I and II – an introduction to selected quantitative and qualitative methods

• The Financial System – develops an understanding of financial markets and systems

• Banking and Financial Markets – focuses on financial innovation in the banking sector

• The European Union and the Global Political Economy – explores the ways that the EU seeks to regulate the spaces of Europe

• Dissertation – based on individually supervised personal research on the topic of globalization.

Full and part-time

All the globalization Masters programmes can be taken on a full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months) basis and involve a combination of lectures, small-group classes, practical and project-based teaching and learning. Distance learning methods are tailored to meet individual participants’ needs.

How will my work be assessed?

Assessment is based upon examinations, essays, practical reports and an extended fieldwork report (dissertation). In the dissertation, students may undertake research that relates to any special interests of their own organisation.


WHY STUDY GLOBALIZATION AT LOUGHBOROUGH? (PDF)

Further details and how to apply