Graduate Certificate in Political Economy
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Graduate Certificate in Political Economy exposes students to both the technical economic debates shaping our world, and the socioeconomic context in which they occur. This depth of inquiry enables a more holistic comprehension of economic questions, from issues of power and inequality, the forces of globalisation and their impacts on national economic policy settings, to trade-offs between the free market and broader social concerns.
Taught by the largest group of political economists at any Australian university, and as the only course of its kind nationally, the Graduate Certificate in Political Economy program provides unparalleled knowledge of the important trends underlying the global economic climate. This unique degree complements a broad range of training and experience, preparing graduates with the necessary skills for careers across the business, journalism, social, community and public sectors.
Recognised as a leading centre for economic analysis and research, the Graduate Certificate in Political Economy at the University of Sydney attracts a diverse spectrum of social scientists seeking a deeper knowledge of economic issues and perspectives. This program is also suitable for those holding existing qualifications in economics, business or finance wanting to understand the social context and alternative perspectives on economic processes.
You’ll acquire a multifaceted understanding drawn from pluralist and at times conflicting perspectives. Core units on research methods of political economy are matched with the opportunity to specialise in particular issues, including trade regulation, finance and economic change, migration, human rights and development.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Full units of study list
- DVST6901 - Development: Critical Perspectives A
- DVST6902 - Development: Critical Perspectives B
- DVST6904 - Rethinking Poverty
- ECOP6012 - Country Risk Analysis
- ECOP6015 - Global Employment and Migration
- ECOP6016 - China in the World Economy
- ECOP6018 - Economic Development: Growth & Wellbeing
- ECOP6031 - Research in Political Economy
- ECOP6101 - Core Concepts in Political Economy
- ECOP6103 - Strategic Debates on Economic Change
- ECOP6108 - Economic Management for Sustainability
- ECOP6130 - Human Rights & International Development
- PACS6907 - Gender and the Development of Peace
- PACS6911 - Key Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies
- USSC6905 - US Economic Policy and Regulation
Further course information
Study plan
The Graduate Certificate in Political Economy requires the satisfactory completion of 4 units of study (24 credit points) (cp), including 1 core unit of study (6cp): ECOP6101 Core Concepts in Political Economy, ECOP6103 Strategic Debates in Economic Change, or ECOP6031 Research in Political Economy. Other units are chosen from the list of approved electives.
Graduate opportunities
These degrees in Political Economy are unique degrees designed to combine effectively with a range of other training and experience - including journalism, business, social and community work and public health. Our students reflect this diversity and bring their perspectives to the debates. Students with excellent results can progress to research degrees in Political Economy.
Admission
Admission requirements
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Certificate in Political Economy requires:
(a) a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sydney, with a major in the Social Sciences, or an equivalent qualification; or
(b) evidence of a minimum of three years’ recent, relevant, professional experience.
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent. For the admissions criteria see section 5, Admission to candidature, of the course resolutions
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, apply through UAC - click on the 'Apply now' icon on this page to proceed with your application.
Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply:
(i) directly to the University via the International Office. Further information on applications and English language requirements and support services for international students is available on the International Office website; or
(ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Note: International students are required to enrol on a full-time basis.
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Certificate in Political Economy.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Certificate in Political Economy.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.