Political Economy
UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR
A major in Political Economy focuses on critical inquiry into contemporary economic issues, taking account of their connections with social, political and environmental concerns. Political Economy is an excellent background for a wide range of careers such as journalism and the media, economic research, teaching, public service and management.
Political economists study the relationship between the main players in the economy, like transnational corporations, small businesses, national governments, consumers and trade unions. To get a good understanding of how the economy works, they draw on different currents of economic thought - from the birth of capitalism to the modern globalisation era. They study the sources of economic power and how that power is used to change the lives of millions of people.
Study plan
To obtain a major in Political Economy, students must complete the following units of study:
(i) 2 compulsory junior units of study (12 credit points), of which one must be ECOP1001 Economics as a Social Science. The other may be either ECOP1003 International Economy and Finance or ECOP1004 Economy and Society.
Please note: Bachelor of International and Global Studies students should do ECOP1003 International Economy and Finance; Bachelor of Political Economic and Social Sciences students should normally do ECOP1004 Economy and Society.
(ii) 2 compulsory senior units of study (12 credit points); ECOP2011 Economics of Modern Capitalism and ECOP2612 Economic Policy in Global Context.
(iii) At least 4 other units of study (24 credit points) of senior elective units of study.
Graduate opportunities
Sydney Arts and Social Sciences graduates work in government departments at all levels, and major private sector consultancies and corporations, locally and overseas. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers a range of subject areas that prepare graduates for careers in administration, education, business research, marketing, media, management consultancy, public relations, gallery and museum curatorship, hospitality and tourism, community and welfare. Our graduates are proficient in research and inquiry, and demonstrate personal and intellectual autonomy, and ethical, social and professional understanding, qualities sought after by leading employers all over the world.
Further study for major
Eligible candidates may proceed to an Honours year in the Bachelor of Arts, or apply for admission to a rich postgraduate program in the humanities and social sciences, comprising advanced learning and professional courses. Master degrees include capstone projects ranging from internships with government and non-government organisations in Australia and overseas, the gallery and museum sector, and leading media organisations, to opportunities for independent research projects which prepare students for higher degrees by research.
Related subject areas
Economics, Government and International Relations