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The world is changing rapidly, amplifying the need for experts who can respond to the world’s most pressing policy challenges. City, University of London‘s School of Policy & Global Affairs (SPGA) highly-rated courses equip students with the knowledge and skills to make sense of an increasingly uncertain world facing profound geopolitical, environmental and socio-economic transformation.
Located in the heart of London, one of the world’s greatest political and financial centres, SPGA offers a unique learning experience. With roughly 2,000 students and 100 staff, the school is alive with a rich exchange of ideas among a diverse range of local and international scholars. Students from all backgrounds are welcome, aligning with the university’s core principles of promoting education, well-being, and employability.
SPGA draws upon the strengths of three established departments: Economics, International Politics, and Sociology and Criminology. Led by world-class academics, their research is directly integrated into the curriculum. 86% of research submitted by City academics was rated as world-leading (4*) and internationally excellent (3*) quality in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. REF is a system for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
What better way to achieve your potential and aspirations? SPGA’s postgraduate programmes do just that while catering to your professional interests. Specialisations are available in six MSc programmes in Economics, encompassing. International Business Economics, Health Economics, Economics, Financial Economics, and Economic Evaluation in Healthcare. The school also offers four MA programmes in International Politics, including International Politics and Human Rights, International Politics, Global Political Economy, and Diplomacy and Foreign Policy. Rounding out the programme offerings are an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a brand new MSc in Data, Policy and Society.
In today’s data-driven world, organisations across sectors – tech companies, governments, NGOs, and think tanks – require professionals who can analyse, interpret, and effectively present data. The MSc in Data, Policy and Society equips you to assess data use across industries, with modules on digital data politics, digitalisation of everyday life, and inclusive design.
The specialist knowledge you gain at SGPA will help you solve challenges in the real world. Source: City, University of London
SPGA offers courses addressing real-world issues, enabling students to tackle key challenges and contribute to policy formation in today’s fast-evolving landscape. Regardless of the programme you choose, what you’ll learn will correspond closely with the real world.
The Department of Economics helps students translate their passion for economics into career-boosting practical expertise through specialisations in economic theory, business economics, health economics, and development economics. For those unsure of their specific path within economics, a general Economics programme allows students to explore various fields before choosing a specialisation.
The university takes employability seriously. “We live in a world where there’s heaps and heaps of data on our behaviour, firms’ behaviour, and companies need to know how to harness that power,” says Dr. Alejandro Riaño, Director of Postgraduate Studies. “Instead of asking students to regurgitate the formula in an exam, we ask them, here’s data from a real company, from a real country, analyse it. What do you see? What are the recommendations that you can make? We provide the students solid foundations on economic theory and develop the skills needed to succeed in the job market.”
Graduates from the Department of International Politics are poised to become the next generation of experts who can weave through the interplay of economic, political, and social forces impacting multiple countries and regions. The Global Political Economy programme, for example, covers issues like global inequality, tax evasion, and financial crises. You’ll gain the ability to critically assess the relationships between markets, governments, and international networks, equipping you to navigate the complexities of global capitalism in the 21st century.
Many SGPA academics are active researchers and industry experts Source: City, University of London
Some SPGA students have gone on to forge exciting careers in multinational corporations, consultancies, government roles, and NGOs.
The Department of Sociology and Criminology equips graduates with the methodological expertise to understand social change, tackle critical social issues, and work towards a more just society. Even if you lack a background in criminology, you’re welcome to join the programme. “The vast majority have not studied criminology at the undergrad level,” says Dr. Gary Armstrong, Programme Director. “So we have a very wide range of students who, I believe, make the course most interesting because of the range of experiences that they can bring to the study and the issues that we address.”
The best part? Whichever programme you choose, you’ll have the chance to learn from world-leading educators, many of whom are active researchers and industry experts. Their vast knowledge spans political economy, international relations, global finance, and social issues like crime and justice. Their research informs not only academic discourse but also provides valuable insights to policymakers, activists, and the business sector.
For those aiming for more, they can access a range of career support services. Find out other reasons why SPGA degrees are the postgraduate key to your career success.
Interested? Explore our courses. Or apply now
