Michael's student perspective (UK)

The MA in Global Political Economy brings together a truly international cast of students from diverse backgrounds including politics, economics, anthropology, sociology, international relations and journalism. Rather than duplicate the course outline, I'll try to explain what has made GPE such a refreshing and rewarding experience for a disaffected economics student.

Firstly: historical context. Maths and stats are very useful, but on their own cannot explain (to take one example) international finance, without an understanding of the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system and the resulting emergence of the US Treasury-bill standard. Sam Knafo's course has provided the historical perspective crucial to any understanding of this and many other issues.

Secondly: scrutinising theoretical assumptions. In the Contemporary Theories module, we received an in-depth crash-course in the various competing worldviews in the social sciences. The perspective of neoclassical economics - interactions between atomised utility-maximising subjects - is revealed as just one among an enormous number of possible starting-points, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, for attempting to understand the society in which we live. These have been given a lucid (and often entertaining) exposition by Professor Kees van der Pijl.

And finally: a very friendly, diverse, intelligent group to discuss and debate with.

Michael Hamilton
MA in Global Political Economy

Deepthy's student perspective (India)

This course is ideal for those who want to engage with the manifestation of theory in contemporary world politics. And when you have a class with representation from nearly all parts of the world - some 'super powers', few 'great powers', also some 'emerging powers' - the mix could not be more perfect. The lectures and seminars never had a moment of silence, where no one contributed, or new insights were not arrived at. And with a teaching faculty that coaxes you to explore beyond the core academic readings, the experience becomes holistic. Even assignments are not just term papers that you churn out at the end of the term. Instead, there are practical assignments that ensure learning is not restricted solely to the readings but into interpreting them and applying them to real life situations. I chose to study at the University of Sussex after a fair bit of thought and research - I think I made the right choice - flexibility in the course and the option to marry theory with practical application were the two most important aspects that influenced my decision. And now I can say with hindsight, as a part of the first intake of Geopolitics and Grand Strategy students, that this is course was tailor-made for professionals like me.

Deepthy Menon
MA in Geopolitics and Grand Strategy

Migena's student perspective (Albania)

"Why IR at Sussex?"

Studying International Relations in a multinational environment is a unique and valuable experience. The life of a Sussex student is an enjoyable combination of the academic and the social, and I am profiting greatly from both aspects. From the academic side, I am acquiring knowledge, a process which crucially involves the confrontation and testing of one's existing views, and forming constructive critical dialogues with other students and teaching staff. On the social side, I am meeting many new people and finding a place amongst a network of fellow students. I am living in a culture and society which is different from my own, but I am able to be myself and thoroughly enjoy it. The relationships I am forming now, personal and professional, will be long-lasting and beneficial.

Migena Pengili
MA International Relations

Scott's student perspective (USA)

I came to the University of Sussex, and the field of International Relations, not as a academic but as a former filmmaker. When I first began the readings, my notes would often say things like, 'This is crazy!', or 'Why would someone say something like that?'

This was not as helpful as it might first appear.

Professor Stefan Elbe in particular was patient and generous with my ignorance, explaining the points the authors were making, and the context in which they were being made. He went over the basic teachings, and I learned, slowly, how first to understand what the authors were saying, and then speak back their theses in a coherent way. Now when I say, 'This is crazy!', I sound much smarter.

Scott King
MA in International Security

Geoffrey's student perspective (UK)

I have been touched in many ways by my term in CSD. I have found an impressive array of very bright students, sensitive and thoughtful lecturers, and kind, considerate, admin and support staff. It has similarities with the last fifteen years of working part-time in Israel and Palestine, largely in the creation of an NGO, working with girls and boys at Conflict Prevention through sport! There are now over one thousand youngsters who play with each other in mixed Jewish-Arab teams every Summer. Their future could be bright! In coming to Sussex, the change has been dramatic. Enthusiastic people of all ages and backgrounds, also focusing on the world they want to be part of in the future. At such a time as this, what a privilege to be here together in International Relations.

Geoffrey Whitfield
MA Conflict, Security and Development

Archie's student perspective (UK)

My experience, so far, of the Conflict, Security & Development MA at the University of Sussex is such that I would have no hesitation in recommending it. As a relatively new course, it is up to date and has been assembled by highly qualified academics who clearly have passion for their subjects and who can draw on a rich well of field experience. Fellow students are diverse in terms of age, background and nationality and as a result seminar sessions provide ample opportunity to test a wide range of arguments. Whether from the military, the security industry, the international development field or the humanitarian sector, this course is relevant and dynamic.

Archie D Lightfoot
MA Conflict, Security and Development

Paolo's student perspective (Italy)

My excursion into the world of International Relations began with an exciting three-month introduction to the theoretical foundations of the discipline. The IR Theory course portrayed the intellectual backdrop of contemporary international politics, thus familiarizing me with the mainstream theoretical traditions, their critiques as well as with more recent alternative accounts.

Different school of thoughts, each providing a distinctive explanation of international politics, were located into their historical context and critically discussed: an in-depth analysis of their assumptions would be followed by the disclosure of their weaknesses, and by a crucial assessment of practical implications in terms of political choices.

The course also highlighted the genuine contribution of classical authors, as against the way in which their words have been manipulated by more recent scholars in order to justify certain contemporary policies. Great emphasis was also given to the investigation of the political meaning lying behind some fundamental concepts, such as peace and war, state and power, justice and coercion. A look at the way such concepts, and the theories underlying them, are every day invoked to justify or condemn current international political practices reveals the crucial importance of studying the theoretical foundations of the discipline before embarking on the analysis of more complex political questions.

Paolo Epifani
MA in International Relations