King's-University of Barcelona MA 1+1 Programme in Political Economy
The Department of Political Economy will offer a new MA 1+1 pathway with the University of Barcelona from the 2026–2027 academic year. The pathway is jointly delivered by the University of Barcelona and King’s College London. Students spend their first year at the University of Barcelona, enrolled in the Master in Institutions and Political Economy, and their second year at King’s College London, enrolling in one of three Master’s programmes offered by the Department of Political Economy:
MA Political Economy
MA Public Policy
MSc Economics and Policy
Upon successful completion, students will be awarded two official master’s degrees: one from the University of Barcelona and one from King’s College London.
Programme structure
Year 1 – University of Barcelona
Students follow the standard curriculum of the Master in Institutions and Political Economy at the University of Barcelona, completing 60 ECTS. This includes core training in political economy, comparative politics, economic history, quantitative methods, and economic theory.
Year 2 – King’s College London
Students spend their second year in the Department of Political Economy at King’s College London, enrolling in one of three eligible Master’s programmes: MA Political Economy, MA Public Policy, or MSc Economics and Policy. This allows students to choose the pathway that best fits their academic interests and career goals. Students follow the structure of their chosen programme, completing taught modules and a supervised dissertation. Depending on their programme and module choices, students may take advanced modules in political economy, public policy, economics, and research methods. Prospective students should consult the individual programme pages for the most up-to-date information on module offerings.
Why choose the MA 1+1 pathway?
- Two official degrees from two internationally recognised institutions
- A distinctive interdisciplinary pathway in political economy and public policy
- Access to strong research environments and experienced, internationally recognized faculty
- A highly competitive profile for applying to top international PhD programmes
- Enhanced professional opportunities in economics, public policy, political science, international organisations, development, and research
- Delivered with the University of Barcelona, ranked 1st in Spain in the QS World University Rankings
- A unique academic experience in Barcelona and London
Admissions
Please note: We require applicants to write the name of the linked programme they wish to apply for at King’s College London - MA Political Economy, MA Public Policy, or MSc Economics and Policy - in the first line of their personal statement
Application process and eligibility
Candidates for the MA 1+1 must apply through the University of Barcelona’s website. Prospective students must meet admission criteria for the chosen master's programmes at both universities. Please refer to the UB and KCL prospectus pages for specific entry requirements, including language prerequisites. The programme is open to all candidates worldwide. Applicants do not have to be already enrolled at the University of Barcelona or King's to apply for the programme.
Tuition fees
Students must pay the tuition fees applicable to their fee status in their host institution each year (University of Barcelona for Year 1 and King's for Year 2).
Admissions contacts
For further information and entry criteria, please contact Dr Hanna Kleider.