To address these topics, the programme adopts a pluralist and interdisciplinary approach, both in theoretical terms and in the methods used, bringing together insights from economics, political science, sociology, history, development studies and other social sciences.

This is the first master’s degree in Political Economy in Portugal, and it follows the recent international trend towards the creation of new study programmes in this field, reinforcing Iscte’s role in public debates on the major economic and political challenges of our time.

The programme is taught entirely in English and benefits from partnerships with international scholars and universities that run similar degrees, fostering the internationalisation of students and staff through seminars, shared course units and mobility opportunities.

It is primarily aimed at applicants holding undergraduate degrees in Economics, Political Science, International Relations or Sociology, which are the reference disciplinary backgrounds used in the selection of candidates. It also welcomes graduates in Law, Public Administration, Public Policy, History, Development Studies, Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Political Philosophy, European Studies, Management and Finance, as well as applicants from other closely related areas of the social sciences who can demonstrate strong motivation and a suitable academic and/or professional trajectory for the study of Political Economy.

Classes are scheduled during the day, which makes the programme particularly suitable for students who are not yet in full‑time employment, while also accommodating professionals who are able to attend daytime classes.

Master’s students are actively involved in collaborative projects. A recent example is the students’ journal in Political Economy, which publishes essays and opinion pieces on key themes in the field and is open to contributions from all students enrolled in the programme. https://pestudentsjournal.wixsite.com/home