Corruption and Governance MA

UK

1

What will I learn?

Develop your understanding of what corruption is, where and why it proliferates, and what we can do to counteract it.

This course is the only full-time Masters in the UK addressing issues of corruption. You will explore:

  • how different disciplines define corruption and how this can lead to different anti-corruption approaches
  • specific examples - from systematic abuses of power by parties, politicians, and civil servants to small-scale, petty misdemeanours
  • the role of business, unpacking the problems surrounding corruption and exploring potential solutions.

Peer-to-peer interaction and collaboration are key elements of the course and create a rich learning experience. Sharing knowledge and opinions allows us to look at issues from different perspectives. On graduation, you will understand corruption in many different contexts. You will also have the practical tools to design and put in place anti-corruption responses.

You will learn from academics and practitioners dedicated to interdisciplinary research and policy impact in our world-leading Centre for the Study of Corruption

Careers

Our MA equips you with the skills for a career in a wide variety of fields. You are particularly well placed to work:

  • at the interface between the private and public sectors
  • in public policymaking
  • the Civil Service and business
  • in areas of corporate social responsibility - an area of growing importance for many national and international companies.

Development and a wide variety of NGOs and charities are also options. The skills you develop are highly valued in journalism, including a fine eye for what is and is not acceptable government and business practice.

The optional internship helps you to develop and apply a range of practical skills prospective employers find attractive.

Which department am I in?

International Relations

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees
£21,500.00 (23,42,558) per year
Books, course materials and other costs (average) - 2.25 to 5.54 (Cost per week)

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

University of Sussex

Sussex House,

Brighton,

Brighton & Hove,

BN1 9RH, SOUTHERN ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

Degree requirements: You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in a social sciences or humanities subject. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. English Language Requirements: IELTS (Academic) Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component); TOEFL (iBT) - 80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

Pathways options

Offered by other partners

This university accepts pathways courses from
  • University of Sussex International Study Centre
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About University of Sussex

In the vibrant coastal city of Brighton, Sussex offers a world-class education, real-world employability and an unforgettable student experience.

  • Ranked 26th in the UK (Times Higher Education 2024)
  • Outstanding research reputation & excellent job prospects
  • Continual investment in facilities & the student experience
  • Beautiful campus with a welcoming global community