The MSc Economic Policy with Work Placement Year programme offers training in the understanding and critical evaluation of economic policy issues, design and solutions, their foundation in the evolution of economic theory and methods, as well as critical discussion of the application of policy design to real-world problems without requiring a first degree in Economics for enrolment. It offers distinct core modules that enables you to engage with debates in economic theory and policy in advanced as well as developing regions. It also provides a programme structure that develop qualitative and quantitative research capabilities. For your placement year , you will have the opportunity to take part in a full-time, 10–12 month work placement at an organisation of your choice. Please note: you will be expected to secure the work placement yourself, to be approved by the academic department. The SOAS Careers team are on hand to help you with your CV, interview skills and finding the right organisation for you. Students on this programme can apply for a dissertation co-supervised with key international organisations, such as the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Bank. SOAS is ranked top 25 in the UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2026). Direct engagement with world-leading research: students conduct supervised dissertation research and can apply for part-time research assistant roles on faculty projects.