Economics is more relevant than ever to understand contemporary events in the global economy and provide the tools and techniques for business and governments to address the issues they face. Reflecting the needs of both private and public sector employers, our highly practical MSc prepares you to assess business problems, interpret public policy and effectively communicate the insights that economic analysis can provide. Aimed at those with a genuine interest in the application of economics to real-world situations, this course aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the latest theories, practices and key concepts in economics that underpin public sector policy and business decision-making. This includes the various scenarios where we explore strategic interaction, market failure and macroeconomic objectives. The focus is very much on developing the practical skills needed by a working economist – the ability to apply economic techniques to complex problems and provide specialist advice. You will gain hands-on experience with the industry-standard computing and econometrics software used to analyse and manipulate data. You will be taught by staff who share their experience working and consulting for government departments such as the Department for Transport, local authorities and supranational organisations such as the OECD. There is an increasing demand worldwide for economic analysis in local and central government, non-governmental organisations, and charities in areas such as international development, urban and regional development policy, education or research. Past graduates have become Fast Stream economists in the UK Government Economic Service and HM Treasury, and others have gained employment as economists in charities and the private sector.
As well as enhancing your ability to apply relevant economic principles in support of policy and strategy development, the course aims to develop your ability to communicate complex issues to wide audiences, your awareness of significant sources of economic and financial data, the problems faced when carrying out policy evaluation and your capability for self-awareness and group working.
You will take the following set of modules in slightly different orders, depending on whether you start in September or January.
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics modules will build a strong foundation of knowledge of the fundamental concepts and ideas in economics. We’ll look at how a working economist develops policy advice in relation to production and supply decisions. Drawing on real-life economic scenarios from a variety of sector contexts, we’ll also examine sources of market failure, the economic choices available and competition policy in different countries.
In quantitative modules (Econometric Analysis and Applied Economics), you’ll learn fundamental statistical and econometric techniques and will be introduced to the software used to analyse quantitative data, including Excel, EViews and Stata.
You will also study a selection of policy-relevant economics fields: Development Economics and Policy, International Trade Policy and Sustainable Energy Policy.
In Research Methods, you will learn how to set up your dissertation research, leading to the writing of your research proposal.
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2).
A relevant degree would be a single Honours or a major in Economics, a quantitative discipline with a minor in Economics, or a more general first degree with a significant study of economics and quantitative methods. Non-graduates with extensive work experience in economics or closely related professions will also be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2).
A relevant degree would be a single Honours or a major in Economics, a quantitative discipline with a minor in Economics, or a more general first degree with a significant study of economics and quantitative methods. Non-graduates with extensive work experience in economics or closely related professions will also be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
Visit our How to apply page for more information on: