Economics MSc

Year of entry

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Start date
September 2024
Delivery type
On campus
Duration
12 months full time
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) with a background in economics and a strong grounding in quantitative subjects.
Full entry requirements
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.
UK fees
£12,500 (Total)
International fees
£27,000 (Total)

Course overview

Masters in Economics

Business Masters Open Day

Learn more about this course at our Business Masters Open Day. Join us on campus on Monday 25 March to meet Academic staff and current students.

Our MSc Economics allows you to apply economics to practical questions to inform decision making. Economics at Leeds is interdisciplinary, drawing together different areas of knowledge to understand cause and effect relationships in the world around us.

Based in Leeds University Business School, this course centres on advanced economics and econometrics, engaging with cutting-edge research within the discipline.

You’ll combine current mainstream theory and applied techniques with a range of alternative critical perspectives, equipping you to meet the growing demand for economics that addresses global challenges such as climate change, financial instability and societal welfare.

You’ll gain unique insight into pressing economic issues, from the microeconomics of firms and markets to the macroeconomics of the global economy. Optional modules allow you to tailor your learning to your interests or career plans.

Course Highlights

  • Approach the study of Economics in a highly interdisciplinary way, understanding global challenges by drawing on expertise from one of the major hubs of heterodox economics research in the UK.

  • You’ll have access to world-leading research and expertise through the Applied Institute for Research in Economics, hosted here at the University.

  • Benefit from our pluralist approach, helping you gain broad insight into different theoretical perspectives and preparing you for a wide variety of graduate opportunities.

  • Take part in debates in both mainstream and non-mainstream economics.

  • Choose from innovative optional modules which explore major policy issues through the economics lens.

Find out more about studying your Masters at Leeds University Business School.

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Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Course details

Throughout the year, core modules will develop your fundamental knowledge and skills. As well as macroeconomics and microeconomics, you’ll study econometrics and its application to real-life situations.

Building on your learning from the core modules, you’ll select from a range of optional modules to further expand your knowledge in areas of your choice.

Optional modules include Environmental Economics and Policy, which introduces a micro-economic approach to pressing environmental issues, and Global Economic Coordination and Governance, which explores the past, present and possible futures of global economic coordination and governance.

Throughout the year, you’ll also develop your understanding of research methods and practices. In your dissertation, you’ll apply these skills to produce an independent research project on a topic of your choice, to be submitted by the end of the course.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Economics MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Module Name Credits
Macroeconomics 15
Microeconomics 15
Applied Econometrics 15
Econometrics 15
Economics Dissertation 60

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Module Name Credits
International Business Finance 15
Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy 15
Global Economic Coordination and Governance 15
Distributional Analysis in Economic Development 15
Behavioural Economics 15
Introduction to Ecological Economics 15
Environmental Economics and Policy 15
Principles of Transport Economics 15
Welfare Economics and Cost-Benefit Analysis 15
Economics of Regulation 15
Money, Monetary Policy and the Global Financial Crisis 15
Economics of Wellbeing 15

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the school, your programme and modules.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) with a background in economics. A strong grounding in quantitative subjects with high grades is essential.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Economics and Finance (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Economics and Finance (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadline:

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.

Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you’ll need

  • A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
  • Contact details for two academic references
  • A personal statement
  • An up-to-date CV
  • Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
  • A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,500 (Total)

International: £27,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

We’re offering up to 50 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2024. These scholarships offer a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.

You do not have to submit a separate application for our Excellence Scholarships - you will be automatically considered when your course application is reviewed.

International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)

Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)

Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships.

Career opportunities

From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career. Economics at Leeds encourages curiosity and critical thinking, and our graduates are in great demand owing to their unique range of skills and awareness of different perspectives.

As a graduate of our MSc Economics, you’ll possess essential research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate and problem solve, equipping you for a successful career in a wide range of sectors.

Graduates of our MSc Economics have gone on to highly successful careers as economic advisers, think-tank researchers, financial directors and quantitative analysts. Our graduates have gained positions in government, central banking, and microfinance, as well as some going on to academic careers following a research degree.

Careers support

Career support and professional development activities are built into your course from day one. Professional skills sessions are delivered by high-profile professional economists who support your employability and skills development. There are also opportunities to engage with external subject experts, allowing you to build your networks and meet potential employers.

You’ll also benefit from the University’s Careers Service, where you can access range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.

Alumni profile: Harini Nagesh

Leeds is one of the few universities that offers a pluralistic approach to economic ideas. I was inspired by the staff from the Economics department at the Business School.
Find out more about Harini Nagesh's time at Leeds