(Full time) 2021 start
Economics MSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Our MSc Economics allows you to apply economics to practical questions and problems in a multidisciplinary learning environment.
Based in Leeds University Business School, this programme centres on advanced economics and econometrics, engaging with cutting-edge research within the discipline.
You’ll combine current mainstream theoretical and applied techniques with a range of alternative critical perspectives, equipping you to meet the growing demand for economics in an era of global challenges such as climate change.
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 will also allow you to tailor your learning to your interests or career plans.
Academic excellence
Our Economics department stands for a distinctive type of economics, which is realistic, interdisciplinary and policy relevant. We take an open-minded approach to economic problems, and draw on expertise from one of the major hubs of heterodox economics research in the UK.
Commentary and coverage in the media has highlighted the need for more philosophical discussion about how best to approach economics. Leeds University Business School has been recognised in The Economist as one of the few universities in the UK offering a 'model' for this approach.
Our research activities in economics are many and varied. Several members of the teaching team are involved in multi-million pound research projects, which are at the cutting-edge of knowledge creation in several areas. The University of Leeds also hosts the Applied Institute for Research in Economics (AIRE), giving you access to even more world-leading research and expertise.
Course content
Throughout the year core modules will develop your fundamental knowledge and skills. As well as macroeconomics and microeconomics, you’ll study econometrics and the ways in which it is applied to real-life situations.
From this foundation you’ll choose optional modules that allow you to specialise in particular areas of economics and expand your knowledge.
You’ll develop your understanding of research methods and practices throughout the year. 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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Macroeconomics 15 credits
- Microeconomics 15 credits
- Applied Econometrics 15 credits
- Econometrics 15 credits
- Economics Dissertation 60 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- International Business Finance 15 credits
- Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy 15 credits
- Global Economic Coordination and Governance 15 credits
- Distributional Analysis in Economic Development 15 credits
- Behavioural Economics 15 credits
- Introduction to Ecological Economics 15 credits
- Environmental Economics and Policy 15 credits
- Principles of Transport Economics 15 credits
- Welfare Economics and Cost-Benefit Analysis 15 credits
- Economics of Regulation 15 credits
Learning and teaching
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials.
Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.
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
We use assessment methods such as exams, research reports, written assignments, essays and project work, depending on the modules you choose.
Applying, fees and funding
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).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
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.
Documents and information you’ll need
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- 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
Leeds University Business School Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
- UK: £9,250 (total)
- International: £20,750 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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 about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.
Read more about scholarships awarded by the Business School.
Read more about scholarships available across the University of Leeds.
Career opportunities
Our Economics graduates are in great demand owing to their unique range of skills and awareness of different perspectives. You will have essential research skills required for work as a professional economist in government, business, universities and international organisations.
Graduates of our MSc Economics have gone on to highly successful careers as government advisors, think-tank researchers and quantitative analysts.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
You will be able to access careers and professional development support, which will help you develop key skills including networking and negotiating, and put you in touch with potential employers. Read more about our careers and professional development support.
The Careers Centre provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.