(Full time) 2023 start
Economics MSc
Overview
Our MSc Economics allows you to apply economics to practical questions to inform decision making. Economics at Leeds is interdisciplinary, and draws 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 individual and societal welfare, and plays a key role in shaping policy.
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.
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.
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 its application to real-life situations.
Building on your knowledge and experience from the core modules, you’ll be able to choose a number of optional modules, allowing you to specialise in particular areas of economics and expand your knowledge in directions of your choice.
Optional modules include, for example, ‘Environmental Economics and Policy’, which introduces a micro-economic approach to pressing environmental issues. On this module, you’ll conceptualise environmental problems and explore environmental policies that seek to restore optimal allocation of resources.
‘Global Economic Coordination and Governance’ is another optional module which explores the past, present and possible futures of global economic coordination and governance. Here you’ll consider the challenges of designing a sustainable, productive global economics structure and financial-governance framework for the future.
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.
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
- 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
- Money, Monetary Policy and the Global Financial Crisis 15 credits
- Economics of Wellbeing 15 credits
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, 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).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.
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.
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
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
- UK: £10,750 (total)
- International: £23,500 (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 about additional costs.
Scholarships and financial support
We’re offering 50 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2023. 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)
Career opportunities
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 will possess essential research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate and problem solve effectively, 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 award-winning Careers Centre, 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.