Overview

Suitable for graduates in economics or a highly quantitative discipline, this intensive one-year programme offers advanced training in economics and will equip you with the required skills for a career as an economist.

The programme offers specialist pathways that allow you to focus on economics, economic policy or macroeconomics. Each pathway consists of a combination of core and specialised units, coordinated to maximise skill and depth of knowledge in your area of interest.

MSc Economics incorporates the latest research developments from the School of Economics - research that has a direct impact on policy and practice. You will be joining an academic community that is international, forward-thinking, collaborative, and committed to helping all our students reach their full potential.

Programme structure

Our programmes are current and exciting, and you will be taught by leading academics who are tackling real problems and influencing economic policy worldwide.

You will study compulsory units in the first term and choose from a selection of optional units in the second term. In the final term, there is a dissertation component, in which you will apply appropriate skills and perspectives developed over the programme to a project devised in consultation with a supervisor.

There are three available exit degrees, depending on the combination of units you choose:

  • MSc Economics
  • MSc Economics (Macroeconomics)
  • MSc Economics (Public Policy).

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Economics.

Entry requirements

A strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) in Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or Physics. OR If your degree subject is not listed above, you must have evidence of a strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) which includes three units of mathematics (see Maths qualification requirements) with 60% or above in each unit in the final two years of study. OR Applicants with an Economics degree must have evidence of 2:1 in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics units in the final two years of study.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant (minimum of 2 years in a paid role) relevant work experience such as data analysis, economics modelling, data informed policy making.
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

If your degree subject is not listed in the main entry requirements, you must have evidence of an upper second class honours degree which includes three units of mathematics with 60% or above (or international equivalent) in each unit. Examples of acceptable units include:

  • Advanced Maths (introductory maths does not count towards maths unit requirements)
  • Analysis
  • Auditing
  • Bayesian Modelling
  • Calculus
  • Complex Functions
  • Computer Science (including programming/algorithms)
  • Data Mining/Data Science/Data Analytics
  • Decision Analysis and Simulation
  • Decision Maths
  • Derivatives
  • Differential Equations/Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Econometrics (including 'introductory' 'foundations of'; and 'advanced')
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Maths
  • Financial Modelling
  • Financial Reporting
  • Game Theory
  • Geometry
  • Information Theory
  • Investment Analysis
  • Kinematics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Linear Programming
  • Macroeconomics (including intermediate/advanced)
  • Management Science
  • Mathematical Programming
  • Maths for Economics
  • Mechanics (any type of mechanics)
  • Mechatronics
  • Micreoconomics (including intermediate/advanced)
  • Multi Variate Analysis
  • Network Science
  • Number Theory
  • Optimisation
  • Probability
  • Proof/Intro to Proof
  • Pure Maths
  • Quantitative techniques
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Research Methods
  • Statement Analysis
  • Statistics/Statistical Methods/Statistical Analysis
  • Supply Chain management/Logistics Management
  • Time Series Analysis

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£16,000 per year
Overseas: full-time
£28,300 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme is primarily aimed at students who want further training at postgraduate level to pursue a professional career path in industry, government, international institutions, central banking, non-profit organisations and consultancy firms.

Recent graduate destinations include Bank of England, the Government Economic Service, PwC and the NHS.

As a department, we are committed to building strong links with industry and helping you gain in-demand skills. That's why our graduates are the fourth most targeted by top UK employers (High Fliers Research, 2023).

You will be supported by the University's Careers Service and the Professional Liaison Network, which provide professional mentoring, networking events and business advice.