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Postgraduate Taught

MSc Economics

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code 1234
Duration 1 year full time
Entry year 2025
Campus Streatham Campus
Discipline Economics
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone (UK): 
0300 555 6060
Phone (International):
+44 (0)1392 723044

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A 2:2 degree with honours with 57% and above in a quantitative discipline

Contextual offers

Overview

  • Suitable for Economics graduates wishing to receive advanced and specialised training in economics or STEM graduates wishing to retrain in economics using mathematical and statistical analysis.
  • Our MSc Economics opens doors to a wide range of careers, training you to make smart judgments and decisions in real world contexts and to better understand the world around you.
  • Core training in economic and econometric analysis enables you to combine logic, critical thinking, and statistical skills to put yourself a step ahead of others in a rapidly changing world.
  • Flexible so you can shape your master’s to fit your own specific interests, whether enhancing your academic knowledge, changing career, or preparing for a PhD.
  • Participate in our seminar series, which attracts leading academics from universities across the world so you can gain insight into current research in economics and econometrics.
Apply for Sept 2025 entry

Apply online

View 2024 Entry

Fast Track (current Exeter students)

Open days and visiting us

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Contact

Programme Director: Dr Edwin Ip

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Master your future in Economics at the University of Exeter.

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Business School of the Year

Times Higher Education Awards 2022

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Triple accredited Business School

AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS

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Opportunity to specialise with a choice of pathways

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Opportunity to apply to the prestigious QTEM programme or gain two degrees by joining our Double Degree programme

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:2 degree with honours with 57% and above in a quantitative discipline (e.g. economics, mathematics, statistics, physical sciences, engineering, computer science, finance, chemistry, operational research). We also consider strong students from disciplines that have quantitative components (e.g. a quantitative social science, psychology, geography, life sciences, accounting, management) as well as medicine intercalators. Evidence of quantitative ability is required.

We do consider all applications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience or professional qualifications.

Prerequisites

In order to apply for the MSc Economics, you must be at least familiar with basic algebra, calculus, probability and statistics. Quantitative skills are especially important for those without prior Economics studies.

Note: A Level mathematics (or equivalent) may be acceptable as a minimum requirement, but if admitted, you will be encouraged to undertake some additional self-guided study prior to the start of the programme.

Entry requirements for international students

Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.

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Entry requirements for international students

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

The professors here are not just knowledgeable; they're genuinely invested in our growth. They go the extra mile to ensure we grasp the concepts and are always there to lend a helping hand.

My favourite thing about the course has to be the practical aspect. We don't just learn theories; we get to apply them to real-life problems through assignments and projects. It's incredibly fulfilling to see how what we learn in lectures translates into actionable solutions. 

To anyone considering studying Economics at Exeter, I say go for it! From the quality of education to the overall experience, it's been nothing short of amazing.

Read more from Isha

Isha

MSc Economics

Course content

This programme is available for study 12 months full-time over three terms and is University-based throughout this time. The taught components of the programme are delivered in the first two terms, leaving the third term and most of the summer to research, write and submit your dissertation. The programme in its entirety runs from September to September.

  • During the programme you will study modules (including the dissertation) totalling 180 credits.
  • Please note that programme structures may be subject to change.
  • Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the Business School postgraduate module list.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BEEM100 Macroeconomics 15
BEEM101 Microeconomics 15
BEEM103 Optimisation Techniques for Economists 15
BEEM015 Industrial Economics and Strategy 15
BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1 15
BEEM012 Applied Econometrics 2 15
BEEM115 Research Design and Dissertation OR60
BEEM158 Behavioural Economics Project 60

Optional modules

You will choose two options totalling 30 credits from a regularly updated selection.

Please note that BEEM152 and BEEM160 are not available for students starting their degree in January.

CodeModule Credits
MSc Economics optional modules 24-25
BEAM029 Topics in Financial Economics 15
BEAM033 Banking and Financial Services 15
BEAM036 Domestic and International Portfolio Management 15
BEEM125 Experimental and Behavioural Economics 15
BEEM117 Economics of Corporate Finance 15
BEAM047 Fundamentals of Financial Management 15
BEAM065 Bank Management 15
BEEM152 Behavioural Development Economics 15
BEEM154 Economics of Public Finance 15
BEEM157 Behavioural Finance 15
BEEM155 Development Economics 15
BEE3076 Environmental Economics and Sustainability 15
BEE3077 Health Economics 15
BEE3072 Econometrics: Cause and Effect 15
BEEM163 Research in Practice: Study Design 15

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£14,900 full-time

International fees per year:

£26,700 full-time

Scholarships

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.

Teaching and research

In addition to lectures, seminars and tutorials that help you build technical and practical skills, our learning activities are designed to help consolidate your knowledge and skills as well as to help you apply them to real world problems.

Additional activities include special events where prominent economists are invited to speak to our MSc students, inspiring you with cutting-edge topics and developments in economics.

Moreover, our MSc students are invited to attend our departmental seminars, where leading economists from around the world disseminate latest research in different fields of economics.

Research-led teaching

University of Exeter Business School research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the  Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics.

Our programmes are designed to be flexible, whilst also giving you the opportunity to specialise if you wish. You will explore not only traditional economic models, but the latest application of economy theory including behavioural and experimental economics, giving you course content that is world-relevant.

Each programme draws upon the internationally rated research undertaken within the department, and the experience of our academics in developing economic policy at organisations such as the Bank of England, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations.

Economics research

We are a research-intensive faculty and our world-leading research is actively shaping the world around us, and we combine this with innovative teaching techniques, unique to our Business School. You can also participate in experiments contributing to this cutting-edge research through our state-of-the-art research laboratory FEELE (Finance and Economics Experimental Laboratory at Exeter).

You will be taught by internationally respected academics who are at the forefront of their research. We draw upon disciplines across the social sciences and give emphasis to the dynamic nature of enterprise, global connectivity and the management and leadership of the global challenges that lie ahead.

The Business School is home to the following research centres:

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Through this programme you will receive intensive advacnced training in economics which includes all sorts of extremely uselful skills as you approach an everchange world.

Dr Edwin Ip

Programme Director

Careers

MSc Economics provides the ultimate training in transferrable skills. As such it opens doors to a range of industries and career options for you, and our Careers and Employability team will help you identify your career path and support your route to a fulfilling global career.

Our newly redeveloped MSc Economics places a strong emphasis on employable skills and are designed to prepare you for a successful career. By the end of your MSc Economics, you should acquire a high level of skills in analytical thinking, argument formulation, critical thinking, problem-solving, statistics, communication, project management, team-working, independent learning and research, among many other attributes that are sought after by employers. Your subject expertise in Economics will also make you a valuable asset for any organisations as your structured approach to problem-solving will put you a step ahead of others in a rapidly changing world.

Career Options

An MSc in Economics provides specialist knowledge and skills that can help you excel in a variety of roles, including:

  • economist
  • financial analyst
  • risk analyst
  • investment analyst
  • statistician and data scientist
  • management consultant
  • policy analyst
  • business analyst.

Depending on your location, career goals and interests, potential employers can include large multinational companies such as the ‘The Big Four’ Accounting and Professional Services firms, to government departments such as The Government Economic Service (GES). International organisations like the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the EU Commission, the World Bank or UN, together with banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, consultancies and not-for-profit organisations all seek economists with the latest technical expertise and knowledge.

By carefully selecting your optional modules such as Banking & Financial Services, Domestic & International Portfolio Management, Development Economics, Health Economics as well as your research topic, you can start to develop a specialisation to enhance your employability and achieve your career goals.

Our MSc Economics is also an excellent programme from which to launch an academic, government or industry career by later pursuing your own PhD.

Developing your skills and career prospects

The University of Exeter Business School provides a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. Visit our postgraduate Business School careers service webpage for more information.

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Enhance your degree with Study Abroad opportunities

QTEM Programme*

After your first year of studies at Exeter, you can progress onto the QTEM Programme. QTEM aims to prepare students with excellent quantitative and analytical skills to support their future careers as decision makers leading the global business environment.

If you are accepted onto the QTEM Programme, you will spend an additional semester studying at one of the prestigious academic partners. This will be followed by a quantitatively focussed internship and participation in the QTEM Data Challenge which includes online data science and leadership courses as well real data analysis.

Students will be selected and nominated to QTEM by the University of Exeter Business School following a competitive internal application process. Places are limited so we recommend you register your interest before applying for your Masters.

*Open to high achieving students enrolled in the following University of Exeter Business School programmes: MSc Finance, MSc Finance and Investment, MSc Economics, MSc Financial Economics, and MSc Business Analytics

For more information on QTEM and Double Degrees and other postgraduate study abroad opportunities, visit the Business School’s Study Abroad webpages.

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