EconomicsMSc

Excel in theory, thrive in practice. Our MSc Economics programme blends strong theoretical knowledge with practical skills, allowing specialisation to meet individual needs. The curriculum emphasises policy analysis and real-world applications, cultivating a broad spectrum of transferable skills.

The MSc Economics is tailored for motivated and ambitious students who have studied Economics at bachelor’s level. Whether you’re looking at operating as an economics professional, in the public or private sector, in the UK or abroad, or undertaking research by enrolling on a PhD with us, this programme is designed to meet your needs and professional aspirations.

Through our strong links with industry your academic study is combined with a real practical focus, leading to vast and varied job opportunities once you graduate.

• Learn from top economists, gaining critical insights into economic theory and real-world applications for competitive advantage.
• Specialise in Behavioural and Experimental Economics, Development Economics or Environmental and Natural Resource Economics through 40 optional credits and a dissertation, preparing you for a focussed policy or research career.
• Engage in a practical summer term research project, developing valuable skills to enhance career opportunities significantly.
• Study in Birmingham, the UK's Second City, renowned for its thriving financial sector and major financial institutions.
• Equipped with advanced analytical skills and research methods, you will receive comprehensive training in advanced techniques essential for addressing diverse challenges in empirical and policy analysis.

• Taught modules – these include lectures, workshops and seminars
• Assessments - these will include exams, group and individual projects and presentations, reports, essays, videos, digital artefacts, and case studies
• Dissertation project - this provides students with the opportunity to read extensively and apply research skills to a chosen area related to economics. Dissertations may be either empirical, library-based, or a case study.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 session

When selecting optional modules, you can choose a specialism, which requires a specific combination. You also have the opportunity to follow a mixed pathway route, tailoring the course to your requirements.

Specialisms include:

• Behavioural and Experimental Economics
• Development Economics
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Core modules

Optional modules

Students must choose 60 credits from the optional modules listed.

Specialisms

To be eligible for a named specialism in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, the 60 credits must include the following taught modules and students must write a dissertation in the relevant area:

• Environmental Economics
• Natural Resource Economics

To be eligible for a named specialism in Behavioural and Experimental Economics, the 60 credits must include the following taught modules and students must write a dissertation in the relevant area:

• Experimental Economics
• Behavioural Economics

To be eligible for a named specialism in Development Economics, the 60 credits must include the following taught modules and students must write a dissertation in the relevant area:

• Topics in Development Economics
• Development Economics Policy

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

As a Birmingham Business School student, you will benefit from two award-winning Careers teams.

Careers Network is the University of Birmingham careers and employability team offering: career fairs, employer events with top firms across the UK, start-up and entrepreneurial activities, and support. Internships and bursaries are also available exclusively to University of Birmingham students.

BBS Careers is a dedicated service for Birmingham Business School students. The team provides guidance, support, and work experience opportunities, tailored to business school students, to help you succeed during and after university. We offer workshops, alumni and employer events, and 1-to-1 consultations. These will help you to develop your skills and learn how to submit high-quality internship and graduate applications.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.