Course 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.
Course details
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.For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Economics MSc in the course catalogue
Year 1 compulsory modules
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Applied Econometrics
- Econometrics
- Economics Dissertation
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.
* Scholarships available for international students.
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