About this course
Study macro and microeconomics to evaluate economic policy and problems on this MSc Economics at Southampton. Gain in-depth knowledge of the concepts, tools and methods used in modern economics.
This 1 year master’s will prepare you for a career as an economist, or to continue your research studies and is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised training programme.
Learn about the economic frameworks and processes that underpin global financial systems. Discover their role in solving a range of economic problems. You can study the impact economics can have on a range of sectors from labour and industry to finance and trade.
You’ll develop the skills to:
- understand the theoretical foundations of economic analysis
- formulate, manipulate and draw conclusions from an economic model
- apply economic analysis to a range of policy areas
- test and evaluate economic models using a variety of research methodologies, data and techniques of analysis
- present ideas, arguments and research findings effectively
You’ll look at economic theory and econometric methods across a range of topics. You’ll also gain in-depth knowledge of specific areas of economics necessary to carry out independent research. This will lead to a dissertation on a subject within an area you choose.
You’ll also have access to our Bloomberg Trading Suite which hosts 21 Bloomberg terminals giving you access to real-time data, breaking news and powerful analytics.
As a master’s student in the School of Economics you’ll be part of a friendly and cohesive group that play an active role in the department’s academic and social life.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Christian Kellner, an associate professor in economics. His research focuses on how people make decisions in uncertain situations, such as contract design or communication. Read Dr Kellner's staff profile to find out more about his work.
“There are a number of modules specifically designed to provide the tools required to undertake good Economic research. The modules are challenging at times and there is a good balance of theoretical and empirical content.”
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject such as mathematics, economics, statistics, quantitative techniques or finance.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this full-time UK master’s in economics you’ll study over 12 months.
The taught part of the degree takes place between October and June. It consists of 30 study weeks divided into 2 semesters.
You’ll study a number of modules each semester. When you successfully complete them you’ll carry out 3 months of supervised research for your dissertation. This takes place during the summer months.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
Learning
At the start of of this economics master’s degree you’ll attend a 2 week intensive course designed to ensure you have the skills in mathematics and statistics to successfully carry out economic analysis and econometric methods study.
Most of your learning takes place as small-group teaching. You’ll also learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- problem classes
- independent research
You’ll take part in research workshops to develop skills in designing, carrying out and managing independent economics research. We’ll assess what you cover in these workshops through your dissertation.
We also run more general social sciences research skills workshops you can attend, covering:
- bibliographic skills
- ethical issues in social research
- writing and dissemination skills
- personal and career development
Assessment
We’ll assess you using:
- written exams
- problem sets
- project-based coursework
- dissertation
Exams are held at the end of each semester.
Dissertation
The final 3 months of the course are spent preparing your dissertation, and you’ll need to complete it by the end of September.
You’ll carry out this research with supervision from a member of staff who has related research interests.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
With an MSc in Economics you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills to work as economic or econometric analysts in a variety of organisations:
- central and local governments
- European Union institutions
- statistical offices
- central banks
- financial supervision authorities
- international aid organisations
- commercial banks and financial institutions
You’ll also be in an ideal position to continue your researches at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
