Economics (MSc)

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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

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

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.

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.

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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £21,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

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, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, 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