Masters in Economics
A Masters in Economics degree is a postgraduate course taken mainly by economics graduates to broaden their knowledge of economics and its surrounding topics. This degree is a quantitative degree and so students must be competent in several areas of maths. This course is aimed at those students with an existing academic background of mathematics and economics.
Studying Economics
Although a Masters in Economics will deepen your knowledge of the fundamentals of economics, it will also allow you to specialise in your preferred interests by offering optional modules. Students are usually assessed via a range of examinations; group projects and individual research projects/ coursework.
The degree can take up to one year to complete on a full time basis, and up to two years to complete on a part time basis.
Topics Covered
Throughout a Masters in Economics you will study various modules which will broaden your knowledge of the topic. Normally you would study between four and six compulsory core modules, and you will be able to choose between three and six optional modules. You are advised to contact your institution to find out more about specific modules on offer.
Core modules can include:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- International finance
- Financial markets
- Banking
Optional modules could include:
- Corporate finance
- Corporate governance
- Financial analysis
- Development economics
- Capital markets
- Research in finance
- Theory of finance
- International trade theory
- Health economics
- Policy analysis
- Human resource economics
Entry Requirements
You are advised to speak with the university you are applying to for a full breakdown of entry requirements; however, it is quite common for most universities to expect applicants to have gained at least a 2:1 in economics or another related subject. If the university ranks highly in league table rankings it is also possible that they would expect a first class honours.
Other entry requirements could include a personal statement, references to show academic and professional competence and admissions interviews. To help you understand postgraduate interviews we have put together an article for the top 10 questions that are likely to pop up and the best ways that you can answer them: Top 10 Postgraduate Interview Questions.
Career Prospects
After completing a postgraduate economics degree, graduates can enter a vast array of industries using their economics knowledge and transferable skills gained throughout the degree programme. Popular economics related job roles include:
- Professional economist
- Banker
- Accountant
- Economic expert
- Financial consultant
- Economic researcher
- Data analyst
Alternative job roles could include:
- Stockbroker
- Merchandiser
- Business manager
- Taxation
- HR management
- Market researcher
