Economics MSc
Year of entry 2026
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 Months (Full time)
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) with a background in economics and a strong grounding in quantitative subjects.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.
- UK fees
- £13,000 (Total)
- International fees
- £29,750 (Total)
- Contact
- masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
The ability to understand and apply economic theory to practical business problems is a skill that’s highly valued by many global organisations. Our MSc Economics delivers advanced learning, cutting-edge research and practical solutions to give you a real career advantage.
As a graduate of this course, you’ll be ready to meet the growing demand for economists who can address real-world global challenges such as climate change, financial instability and societal welfare.
Based in Leeds University Business School, the MSc Economics takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject. Whilst focusing on advanced economics and econometrics, the course draws together different areas of knowledge to help you understand cause and effect in the context of global economic and political relationships.
You’ll combine current mainstream theory and applied techniques with a range of alternative critical perspectives and gain unique insight into pressing economic issues – from the microeconomics of companies and markets to the macroeconomics of the global economy.
Optional modules allow you to tailor your learning to your interests or career plans. These include modules focusing on monetary theory and policy, behavioural economics, and applied econometrics, among others.
Course Highlights
- You’ll 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. This means you’ll learn to challenge the norms and consider alternative perspectives to mainstream economic school of thought.
- The course offers access to world-leading research and expertise through the Applied Institute for Research in Economics, hosted here at the University of Leeds.
- You’ll get the chance to take part in debates in both mainstream and non-mainstream economics.
- A choice of innovative optional modules lets you explore major policy issues through the economics lens – allowing you to focus on areas that interest you the most.
- On all Masters courses at Leeds University Business School, you can apply for a place on a week-long international study tour which includes company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.
Guaranteed work experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with a business and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week virtual Global Industry Programme.
As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Accreditation
Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.
Course details and modules
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 learning from the core modules, you’ll select from a range of optional modules to further expand your knowledge in areas of your choice.
Optional modules include Environmental Economics and Policy, which introduces a micro-economic approach to pressing environmental issues, and Global Economic Coordination and Governance, which explores the past, present and possible futures of global economic coordination and governance.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Macroeconomics | 15 |
| Microeconomics | 15 |
| Applied Problems in Econometrics | 15 |
| Econometrics | 15 |
| Economics Dissertation | 60 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Global Economics Co-ordination and Governance | 15 |
| Distributional Analysis in Economic Development | 15 |
| Behavioural Economics | 15 |
| Money, Monetary Policy and the Global Financial Crisis | 15 |
| Economics of Wellbeing | 15 |
| Principles of Transport Economics | 15 |
| Welfare Economics and Cost-Benefit Analysis | 15 |
| Economics of Regulation | 15 |
| Ecological Macroeconomics | 15 |
| Finance for Sustainable Development | 15 |
Learning and teaching
You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the school, your programme and modules.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.
This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) with a background in economics. A strong grounding in quantitative subjects with high grades is essential.
International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Documents and information you’ll need
- a copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- contact details for two academic references
- a personal statement
- an up-to-date CV
- your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
- a letter of sponsorship, if you need one.
* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £13,000 (Total)
International: £29,750 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career. The MSc Economics at Leeds promotes curiosity and critical thinking, and our graduates are in great demand for their unique range of skills and awareness of different perspectives.
Graduates of this course have gone on to highly successful careers as economic advisers, think-tank researchers, financial directors and quantitative analysts.
Many now work in major national and international institutions and organisations, including:
- government economic services in the UK and overseas,
- national central banks,
- investment banks,
- microfinance bodies and NGOs,
- regional and international development banks,
- research institutes,
- economic consultancies,
- professional service firms
- financial corporations.
Some have also gone on to academic careers following a research degree, or work in their own business.
Skills for your future
The MSc Economics will equip you with advanced skills that are highly valued by organisations worldwide, giving you the opportunity to take your career wherever you want. Including:
- Research and analytical skills – enabling you to identify and critically analyse information, finding solutions to complex real-world challenges.
- Problem solving - learn how to approach a diverse range of practical business and societal problems, evaluating these with the latest theoretical frameworks.
- Communication – develop written, verbal and presentation skills, work with fellow students on group projects to build collaboration and teamworking.
Guaranteed industry experience
The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects. You’ll connect with leading companies across the globe to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical business challenges.
Careers support
Career support and professional development activities are built into your course from the start.
Professional skills sessions are delivered by high-profile professional economists who support your employability and skills development.
You’ll also have opportunities to engage with external subject experts, allowing you to build your networks and meet potential employers.
You’ll also benefit from the University’s Careers Service, where you can access a range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.
Work placements
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and artificial intelligence.
- Build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation.
- Gain invaluable insight into working as a consultant on a time-limited brief.
- Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
- Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
- Improve your employability prospects.