Economics MSc

Course overview

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.
• Our pluralist approach prepares you for a wide variety of graduate careers, from academic research through to policy and business analysis
• Take part in debates in both mainstream and non-mainstream economics.
• Choose from innovative optional modules that explore major policy issues through the economics lens.
• On all Masters courses at Leeds University Business School you’ll have an opportunity to apply for a place on a week-long international study tour which will include company visits, guest lectures and networking events, as well as an opportunity to visit local places of interest. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.

Find out more about studying your Masters at Leeds University Business School.

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Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

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 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.

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

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

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 Economics and Finance (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Economics and Finance (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six 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 2025

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: £28,750 (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

We’re offering up to 50 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2025. These scholarships offer a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.

You do not have to submit a separate application for our Excellence Scholarships - you will be automatically considered when your course application is reviewed.

International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)

Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)

Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships.

Career opportunities

From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career. 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’ll possess essential research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate and problem solve, 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