MSc (Applied Economics)

Why this course?

• The MSc Applied Economics focuses on developing your technical and analytical skills alongside your practical experience of how these skills are used to solve real-world economic problems and inform decision-making in a variety of environments. This unique feature sets it apart from other degrees in economics.
• You'll gain knowledge and an understanding of the core principles of economic analysis, and the experience in how to apply them. 
• You'll acquire skills in economics, data analysis and modelling techniques, as well as key transferable skills in leadership, project management, problem-solving, communication and negotiating that, are sought after by employers. 
• The programme has been designed in consultation with key employers of our graduates, as well as the business, consulting and policy communities for the aspiring professional economist. This means that what you learn on the course is exactly what employers look for when recruiting new economists.

Study with us

• Gain skills in data analysis and economic modelling
• Learn to apply economic techniques to real-world problems in business and policy
• Develop ability to interpret and understand key economic and financial statistics and information 

What you'll study

• Core classes will give you a solid grounding in the core concepts and techniques of an applied economist. Elective classes will give you experience in applying these skills to hot-topics of the day. 

The programme will provide you with

• A comprehensive understanding of key economics concepts and theories
• Core skills in economic modelling and data analysis which can be used to inform decision-making
• Understanding of, and the ability to use, techniques of economic appraisal in a variety of contexts
• Experience in the application of economic analysis to day-to-day activities of public and private sector organisations.

Summer Project

• Your summer project topic can be chosen from any of the areas/issues covered on the programme. This is your opportunity to develop a substantive piece of applied work on a topic that is of particular interest to you, with supervision provided by an appropriate member of staff. It’s also a key opportunity to put into practice what you have learned during your MSc studies. 
• Each year, we offer a number of opportunities for students to undertake their summer project building on existing research activities and connections between departmental staff and external organisations, which would give you experience of engaging with users outside of academia. We're also able to supervise those part-time or full-time students who are sponsored by their employer, and wish to work on a topic of interest to both them and their employer.

Guest lectures

• The course will regularly bring speakers from industry, research and policy areas to share their insights as part of core classes. Recent speakers have come from organisations including Competition and Markets Authority, OFGEM, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department of Work and Pensions and Scottish Renewables.

Core classes

• Analysis of Economic Data
• Economic Appraisal and Modelling
• Fundamentals of Macroeconomics
• Fundamentals of Microeconomics
• International Macroeconomics
• Professional Development for Economists
• Topics in Public Economics
• Summer Project

Elective classes

• Economics of Inequality and Inclusive Growth
• Energy Economics
• Environmental Economics
• Games of Strategy
• International Development
• Regional Policy Development
• Health Economic Policy

Careers
Many of our graduates have gone on to senior positions in business, in consultancy and within government, while some have progressed to PhD level study and careers in academia.

Recent graduates
Recent examples include former students working in the following areas:

• Global economics and financial consulting firms including Analysys Mason in Edinburgh, Ernst and Young and DeVere Group in London and Function Capita in Shanghai, China
• Financial advisor/analyst roles within Investment and Asset Management companies including JP Morgan and KPMG and Franklin Templeton Investments in Edinburgh, Dune Real Estate Partners in New York and Fraser Spy Financial Services Ltd in Glasgow
• Banks including Clydesdale Bank in Glasgow, China Merchants Bank and Dongguan Rural Commercial Bank, both in Guandong, China and Pareto Bank in Oslo
• International organisations such as the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris
• Economic development agencies including the Scottish Council for Development and Industry
• The UK Government Economics Service, within the Office of National Statistics, the National Audit Office and the Scottish Government
• Economic policy roles within the governments of Nigeria, Rwanda and South Sudan and the Central Bank of the Seychelles
• Public and industry bodies such as OFGEM, the Competition and Markets Authority, Scottish Fiscal Commission, Scottish Renewables and the Water Industry Commission for Scotland