MSc (Economics)

The MSc in Economics offers unique training in both mainstream and heterodox economics, providing students with a solid theoretical foundation and rigorous analytical tools to confront the challenges encountered by national and global economies.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge theories and empirical research on economic issues. These include the root causes and impacts of global financial crises, industrial policy, structural transformation, the causes of inequality, and the impact of climate change on the economy, among other concerns.

Optional regional modules enable students to explore perspectives rooted in the tradition of SOAS Economics. Additionally, students have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following three areas: 1) Economics and International Finance, 2) Economics of Environment, and 3) Economics and Institutions. Specialization is achieved through the selection of specific optional modules and by writing a dissertation on a related topic.

Global Partnerships

• Programme participants are eligible to apply for a co-supervised dissertation, collaborating with members of the Economics department and leading experts from international organizations. Such organizations include the World Bank, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
• In addition, this programme is offered as part of a dual master's degree with Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Through the dual Master's, students can spend the first year studying at SAIS and the second year at SOAS or vice versa and gain a Master's award from each institution. For more information about the eligible programmes included in the dual masters, please see the SOAS-SAIS partnership on the Global Partnerships website.

Why study MSc Economics at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 27th in the UK for economics (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• We're top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching (Complete University Guide 2023)
• We're also ranked top 40 in the UK for economics (Complete University Guide 2023)
• SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2023)

Structure

• The MSc Economics is a taught Master’s degree. It consists of eight taught modules, four compulsory modules and four optional (Guided Options) modules, each worth 15 credits. In addition, a 10,000-word dissertation focusing on economic theory, policy or a specific line of specialisation, accounts for 60 credits. The modules are delivered through lectures, classes, seminars and tutorials.
• The degree is awarded based on examinations written in May and a dissertation which is submitted in September. All students must complete the compulsory preliminary course in Mathematics and Statistics which is taught over three weeks in August/ September before the start of the core modules.

Employment

• The SOAS MSc Economics is ideal for students who wish to obtain an in-depth pluralist understanding of economics and have the ambition to play a leading role in shaping economic policies that address global challenges. The programme provides a gateway to job opportunities in private companies, the government sector and international organisations. The advanced nature of the programme also serves as an excellent foundation for PhD studies.
• Economics graduates leave SOAS with a solid grounding in statistical skills and an ability to think laterally, take a global perspective, and employ critical reasoning.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

• Bain & Co
• Bank of America
• Cabinet Office
• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young
• HM Treasury
• KPMG
• NHS England
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
• HSBC
• National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi
• UK Civil Service
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• University of Bayreuth
• HM Treasury
• Department for International Development
• PwC
• UNDP
• King’s Investment Fund
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• The World Bank
• EY
• British Chamber of Commerce
• Oxfam
• RBS