Course summary
Our Graduate Diploma in Economics fills a critical gap in the market for postgraduate training in economics. If you have an undergraduate degree in another subject area but wish to switch to economics, this specialist conversion course will help you do that - without requiring you to sign up to a full undergraduate degree. You do not need any prior training in the subject. The Graduate Diploma in Economics will give you a thorough grounding in the fundamental ideas and methods of modern economics, and you will learn to apply economic reasoning to practical problems. Crucially, you will also develop the necessary mathematical and statistical toolkit for studying economics. This rigorous and intensive training, spread over one or two years, will enable you to compete on equal terms with students graduating with undergraduate degrees in economics. We now also offer the Graduate Diploma in Economics through online study, supported by handouts and video recording of classroom lectures via our online platform, Moodle. The course structure and assessment methods are identical to those for students who take the course face-to-face, with written examinations either in Birkbeck, or, by arrangement, at a wide range of sites throughout the world. To succeed as an online student, you must be well organised, highly motivated and proactive in tracking the material. Access to your instructors is the main asset we offer, so you should be ready to actively maintain contact with your lecturers and class teachers via email or online. The Graduate Diploma is an undergraduate-level qualification. Upon completing the course, a significant proportion of students exit directly to the job market. Other students use this course as preparation for an MSc in economics or related disciplines. The one-year full-time route offers rapid progression to a high degree of economic literacy and has been specifically designed for people working full time; students who prefer to spread the course over a longer period should apply for the two-year part-time route which has a lighter workload. Highlights
- This is an ideal conversion course if you have a degree in another subject and need the skills of an economics graduate in your work, or want to study economics at Master's level.
- Our September pre-sessional courses will provide you with an accelerated revision of core mathematics skills, as they start at - roughly - GCSE level, but progress very rapidly to more advanced techniques.
- All modules on the course are designed carefully around targeted, accelerated learning, in contrast to conversion courses in other universities that simply offer modules that are already part of other undergraduate courses.
- We record all lectures, and all course materials are made available online, so you can access them when you need them.
- Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Economics and Econometrics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- economist
- financial risk analyst
- statistician
- management consultant
- actuary
- Civil Service fast-streamer
- local government officer.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Mostly by unseen written examination. Each module includes some assessment based on in-class or online tests. Applied Statistics and Econometrics and Microeconomics include coursework.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Entry requirements
At least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent, in any discipline. Evidence of aptitude for mathematical and statistical analysis is advantageous. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £11120 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11120 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11120 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11120 | Year 1 |
| International | £16400 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700