Course summary

Economics is more relevant than ever to understand contemporary events in the global economy and provide the tools and techniques for business and governments to analyse and interpret the issues and problems they face. Reflecting the needs of both private and public sector employers, our highly practical MSc prepares you to assess business problems, interpret public policy and effectively communicate the insights that economic analysis can provide. Aimed at those with a genuine interest in the application of economics to real-world situations, this course aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the latest theories, practices and key concepts in economics that underpin public sector policy and business decision making. This includes the various scenarios where we explore opportunity cost, equilibrium and disequilibrium, strategic interaction, market failure and the related concept of externalities. The focus is very much on developing the practical skills needed by a working economist – the ability to apply economic techniques to complex, multi-faceted business problems and provide specialist advice. You’ll gain hands-on experience of the industry-standard computing and econometrics software used to analyse and manipulate data. You’ll be taught by staff who share their experience working and consulting for the UK Government Economic Service, HM Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department of Work and Pensions, House of Lords, Federation of Small Businesses, European Commission, International Labour Office, and many other major international financial firms. There is an increasing demand worldwide for economic analysis in international development, local and central government, non-governmental organisations, charity, urban and regional development policy, education or research. Past graduates have become Fast Stream economists in the UK Government Economic Service, others have gained employment as economists or economic analysts in charities and the private sector. The course has been designed with input from colleagues at the Society of Professional Economists and previous students now working in the UK Government Economic Service.