MSc Economics (2019 entry)

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: September

Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time

This programme is distinctive in its commitment to provide training in both mainstream economics and heterodox alternative theories and methods, quantitative skills, and application to a variety of contemporary topics and global economic issues. This reflects one of our key institutional roles in leading the debates in political economy and pluralistic economics. It also places applied focus on policy engagements and their theory foundations, drawing on our strengths and expertise in those areas.

This programme will equip you with the specialist knowledge required by international employers in both the business and public sectors; as well as providing rigorous foundations for those who wish to go on to do research in economics at the PhD level.

Msc Economics consists of six core modules and two optional modules, each worth 15 credits.  In addition, an MSc dissertation focusing on general economic theory, policy and or/the history of economic analysis accounts for 60 credits.

Students with strong econometrics background may follow an alternative combination of quantitative modules allowing them to take both Advanced Econometrics A and Advanced Econometrics B without having to complete Econometrics first. Students who wish to apply for this alternative quantitative structure must contact the convenor of Econometrics prior to taking the Preliminary examination. Applicants will undertake an assessment during the Welcome week based on examination papers of previous years' Econometrics

Dissertation

Taught Component

Core Modules

All students will take the following core modules:

Compulsory Modules

All students will take EITHER  Advanced Econometrics A (previously Quantitative Methods II) OR Advanced Econometrics B (previously Quantitative Methods III)

Guided Options

All students will take the modules to the value of 30 credits from list of modules (below)

AND

Taught Component for students with a strong background in Econometrics

For students with a strong background in Econometrics, the following alternative combination of modules is available; this allows them to take both Advanced Econometrics A and Advanced Econometrics B without having to complete Econometrics first:

Core Modules

All students will take the following six core modules:

Guided Options

All students will take the modules to the value of 30 credits from list of modules (below)

AND

List of Modules (subject to availability)

Note: Advanced Econometrics A and Advanced Econometrics A can be chosen as an option if not taken as a core module.

This is the structure for applicants for the year shown above

Programme Specification

• MSc Economics programme specification 2019/20 (pdf; 77kb)

Important notice

Teaching & Learning

The MSc Economics consists of six core modules and two optional modules, each worth 15 credits. Four of the core modules cover microeconomic and macroeconomic theories, while the other two core modules give training in econometrics.  In additions, an MSc dissertation focusing on general economic theory, policy and/or the history of economic analysis accounts for 60 credits.

The modules are taught in seminar groups and lectures. The degrees is awarded on the basis of assessed coursework, examinations and the dissertation.

The MSc is taught over a period of twelve months of full-time study withing a structured programme. In case of part-time study, the degree will be taught over two or three years. 

For a two year study, four modules are studied each year, with the dissertation normally being completed in the second year, while the number of modules taken is decided in consultation with the programme convenor for a three year study.

Contact Hours

All Masters programmes consist of 180 credits, made up of taught modules of 30 or 15 credits, taught over 10 or 20 weeks, and a dissertation of 60 credits. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others. In the Department of Economics, most postgraduate modules have a two hour lecture and a one hour seminar every week, but this does vary.

More information is on the page for each module.

Lectures

Most courses involve a 2-hour lecture as a key component with linked seminar or tutorial classes.

Seminars

At Masters level there is particular emphasis on seminar work. Students make full-scale presentations and are expected to write papers that often require significant independent work. 

Dissertation

Students are required to complete an 10,000-word dissertation focusing on economic theory, policy and/or the history of economic analysis.

Pre Entry Reading

Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics Module

Our quantitative methods teaching begins with a three-week preliminary module in mathematics, statistics and computing. The objective of the module is to ensure the basic quantitative skills assumed once formal teaching commence. This module is compulsory. Further details please visit the Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics page.

Tuition Fees

Full details of postgraduate tuition fees can be found on the Registry's Postgraduate Tuition Fees page.

This is a Band 3 tuition fee.

Fees for 2019/20 entrants. The fees below are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year. 

Scholarships

For further details and information on external scholarships visit the Scholarships section

Graduates of Masters programmes in the Department of Economic at SOAS have followed successful careers in international banking and finance, in national governments in many parts of the world, in international development agencies and in a range of non-governmental organisations. The MSc Economics provides rigorous foundations for students to go on to undertake research in economics at the PhD level.

• How to Apply
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• Tuition Fees
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