Economics (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Apply advanced economic theory to reframe and resolve contemporary socio-political challenges.
Get the latest insights
Attend specialist workshops hosted by our Economics Section and explore the latest developments in research and practice.
Our experts, your lecturers
Learn from renowned faculty with advisory and consultancy experience in public, private and third sector organisations across the world.
A new generation of economists
Prepare for doctoral study or research-oriented careers with independent research under academic supervision.
Socially responsible
As the world's first Public Value Business School, we're committed to delivering social improvement alongside economic development.
From Brexit and the Bedroom Tax to wages and wealth, environment and energy to health and homelessness, economists have rarely held such influence in the direction and debate of the challenges affecting the communities of the world.
The business of changing the world is ours.
Our MSc in Economics is focused on nurturing a new generation of economics professionals with the tools and techniques to meet the demands of a global economy.
We’ll help you prepare for careers in government service, industry, international institutions, consultancy and central banks, equipping you with the specialist theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address significant economic challenges.
Our team of academic experts will encourage you to consider the social, economic and ethical implications of your decisions as you encounter the economics of labour, development, policy and trade.
They’ll draw on their world leading research and real-world consultancy experience to demonstrate how advanced analytical techniques can be leveraged to understand practical problems.
“After learning the theory, you begin to understand how the economy is evolving in the real world. Examples such as the trade war between the US and China and the UK voting to leave the EU gave me the opportunity to put my knowledge into practice.”
Where you'll study
Cardiff Business School
We’re an AACSB International and AMBA-accredited Business School with a clear mission: to make a positive impact in the communities of Wales and the world.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
1. A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in economics or a related subject, to include a minimum of 60% in econometrics (or equivalent quantitative module) and macroeconomics modules, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
2. A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer reference, which evidence your experience in economics or an economics-related field.
Application deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The Programme is offered in full-time mode and lasts twelve months. You will take a total of 8 taught modules compiled from a combination of compulsory and optional modules in stage one, and complete a dissertation in stage two.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Core knowledge and understanding, intellectual and other skills are acquired via lectures, seminars and guided study. These activities will include staff and student-led presentations and case studies. Some optional modules also involve practical sessions.
More advanced knowledge and understanding is acquired by independent study, computer aided learning and, in some options, project work. In respect of other skills, you will also have the opportunity to benefit from the Trading Room located at the School and attend University approved courses provided by the Careers Service.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Macroeconomics | BST168 | 30 credits |
| Econometrics | BST169 | 15 credits |
| Advanced Microeconomic Theory | BST171 | 30 credits |
| MSc Economics Dissertation | BST280 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced International Trade | BST172 | 15 credits |
| Advanced Political Economy | BST174 | 15 credits |
| Advanced Labour Economics | BST177 | 15 credits |
| Micro-Econometric Practice | BST281 | 15 credits |
| Macro-Econometric Practice | BST283 | 15 credits |
| Topics in Monetary Policy | BST285 | 15 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
You will be expected to attend all timetabled sessions and are also expected to engage in independent study. You will receive supervision to help you complete the dissertation, but will be expected to manage your own time to undertake significant independent study during this phase.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across your degree scheme as a whole, you can expect as a minimum a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, presentations and individual projects.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of your studies. Normally, your personal tutor will teach on your own degree course and you will keep the same personal tutor throughout your course.
Your personal tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues, including module choice and assessment. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; they will be able to put you in touch with the wide range of expert student support services provided by the University and the Students' Union as appropriate. You are required to meet with your personal tutor at three points during each academic year but you are also encouraged to get in touch with them at any other point if you need help or advice.
For day-to-day information, the staff of our Postgraduate Student Hub are available, in person, by telephone or by email, from 9am to 5pm each weekday during term time to answer your questions.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Knowledge & Understanding:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge and understanding of the main features of modern economics;
- An understanding of the workings of domestic and global economies;
- Be aware of key theoretical, conceptual and empirical debates in economics.
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Use economic and statistical concepts to analyse specific contemporary problems;
- Evaluate critically economic theory and appreciate its relevance to the development and analysis of policy options;
- Have the ability to access key sources of economic data and to appreciate their deficiencies and limitations;
- Be able to understand the empirical investigation of economic issues and to elucidate and evaluate empirical findings of leading researchers.
Professional Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- The application of theoretical concepts to simplify complex situations, thereby providing a framework within which effective problem solving and decision making can take place;
- Apply deductive reasoning and logical analysis to problems and produce analytical written reports of a professional standard;
- Organise, analyse and present statistical data and other factual financial and economic information;
- Identify, analyse and model key variables and relationships, highlight trends and determine predictors which can be used by decision makers and in policy formulation;
- Identify and analyse the implications of government and international policies on key economic outcomes;
- Understand and evaluate the role of incentives and strategic thinking in determining individual behaviour and in achieving group goals.
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Individual work, goal setting and meeting of targets
- Advocacy and debate in particular on economic behaviour;
- Library based research;
- Written and oral presentations;
- Word processing, spreadsheet software, databases and statistical/econometric packages.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £13,200 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £30,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
At Cardiff Business School, you’ll receive a career-changing education from world-leading academics that have different points of view. They’ll challenge your thinking as you consider the world of business from a range of alternative perspectives.
On our MSc in Economics, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our Career Enhancer Team. They’re ready and waiting to identify events and opportunities to help you achieve your future aspirations.
We’ve developed relationships that range from the largest multinationals to the smallest micro-businesses, and include a wide variety of social enterprises and cooperatives. We use these networks to deliver value for our students through:
- real-world case studies and insights
- guest lectures
- field trips and workshops.
This wide ranging and varied learning experience will help enhance your career and demonstrate how you can make a difference along the way.
A master’s degree in Economics provides students with a thorough and advanced understanding of economics and quantitative methods and a training in using statistical data (especially relating to the economic and financial world) to write reports and make oral presentations. As such it provides suitable training for a range of careers including working in government policy, as a public or private sector economist, as a management consultant or an analyst in business or financial services.
Placements
We do not currently offer placements as part of this academic programme
Next steps
Open Day visits
Register for information about our upcoming dates.Make an enquiry
Contact us for more information about this course.International
Learn more about our truly global university.Discover more
Related searches: Economics
HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
