Economics
A postgraduate economics degree allows students to advance their understanding of how economies function and how economic theory and data analysis can inform decision-making at organisational, national, and global levels. It provides a rigorous foundation in advanced economic concepts while offering opportunities to specialise in areas such as development economics, financial economics, behavioural economics, and international trade.
The programme offers the opportunity to study core subjects including advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, game theory, and public policy analysis. Many courses also integrate applied research projects, quantitative modelling, policy simulations, and industry collaborations, enabling students to apply economic theory to complex real-world challenges.
Why study Postgraduate Degree in Economics?
Studying economics at postgraduate level is a chance to combine theoretical depth with applied analysis, preparing graduates for senior careers in government, international organisations, finance, consultancy, and academia. It also provides a strong pathway to doctoral research or specialist roles in economic policy, financial strategy, and data-driven decision-making.
Top Ranking Universities List for Civil Engineering
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
-
A strong Master’s degree (Merit or Distinction) in Economics, Econometrics, Finance, Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
-
Applicants must also hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a UK 2:1 (Upper Second-Class Honours) or equivalent in a relevant subject.
-
A solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics is essential. Many top universities expect prior completion of advanced quantitative modules at Master’s level.
-
International qualifications must meet UK equivalence standards (verified through UK ENIC, if required).
-
Elite institutions such as LSE, Cambridge, and Oxford generally expect a first-class undergraduate degree and a Distinction-level Master’s with excellent performance in quantitative coursework.
Work Experience Requirements
-
Work experience is not normally required for PhD entry in Economics, as admissions focus on academic preparation and research potential.
-
However, relevant experience in economic research, data analysis, finance, consultancy, or public policy can enhance an application.
-
Applicants with research assistantships, internships at central banks or research institutions, or published academic work are viewed favorably.
-
For applied economics or policy-related programmes, professional exposure to economics or finance sectors is beneficial but not essential.
English Language Requirements
-
IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 7.0, with no component below 6.5 (some universities accept 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum).
-
TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 95–100, with minimum section scores around 22.
-
PTE Academic: Overall score of 68–70, with no skill below 62.
-
Exemptions apply to students who have completed prior degrees taught in English or in majority English-speaking countries.
-
Competitive programmes (e.g., at LSE, UCL, or Warwick) may require higher scores or additional writing samples to demonstrate English proficiency.
Additional Application Documents
-
Official academic transcripts and degree certificates for all previous study (with certified translations where necessary).
-
Detailed research proposal (usually 1,000–2,000 words) explaining your research question, theoretical framework, methodology, and how it contributes to economic knowledge.
-
Personal statement highlighting your academic motivation, research interests, and how your experience aligns with the PhD programme.
-
Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing education, research projects, econometric or programming skills (e.g., Stata, R, Python), publications, and relevant professional experience.
-
Two academic references, preferably from lecturers or supervisors familiar with your research abilities and quantitative skills.
-
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable.
-
Some departments may request a writing sample (such as a master’s dissertation or research paper).
-
Certain universities (like LSE or Warwick) may require GRE quantitative scores, especially for applicants from non-UK institutions.
