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Contemporary Economic Perspectives

MA

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

This MA Contemporary Economic Perspectives is an innovative course designed for those who want to gain a deep understanding of economic principles, without the conventional, strong focus on mathematics.

  • Why choose this course?
    • It is ideal if you are a professional in journalism, politics, business or the social sciences eager to gain practical knowledge that can be applied in real-world settings.
    • You will be taught by expert academic economists with extensive experience of explaining economic reasoning to a non-technical audience.
    • You will join a vibrant community with access to cutting-edge economic research.
    • This course benefits from our central London location and close proximity to financial institutions, policymakers and think tanks.

  • What will I learn?

    This course offers you the chance to take a comprehensive look at the issues shaping the global economy today, such as inflation, financial regulation and economic policy, through a non-technical lens. It also offers you a platform for policy-oriented discussions, real-world applications and economic literacy.

    You will be equipped with the skills needed to interpret economic data and communicate complex ideas effectively. You will gain experience of reading economic research and understanding economic jargon. You will learn to overview academic papers on specific economic topics and write, present and communicate economic ideas which are highly valued across many industries.

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time with classes taking place in the evening. Most modules are offered as HyFlex, so you can decide to take them on campus or online. Core modules will allow you to gain a strong foundation in economic concepts, and option modules will allow you to explore specific areas of interest.

    For your dissertation, you will have the chance to conduct original research on a contemporary economic issue of your choice.

    If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to attend this course on campus. Any online options will not be available to you because this may affect the conditions of your visa.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: One to two evenings a week, October to July

    Part-time: One evening a week, October to July

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • Birkbeck graduates are well respected by employers, who value the dedication and ability required to balance evening study with daytime occupations.
  • You will have access to rich interdisciplinary resources, including the library's extensive economics archives.
  • In the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 84% of our Economics and Econometrics research outputs were rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, ranking us among the top 20 economics departments in the UK. This helps ensure you receive high-quality teaching informed by the latest developments in the field.

Modules and Teaching

Birkbeck Business School

The school is research-driven across a wide range of disciplinary themes with academic staff who create new knowledge, push boundaries and publish in leading academic journals.

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Entry requirements

Our standard entry requirements for postgraduate courses are a second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, in any area of study.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

International students: Please note, if you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to attend this course on campus. Any online options will not be available to you because this may affect the conditions of your visa.

  • What are the 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. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

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Fees

MA: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £7,440 per year
Full-time home students: £14,880 per year
Part-time international students: £11,490 per year
Full-time international students: £22,980 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully completing this MA Contemporary Economic Perspectives you will be equipped with valuable transferable skills including the ability to:

  • describe and discuss core economic principles
  • evaluate and interpret data and research
  • identify and critically assess policy debates
  • synthesise and present research findings.

This course will help strengthen careers in government policy analysis, financial journalism, economic consultancy, and roles in non-governmental organisations.

Graduates may also pursue career paths in roles such as:

  • economic adviser
  • policy consultant
  • research analyst
  • financial reporter. 

Following this degree, you may decide to further explore economic issues from a broader social science perspective on a PhD programme in social sciences. 

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

Related courses

Study routes for Contemporary Economic Perspectives (MA)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time