Economics (MSci)
MSci
Course Overview
This MSci Economics integrates the BSc and MSc degrees in economics from Birkbeck to equip you with the technical and applied skills to prepare you for a dynamic career path in government, think tanks, or banking and finance.
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Why choose this course?
- This MSci Economics opens the door to some of the most rewarding and interesting careers. Our economics graduates have gone on to secure roles with leading City firms, government departments, or in major think tanks.
- Many of the academics you will be taught by are recognised as world-class experts in their fields. Many are also professional practitioners in the world of economics who provide specialist advice and in-house training for government departments and City firms and banks including the Treasury and Bank of England.
- Studying at Birkbeck, in the heart of London, places you at the centre of one of the world's leading financial hubs, with access to excellent facilities and valuable connections to key policymaking institutions, financial organisations and employers.
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What will I learn?
This integrated degree provides excellent preparation for postgraduate study, helping you avoid the jump to more advanced level skills and understanding which can be experienced when studying both degrees separately.
You will develop the core economics and data skills used by professional economists. Blending academic rigour with practical expertise, this course equips you with advanced tools in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.
In your final year you will deepen your knowledge of economic theory and empirical methods and develop your ability to critically read academic papers and carry out your own original research.
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How will I learn?
This course is available to study full-time with classes in the evening. Modules may also be available to study online.
You will be taught mainly through lectures and problem-solving classes. Problem solving is a key aspect of your learning on this course, especially in some of the more technical modules, and you will be able to complete exercises in preparation for problem-solving classes.
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 to attend classes will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.
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How often will I attend classes?
Full-time: Two to four evenings a week, October to July
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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 was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Economics and Econometrics research in the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- We bring together research and teaching across economics and finance, mathematics and statistics which creates significant interdisciplinary synergies.
Modules and Teaching
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Starting in October 2027
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Four years full-time, on campus
You must complete modules worth a total of 480 credits.
- Years 1 and 2: four compulsory modules in each year
- Year 3: three compulsory modules and one option module
- Year 4: four compulsory modules including a dissertation
Year 1 compulsory modules
- Current Economic Problems
- IT and Professional Skills
- Introduction to Economics
- Quantitative Techniques for Economics and Finance I
Year 2 compulsory modules
- International Economics
- Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
- Microeconomic Theory and Policy
- Quantitative Techniques for Economics and Finance II
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Indicative Year 3 option modules
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Teaching
We encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching to help ensure you have the best learning experience and provide a range of different modes of learning to help you juggle study with work and other commitments.
What are the methods of teaching?
Teaching is mainly through lectures and problem-solving classes on this course. Lecture notes and problem solving sets will also usually be available via our virtual learning environment.
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How will I be assessed?
This course is assessed via examinations, tests, assignments, project work, classroom presentations and group discussions, and a dissertation.
Please see individual modules for more details.
Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy.
Entry Requirements
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.
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Full-time study - how many UCAS points do I need?
Four years full-time: 120 points (e.g. A-levels BBB)
For full-time study on this course, you apply via UCAS. The UCAS tariff score applies if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth.
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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 Global Recruitment at Birkbeck 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.
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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.
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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.
Fees
Four years full-time, on campus
Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027
To be confirmed
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 our Fees Policy.
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Birkbeck's Lifelong Learning Guarantee
If you've studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a reduction on the tuition fee of this course.
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Tuition fees and maintenance loans
Eligible full-time and part-time students from the UK don't have to pay any tuition fees upfront, as government loans are available to cover them.
Maintenance loans are also available for eligible full-time and part-time UK students, to help cover living costs, such as accommodation, food, travel, books and study materials. The amount you receive is means-tested and depends on where you live and study and your household income.
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Can I apply for an international scholarship?
We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. View Birkbeck's available scholarships.
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 MSci Economics you will have gained an array of valuable transferable skills, including in:
- critical thinking and problem-solving
- data interpretation and evidence-based decision-making
- independent learning and research
- high-level written and oral communication.
You will find economics graduates pursuing career paths in roles in:
- economic analysis and consultancy
- finance
- public policy
- international organisations
- regulation
- research institutes
- data-intensive work in the private and public sectors.
This course also offers you a strong foundation for academic progression at PhD level in economics.
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 via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.
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How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?
If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.
The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.
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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.
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How can I get help with my application?
Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.
Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.
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International agents
If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.
Study routes for Economics (MSci) (MSci)
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.
Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.
2027-28
Full-time
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Four years full-time, on campus starting in October 2027
Apply now via UCAS Economics (MSci) (MSci) Four years full-time, on campus starting in October 2027