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Economics

MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
September 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • One year full-time, online

  • One year full-time, flexible learning

  • Two years part-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, online

  • Two years part-time, flexible learning

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

Course overview

This MSc Economics is designed for ambitious individuals aiming to deepen their understanding of economic theory and its real-world applications. You will learn from leading researchers, gain hands-on experience with econometric techniques and benefit from the flexibility of evening classes you can attend online as well as on campus.

  • Why choose this course?
    • This course blends academic rigour with practical expertise to equip you with advanced tools in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, and help prepare you for a dynamic career in government, finance, consultancy or academia.
    • You will learn from experienced lecturers who bring cutting-edge insights into the classroom and are leading researchers in their fields.
    • Our strong connections to industry, such as the Civil Service, consultancy and finance, offer you benefits in terms of career opportunities and networking.

  • What will I learn?

    On this course you will develop advanced quantitative and analytical skills through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on econometric training.

    After you have refreshed your skills in mathematics and statistics at the beginning of the course, you will go on to master advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics skills that form the basis of training as an economist.

    You will also be able to follow your interests choosing from a range of option modules, such as advanced econometric, industrial economics and monetary economics. You will complete the course by undertaking a supervised dissertation that allows you to develop your skills for independent research.

  • How will I learn?

    You can study this MSc Economics full- or part-time with classes in the evening consisting of interactive lectures and problem-solving sessions. You can attend these either online or on campus, so you can choose to study more flexibly, without putting your life or your ambitions on hold.

    Classes are complemented by our high-quality virtual learning environment with additional online resources including video recordings of lectures you can refer back to.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Three to four evenings a week, September to June.

    Part-time: Two evenings a week, September to June.

  • Flexible Master's

    This course is part of our Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both.

    If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.

  • 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

  • Many of our students work in the Civil Service, Bank of England, economic regulators or City firms, which generates a lively atmosphere in class and ensures that you'll be studying alongside, and networking with, committed, enthusiastic students with a wealth of experience. 
  • Birkbeck graduates are well respected by employers, who value the dedication and ability required to balance evening study with daytime occupations.
  • 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.
  • If you are able to demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need, you may be eligible for our Economics Postgraduate Scholarships. 

Modules and Teaching

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Entry requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or its equivalent, in either a directly relevant or a highly quantitative subject.

Prior training in economics is a distinct advantage, but not essential. If your first degree is in another discipline, in your first year at Birkbeck we may ask you to complete some or all of the modules in our well-established Graduate Diploma in Economics, which will provide you with key tools in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics to enable you to tackle advanced study in economics. The exact choice and number of modules will depend on your academic background.

Demonstrable qualities such as good time management and the ability to cope under pressure are vital.

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 apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they 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

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in September 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

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, online, starting in September 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

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, flexible learning, starting in September 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

The strong emphasis of this MSc Economics on quantitative and analytical skills helps ensure our graduates are highly sought after in competitive industries.

On successfully graduating from this MSc Economics, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills that are particularly valued by employers, including:

  • the ability to analyse and interpret complex data
  • the ability to use economic theory to solve problems
  • proficiency in econometric modelling and independent research
  • strong communication and presentation skills.

Graduates can pursue career paths in government, academia, economic consultancies and finance. Possible professions include:

  • senior economist
  • data analyst
  • researcher
  • policy adviser.

Graduates from our economics courses have recently secured jobs with the HM Treasury, Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority, Frontier Economics, the International Monetary Fund and the OECD.

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 Economics (MSc)

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 September 2026

Full-time

Part-time