Economics
Entry requirements
At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or its equivalent, in either a directly relevant or a highly quantitative subject, or the Birkbeck Graduate Diploma in Economics.
Non-EU students are encouraged to submit GRE or GMAT results. In some cases, the admissions tutor may request these results in order to make a decision on your application. In that case, you should upload your score report to the online application system as if it were an additional transcript page.
Demonstrable qualities such as good time management and the ability to cope under pressure are vital.
Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Months of entry
September
Course content
This MSc Economics offers you a high level of academic rigour combined with a solid grounding in practical problem-solving and data-handling skills. It is designed to equip you with tools and techniques that provide a strong basis for a career as an economist.
Why choose this course?
- A thorough examination of econometric techniques on this course allows you to gain transferable skills that are attractive to employers across London and beyond.
- You will gain from the insight and expertise of active researchers who are also experienced professional practitioners, giving specialist advice and in-house training to government departments and banks and firms in the City of London.
- We have taught generations of economists over the last 50 years who have gone on to work at the Bank of England, the Treasury, the Civil Service, in consultancy and in academia.
What you will learn
You will learn microeconomic and macroeconomic theories at an advanced level to gain a solid basis of understanding policymaking by the Treasury and the Bank of England. You will gain practical and theoretical knowledge of econometric techniques, allowing you to develop your own data analysis project. You can also choose from a variety of option modules, depending on your interests or career aspirations, to allow you to develop a deeper understanding of specific areas in this field.How you will learn
You can study this MSc Economics full- or part-time with classes in the evening at our Bloomsbury campus that may also be live-streamed and available to access online so that you can study flexibly, without putting your life or your ambitions on hold. Classes are complemented by our high-quality virtual learning environment with online resources including video recordings of lectures.
- Some modules offer classes you can attend online, although this may only be available for home students.
- Many of our students work in government, finance, economic consultancies, think tanks and the digital economy, 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.
- 84% of our Economics and Econometrics research outputs were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework, placing us among the top economics departments in the UK.
- Watch our academics discuss some of their recent research projects.
On successfully graduating from this MSc Economics, you'll have gained an array of important transferable skills that are particularly valued by employers, including:
- a solid grounding in economic policy as carried out by the Treasury (mostly based on microeconomics), as well as macroeconomic policies by the Bank of England
- data inference skills that are highly prized by employers
- the ability to think in a structured, critical manner.
Graduates can pursue career paths in banking and finance, the public sector, industry, and research and analysis. Possible professions include:
- economist – in academia or in policy-making roles
- consultant
- Civil Service fast-streamer
- risk analyst
- management consultant
- actuary
- statistician
- local government officer.
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.
Information for international students
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 no less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700