Applied Economics

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:2 or above) in a numerate, quantitative or business related discipline.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Apply theory and analysis methods to the problems and policy issues facing economists all over the world.

Led by experts from the University of Reading’s Department of Economics, this master’s degree focuses on the application of economics to contemporary problems and policy, with a multicultural and global outlook.

Designed by academics who have worked as professional economists in the UK Government Economic Service and the World Bank, this programme combines theoretical, methodological, and practical issues, based on rigorous training in core areas of the discipline.

This degree will equip you with the tools required to work in government, international organisations, or business, or as preparation for further research in economics.

Enhance your employability skills, build connections and gain hands-on experience through our Capstone Project module where you work in a team with other students on a project for an external organisation. It is an excellent opportunity for you to work on a real-world policy problem and be supervised by an academic. You will benefit from an independent analysis of an existing, or prospective, initiative, policy or area of concern.

This course will develop your research skills by giving you the opportunity to produce a significant, in-depth applied analysis of a contemporary topic in economics through our Applied Economics Project module.

Choose economics at the University of Reading

• Learn from a department that has over 50 years of experience.
• 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies).
• The University of Reading is ranked 10th in the UK in Business and Economics subjects (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024, United Kingdom providers only).
• Ranked among the top 200 universities in the world for Economics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Pre-sessional English language programme: If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

· Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Fees and funding