Economics MSc

Our MSc Economics trains you in the methods that professional economists actually use: analysing data, testing policy impacts, and turning complex problems into clear recommendations. You can choose to specialise in an area you care about - Behavioural and Experimental Economics, Development Economics or Environmental and Natural Resource Economics - and graduate with expertise that opens doors across sectors and countries.

Choose your specialism
In semester one, you'll complete core modules and build your foundation. Then you have the choice to specialise in Behavioural Economics (how people actually make decisions), Development Economics (emerging markets and poverty reduction), or Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (climate policy and resource management). You'll complete a dissertation that lets you study your chosen area in detail.

Learn from active researchers
Faculty work with research institutes like City-REDI, advising government on labour markets and policy evaluation, and lead specialist research groups including the Birmingham Experimental Economics Laboratory (BEEG). You'll learn from economists actively tackling real challenges: measuring policy impacts, testing behavioural interventions, and building economic models for decision-makers.

Study in a financial hub
Known as the UK's 'second city', Birmingham is home to HSBC's UK headquarters, Deutsche Bank operations, and over 200 fintech companies. Living costs are lower than London, with direct train connections to London in under 90 minutes.

Master professional tools
Graduate confident in the econometric methods that economists use in practice: impact evaluation, forecasting, policy simulation, and working with large datasets. These skills transfer directly whether you're joining the Treasury, a consulting firm, or a central bank.

• Taught modules – these include lectures, workshops and seminars
• Assessments - these will include exams, group and individual projects and presentations, reports, essays, videos, digital artefacts, and case studies
• Dissertation project - this provides students with the opportunity to read extensively and apply research skills to a chosen area related to economics. Dissertations may be either empirical, library-based, or a case study.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2026/27 session

When selecting optional modules, you can choose a specialism, which requires a specific combination. You also have the opportunity to follow a mixed pathway route, tailoring the course to your requirements.

Specialisms include:

• Behavioural and Experimental Economics
• Development Economics
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics

Core modules

Optional modules

Students must choose 60 credits from the optional modules listed.

Specialisms

To be eligible for a named specialism in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, the 60 credits must include the following taught modules and students must write a dissertation in the relevant area:

• Environmental Economics
• Natural Resource Economics

To be eligible for a named specialism in Behavioural and Experimental Economics, the 60 credits must include the following taught modules and students must write a dissertation in the relevant area:

• Experimental Economics
• Behavioural Economics

To be eligible for a named specialism in Development Economics, the 60 credits must include the following taught modules and students must write a dissertation in the relevant area:

• Topics in Development Economics
• Development Economics Policy

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Business School Masters Scholarships

Birmingham Business School Masters Scholarships are designed to empower the next generation of leaders who are passionate about advancing responsible business and driving positive change.

For 2026, we are offering several scholarships to invest in future leaders who will set new global standards for responsible business leadership through challenging the status quo to seek progressive solutions to complex global challenges.

Careers support for Business School students

From day one through to graduation and beyond, you'll access specialist careers guidance tailored to the global business landscape. Our dedicated Business School careers consultants combine deep industry knowledge with personalised support, helping you navigate everything from securing graduate roles at leading corporations to launching your own venture.

You'll benefit from targeted career coaching, exclusive employer networking events, business-focused careers fairs, and direct connections to top graduate recruiters. Through tailored workshops, one-to-one consultations, and our extensive alumni network spanning the globe, you'll develop the professional skills and relationships that give you a competitive edge in the international job market.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.