MSc Economics

Entry standards

Normally a UK First or Upper Second class degree in economics, or an equivalent qualification. However, in certain cases, applicants who have a joint degree in economics and a related discipline, but who have had a wide involvement in the field of their desired specialisation, may also be considered, as may graduates in mathematics, engineering and science. 

Applicants with non-standard qualifications may be invited for interview to discuss the programme before an offer is made. Overseas applicants who cannot attend for interview may be required to send in written material upon which they may be evaluated. 

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

MSc Economics - structure and modules

MSc Economics 

This programme will provide you with a thorough training in the core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. We aim to produce MSc graduates who are not only well trained technically, but also possess the ability to bring their analytical strengths to bear on applied issues. 

The programme will also provide you with training in research methodology and help you to develop the skills needed to undertake independent research in economics. The MSc in Economics provides a high degree of flexibility by allowing you to take options in both semesters from across our range of MSc programmes. 

MSc Energy Economics and Policy

This programme of study aims to provide a thorough understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Building on these foundations, the programme focuses on economic and policy issues affecting the energy industry around the world. 

This programme provides you with a solid grounding in international oil and gas, natural resource and environmental economics, the general principles of regulation and energy modelling. Those wishing to work in policy making in the energy area, both in developed and developing countries, will find this programme particularly relevant. 

The programme will also provide you with guidance on appropriate research methodology and develop the skills required to undertake independent research in energy economics. 

MSc International Economics, Finance and Development 

This programme aims to provide a thorough understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Building on these foundations, it specialises in two related areas. 

The first area examines the interface between international trade and international business. It covers the operations of transnational companies, international investment and the international transfer of technology. 

The second area of specialisation focuses on international financial issues from the perspective of developing and emerging economies, and examines not only stabilisation, adjustment and economic liberalisation, but also the principal sources of external finance for developing countries. The programme will also provide you with training in research methodology and develop the skills required to undertake independent research. 

MSc Business Economics and Finance

As well as providing a thorough grounding in the core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, this programme provides specialist training in the two areas of business economics and finance. 

Modules in the Economics of the Firm and Human Resource Economics are primarily concerned with the importance of business issues in the study of economics and modern developments in personnel economics. The second area of specialisation focuses on the theory of finance and financial econometrics. The former will give you a thorough grounding in modern finance theory whilst the latter is directed towards the principal econometric techniques that have been applied to financial data. 

This programme seeks to provide you with knowledge and skills that are of immediate value in the job market, whilst also providing an excellent base from which to undertake further research.

Structure of the One-year Full-time Programmes

C=Compulsory

O=Optional (45 credits)

Structure of the Two-year Part-time Programmes

C=Compulsory

O=Optional (45 credits)

MSc Economics - entry standards

Entry standards

Normally a UK First or Upper Second class degree in economics, or an equivalent qualification. However, in certain cases, applicants who have a joint degree in economics and a related discipline, but who have had a wide involvement in the field of their desired specialisation, may also be considered, as may graduates in mathematics, engineering and science. 

Applicants with non-standard qualifications may be invited for interview to discuss the programme before an offer is made. Overseas applicants who cannot attend for interview may be required to send in written material upon which they may be evaluated. 

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Planned intake

Up to 40

Start date

Programme Director

• Dr Vasco Gabriel

MSc Economics - fees and funding

Fees

Economics (full time):

UK/EU - £5,200 
Overseas - £12,705

Economics (part time):

UK/EU - £2,600 
Overseas - £6,355

Business Economics and Finance (full time):

UK/EU - £5,200 
Overseas - £12,705

Business Economics and Finance (part time): 

UK/EU - £2,600 
Overseas - £6,355

Energy Economics and Policy (full time): 

UK/EU - £5,200 
Overseas - £12,705

Energy Economics and Policy (part time):

UK/EU - £2,600 
Overseas - £6,355

International Economics, Finance and Development (full time):

UK/EU - £5,200 
Overseas - £12,705

International Economics, Finance and Development (part time):

UK/EU - £2,600 
Overseas - £6,355

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

MSc Economics - professional context

Professional recognition

All MSc programmes and research degrees enjoy ‘1+3’, ‘3’ and CASE ESRC recognition (full-time and part-time).

Careers

The MSc programmes in Economics train students in the application of economic methods to the analysis of real-world issues. Most graduates have gone on to follow careers as economists, particularly in areas relevant to their specialisation, such as the energy industry, multinational enterprises, financial institutions and development agencies, as well as in government departments. Others have wished to develop their research skills further by taking a PhD degree.

MSc Economics - teaching

Staff perspective

Dr Vasco Gabriel

The programmes set out to provide students with advanced training in economic theory and quantitative methods, as well as the opportunity to apply these skills in the context of various specialisations.

The specific MSc programmes in Business, International Economics and Energy reflect some of the particular research strengths of the Department, the latter being accredited by the Energy Institute.

Through the dissertation, students are able to pursue independent research under the supervision of a member of staff with related research interests. Approximately 50 students enter the MSc programmes each year and nearly 20 academic members are involved in postgraduate tuition. This means that classes are relatively small, so that there is opportunity for students to discuss issues in depth. The fact that we are able to generate such a close-knit study environment is, for me, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching at Surrey.  

I look forward to seeing you and, on behalf of the Department of Economics, I wish you a successful period of study with us.

MSc Economics - learning

Assessment 

Modules are usually assessed by coursework and examinations. Typically, the coursework accounts for 25 per cent of the marks and the examination for 75 per cent. Coursework may take various forms, including essays, class tests, exercises and presentations. The Research Methods component is part of the Dissertation module and is assessed by coursework. This includes a presentation and a research proposal for your chosen area of study for the dissertation. 

Candidates are required to gain at least 120 credits from taught modules. They will then be allowed to proceed to the dissertation which contributes 60 credits to the overall MSc. Upon satisfactory completion of the dissertation, the candidate will have achieved the required minimum of 180 credits for the award of the MSc. The minimum number of credits for a Postgraduate Certificate is 60. The minimum number of credits for a Postgraduate Diploma is 120.

MSc Economics - graduate profile

Graduate Profile: Filipa Guedes de Campos

When I was just about to finish my undergraduate Economics degree in Portugal I started asking my Portuguese lecturers which UK universities would be the best to do an Economics Masters degree. I successfully applied to a couple of universities in the UK and today I can tell you that I made the right choice coming to the University of Surrey.

At the beginning of the year I was extremely surprised with the organisation and efficiency of the entire Department. The lecturers are readily available and it is definitely a strong incentive to get good marks. The administration staff is also unbelievably friendly, keen and helpful. I came to the UK from Portugal alone. However, with Surrey’s friendly environment, the sports facilities and the Department’s events, I easily made friends from all over the world – which I consider to be a very enriching and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

I am now starting to look for a job in the UK and I know that I will be successful in the choice of career that I have always wanted. I am confident that having a Masters degree from Surrey will give me the opportunities I always dreamt about.

MSc Economics - more

Aims and Objectives of the Individual Programmes

Economics 

• Provide an advanced understanding of the core principles in macroeconomics 
• Provide an ability to apply the core principles in economics to one or more specialist areas 

Energy Economics and Policy 

• Provide a knowledge of natural resource economics and international oil economics
• Provide an advanced understanding of the general principles of regulation and how they can be applied to resource-based industries
• Provide an understanding of the issues of energy policy in developed and developing countries

 International Economics, Finance and Development 

• Provide an advanced understanding of the core principles in macroeconomics 
• Provide an advanced understanding of the applications of microeconomics to the areas of international trade, technological change and international investment 
• Provide an ability to apply macroeconomics to problems of international finance, especially as they relate to development 

Business Economics and Finance 

• Provide an advanced understanding of the core principles in macroeconomics 
• Provide an advanced understanding of how both microeconomic and macroeconomic principles can be applied in the context of business and corporate finance 
• Provide an ability to apply quantitative methods to the analysis of financial time series data

MSc Economics - apply

• MSc Economics Full-time - starting September 2012
• MSc Economics Part-time - starting September 2012
• MSc Energy Economics & Policy Full-time - starting September 2012
• MSc Energy Economics & Policy Part-time - starting September 2012
• MSc International Economics, Finance & Development Full-time - starting September 2012
• MSc International Economics, Finance & Development Part-time - starting September 2012
• MSc Business Economics & Finance Full-time - starting September 2012
• MSc Business Economics and Finance Part-time - starting September 2012