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Economics at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2023 - 2024
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our economics postgraduate programme is challenging but rewarding. It is designed to equip you with tools and techniques that provide a strong basis for careers in business, government and academia. It provides a grounding in economics and econometric techniques:

  • looking at standard economic theories and their applications to new economic problems
  • enabling you to access and evaluate current research output in academic journals and in the public domain
  • providing you with the ability to use economic analysis and related techniques in practical and professional contexts
  • examining the issues behind current controversies in economics and finance
  • training you in quantitative skills and data handling
  • requiring you to combine your theoretical and quantitative understanding in an original piece of applied work.
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. You will learn to assess original ideas in academic papers and to test them with the use of econometrics. MRes Economics: If you opt for the MRes it will prepare you to undertake MPhil/PhD or professional research by giving you the theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques you need. The course will give you a solid understanding of economics through modules taught at master's and MPhil level, including a dedicated research topics module in macroeconomics. You can also specialise in a particular area of personal or professional interest via a range of option modules. You will be assigned an academic MRes supervisor from the onset. After specialist training in research skills, you will undertake a piece of independent research, supervised by one of our academics and culminating in a dissertation. If you are interested in pursuing further research, we offer an associated MPhil/PhD Economics. Highlights
  • We offer you a high quality virtual learning environment with online resources that complement our teaching, including video recordings of lectures. Some modules may also offer opportunities to study online, although this may only be available for home students.
  • Since we started teaching this course, we have taught generations of economists, who have gone on to work at the Bank of England, the Treasury, the Civil Service, consultancy and in academia.
  • Birkbeck graduates are well respected by employers, who value the dedication and ability required to balance evening study with daytime occupations.
  • This course is recognised as a research training programme by the Economic and Social Research Council. For UK and EU applicants intending to pursue research, ESRC studentships (one year for the Master’s course followed by three years of funding for research) may be available for candidates with a strong academic background.
  • 84% of our Economics and Econometrics research outputs were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, placing us among the top economics departments in the UK.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in banking and finance, the public sector, industry, and research and analysis. Possible professions include:
  • economist
  • financial risk analyst
  • statistician
  • management consultant
  • actuary
  • Civil Service fast-streamer
  • local government officer.
The MRes will enable you to conduct research at MPhil/PhD level or develop a career in:
  • economics and finance
  • the Civil Service
  • journalism
  • politics and international development
  • research for banks, think tank, consultancy firms.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

A June examination and coursework, including an econometrics project and a dissertation.

How to apply

International applicants

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. If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme 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. 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.

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.

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. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £7395 Year 1
Northern Ireland £7395 Year 1
Scotland £7395 Year 1
Wales £7395 Year 1
International £10905 Year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Economics at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS