Department of Economics - Master's courses

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).

Through our master's degrees, you'll have the option to study a broad range of topics or specialise in a specific area. You will acquire the skills, knowledge and experience to excel in your future career.

You can study all of our master's degrees on a full-time or part-time basis. Please visit the respective degree pages to find out more about these study options.

Our courses

MSc Economics

This degree is designed to equip you with the fundamental tools needed to assess a range of theoretical, empirical or policy-related economic issues.

You will work with academics from the Department of Economics, and your training will emphasise interactive and applied learning as you study a number of key areas.

MSc Economics

MSc Public Policy

This degree provides strong training in research methods relevant to public policy.

You will focus on the economics and politics of public policy and use both to specialise in areas such as welfare and social policy, sustainable environments, global governance and development.

MSc Public Policy

MSc Business Economics

This degree is designed to equip you with the tools for the analysis of businesses both at firm and industry level. You can specialise by choosing from a range of optional modules.

Join this truly international course, within a Department that is proud of its friendly and inclusive international community.

MSc Business Economics

MSc Applied Economics

Focus on the application of economics to contemporary problems and policy, with a multicultural and global outlook.

You will be introduced to core topics and methods in the analysis of economic data, while also developing data handling skills using statistical software and learning to critically evaluate policies aimed at addressing socio-economic problems.

MSc Applied Economics

The variety of complementary skills I learned on the MA Public Policy (MPP), and the mix of Politics and Economics, help me in my current role of development planning and resource allocation. The MPP taught me how various stakeholders interact in the policymaking process, and I find this beneficial as I engage with politicians and citizens to develop economic programmes that are responsive to their needs and wants. Evidence-based policymaking is also another skill that helps me in my job as I can research and embrace research outcomes to inform development planning.

Sharon Adhiambo

MA Public Policy, Public Sector Economist, Kenya

Your career

A postgraduate qualification from the Department of Economics helps to set you apart from other graduates and sharpen your skillset, leading you to a rewarding career.

We place the development of your employability at the heart of everything we do.

Our master's economics graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide. This recognises both the value and quality of a degree from the University of Reading and the specialist knowledge and expertise our graduates can provide.