MSc Applied Economics

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). 

Study in a research-intensive department with a strong applied focus

This programme strongly aligns with the research and teaching expertise of the Department of Economics: applied and policy-focused topics that aim to improve the quality of life in the UK and around the world.

Our academics work to address current socio-political issues, such as ethnicity and inequality in the job market and the gender pay gap, as well as policy problems in a variety of areas, including:

• Energy and climate change
• Global development
• Behavioural and psychological economics
• Forecasting
• Monetary policy
• Pports economics and management

Our staff are involved in research that informs the policy decisions of governments, major multinational organisations, and international agencies, such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This wealth of experience will enhance your learning, providing relevant training in applied economics and boosting your employability.

Build connections with industry

We are one of the few universities to offer an optional Capstone Project module, designed to give you hands-on and real-world experience within your studies. Working in small groups and overseen by a faculty member, you will contribute to your degree by completing a project on behalf of an external organisation. This could include:

• Business companies
• Government agencies
• Not-for-profits
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Our Capstone Project module gives you an opportunity to develop new skills and competencies including: 

• Developing your ability to work in a team 
• Deliver successful planning and policy project implementation 
• Strengthen report writing skills 
• Enhance your ability to analyse policy by contributing to the drawing of policy recommendations, gathering data, designing analytical frameworks, developing methodology, and reviewing policy literature

Past projects have included:

• Impact assessment of policy and business options
• Cost benefit analysis
• A review of the dynamics of central Reading, focusing on its rapidly changing economy and demography
• Advice to a local economic partnership on how to develop a strategy in response to the UK government’s new Industrial Strategy White Paper. 

Equip yourself with the tools of a professional economist

You will be introduced to core topics and methods in the analysis of economic data, while also developing data handling skills using statistical software like Stata and, depending on your optional modules, ‘R’ and learning to critically evaluate policies aimed at addressing socio-economic problems.

Our dedicated Applied Behavioural Economics module will teach you how to apply insights from psychology to a range of modern policy issues. You will use practical tools needed to design experimental studies, programme interactive games, and work with statistical and econometric software.

Develop as a researcher and practitioner

You will also be supported to become an active researcher with a formidable skillset. You will complete an Applied Economics Project to address a particular economic problem, with data, supervision, and support from an experienced applied economics researcher.

Additionally, you will be offered research-ready datasets and topics to work on, designed by supervisors who either created those datasets or have significant knowledge of them.