MSc Applied Economics

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

University RankQS Ranking

173

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University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,450 / year

Next Intake September-2026

MSc Applied Economics

About

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).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:2 or above) in a numerate, quantitative or business related discipline.

To apply for this course, you must have an undergraduate degree in a numerate, quantitative or business-related discipline such as economics, business administration, finance, accounting, international trade, banking, financial management, public finance, mathematics, computer science, data science, geography.

Applications are also welcome from candidates with strong career experience in a relevant field.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Career

Our MSc Applied Economics course is designed to help you develop a variety of transferable skills, such as:

research
critical analysis
fundamental theories of economics
quantitative research techniques and applications
use of relevant software
evaluating economic interventions
an array of approaches to solving applied economic problems
written and verbal communication skills
independence in formulating and developing research ideas
collaboration skills.

While these broad-ranging skills are particularly relevant to economist roles in government, the commercial sector, and NGOs (non-governmental organisations), they are also applicable to graduate roles in other sectors:

banking
investment and insurance
accountancy and financial services
business management
consultancy
public administration.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,450

Application Fee

GBP

How to Apply

1. Check our entry requirements

Please see our postgraduate subject finder for minimum entry requirements for the programme you are interested in; entry requirements can vary from one programme to another. International students can consult our country-specific pages for information and guidance on alternative qualification equivalencies for master’s study.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet our English language requirements. You can find the IELTS requirements on each course page. We also accept a range of alternative English language qualifications.

If your English ability is not at the required standard, you can choose to apply for one of our Pre-sessional English programmes. The programmes will equip you with the study skills and preparation needed for academic study in English. The length of your Pre-sessional English programme is determined by your current level of English against the English language requirements of your chosen master’s programme.

2. Application and funding deadlines

Although most master’s programmes do not formally close for applications, some programmes do have application deadlines; if your programme has a deadline it will be specified on the course page under the ‘Entry requirements’ section. For programmes that do not have a specific application deadline, places may be limited and programmes may become full. We recommend that you apply as early as possible (particularly if you are an international student) to allow time not only for us to process your application, but for you to ensure that you can meet any offer conditions, arrange your accommodation and, importantly, funding for your studies. For admission in September, we do recommend that you apply by 1 August (if you are a UK applicant) and 1 July (if you are an international applicant requiring a visa to come to the UK) however, we are happy to still consider applications after these dates.

International applicants should also see our advice and guidance on visas and immigration.

Funding deadlines

We require an offer of study for many of our master’s scholarships and bursaries. You should check deadlines for applications carefully, and each scholarship or bursary will have specific application instructions. We may add scholarships throughout the year, so it is a good idea to re-visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

3. Submit your application

You can apply for master’s programmes directly through our online application system, RISIS. For our PGCE/Teacher Training programmes, applications must be made via the Department of Education's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training portal. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation.

Various documents are needed to make your application. You should electronically upload:

full transcripts of all degree programmes taken. If these are not in English, a certified translation into English is required. Please do not mail original copies; we only require PDF copies via electronic upload,
an English language certificate (for example IELTS or TOEFL), if English is not your first language (this can also be provided after you submit your application),
contact details for two academic/professional references. Your references will automatically be invited via email to upload their reference directly once you have submitted your application. Please remind your references to check their junk/spam filters for the email and let them know that the link to the form is only valid for 20 days,
statement of purpose. Your personal statement should outline your academic performance, interest in applying to master’s study, any relevant work experience and skills gained,
a copy of your passport (for international students).

Application fee

We do not charge an application fee to apply for our master’s programmes.

4. Track your application

You can track the progress of your application using our applicant portal, Me@Reading, a personalised resource including information about your programme of study, student stories and what's happening here at Reading. It has everything you need to know, all in one place. When we have made a decision on your application, we will contact you via email. If we are able to make you an offer for a place to study, your offer will contain information about what to do next, including how to accept your offer, pay a deposit (if applicable), and any conditions you must meet to study with us.