MSc Economic Policy

The MSc Economic Policy offers solid training in the fundamental principles of economic policy, grounding them in the evolution of economic theory and policy practice. It provides a platform for critical analysis and discussion of policy design and evaluation methods linked to real-world problems, without requiring a first degree in Economics for enrolment.

You will explore government actions and strategies designed to achieve policy objectives under specific political and socio-economic conditions. The programme addresses key policy challenges, including climate change and green finance, industrial competitiveness and structural transformation, poverty and inequality, corruption and ineffective states, and labour market and social protection policies, among other concerns.

Optional regional modules offer students an opportunity to delve into regional policy challenges, aligning with the established tradition of SOAS Economics. Moreover, participants can specialise in one of three areas: 1) Economic Policy and International Finance, 2) Economic Policy and the Environment, and 3) Economic Policy and Institutions.

Global Partnerships

Programme participants are eligible to apply for a co-supervised dissertation, collaborating with members of the Economics department and leading experts from international organisations. Such organisations include the World Bank, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

In addition, this programme is offered as part of a dual master's degree with Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Through the dual Master's, students can spend the first year studying at SAIS and the second year at SOAS or vice versa and gain a Master's award from each institution.

Why study MSc Economic Policy at SOAS?

• We are ranked 27th in the UK for economics (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• We are top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching (Complete University Guide 2023)
• We are top 40 in the UK for economics (Complete University Guide 2023)
• SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2023)

Economics graduates leave SOAS with a solid grounding in statistical skills and an ability to think laterally, take a global perspective, and employ critical reasoning.

Recent graduates from the Department of Economics have been hired by:

• Bain & Co
• Bank of America
• Cabinet Office
• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young
• KPMG
• NHS England
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
• HSBC
• National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, New Delhi
• UK Civil Service
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
• University of Bayreuth
• HM Treasury
• Department for International Development
• PwC
• UNDP
• King’s Investment Fund
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• The World Bank
• EY
• British Chamber of Commerce
• Oxfam
• RBS

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