Economics (MRes)

You'll need a degree in a relevant subject such as:

• economics
• mathematics
• engineering
• data science
• computer science
• physics
• a related subject with a high maths content

We do not accept Finance or Management degrees for this programme.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

You'll study this UK economics research master’s full-time over 12 months.

The taught part of the degree takes place between October and May and consists of 9 months of study. During this time you’ll also carry out research in preparation for the MRes dissertation.

You’ll complete the dissertation by the end of September. The subject of your dissertation is chosen with advice and guidance from the academic team.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

• staff-led lectures and seminars
• written coursework assignments or problem sets
• weekly departmental seminars and workshops
• independent research work
• presentations of research work
• regular research meetings with your supervisor

Taught modules provide a solid foundation for your learning. Throughout the degree you’ll carry out independent reading to supplement the taught part of the course and broaden your knowledge.

You will undertake an extended research project in a specific area supervised by a leading researcher with expertise in the subject.

Assessment

The taught part of the course is assessed by a combination of coursework and examinations at the end of each semester.

The MRes dissertation is assessed by your supervisor and by an independent internal examiner. They assess the academic quality of your work and your ability to present parts of your research in a workshop.

Dissertation

You’ll carry out a piece of independent research to demonstrate your ability to:

• manage your own learning
• draw together information from multiple sources
• make use of a range of concepts and techniques at postgraduate level

You’ll develop an extended piece of writing in which an argument is developed in response to a core question. You’ll support this using evidence from the research you conduct and analyse.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and practical skills for a career in the private sector, in management or consultancy. You can work as an economist, or economic or quantitative analyst for a range of organisations including:

• central and local governments
• international institutions
• statistical offices
• central banks
• financial supervision authorities
• international aid organisations
• commercial banks
• research institutions

You’ll also be perfectly placed to move into research study at PhD level.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £28,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

There are different deadlines for this course. Depending on which country you permanently reside in, applications are expected to close:

• Applicants permanently resident in China: Wednesday 29 May 2024 - midday UK time
• Applicants permanently resident in other countries: Wednesday 29 May 2024 - midday UK time
• Applicants permanently resident in the UK: Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Our admissions process for this course means that we look at batches of applications together. We send offers to applicants on a continuous basis. Due to the high number of applications, we may not be able to make you an offer, even if you meet the course criteria.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000