MSc International Economics

UK

What will I learn?

Our MSc International Economics gives you this knowledge, plus a critical awareness of the integration of theory, data, and analysis in relation to international economics. You are equipped with the skills for a career in international organisations engaged in business and finance, or in government and non-governmental organisations concerned with global development and international trade.

Your modules provide you with an overview of the causes and effects of globalisation in the world economy with applications to issues such as foreign direct investment. You investigate topics such as:

  • Trade theory in different economic settings with different market structures
  • Patterns of trade and trade policies such as tariffs and quotas
  • Preferential trade agreements

Macroeconomic adjustment, exchange rates and the balance of payments when capital markets are integrated across the globe

We are top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and we have strengths in the areas of:

  • Game theory and strategic interactions
  • Theoretical and applied econometrics
  • Economic policy

The quality of our work is reflected in our stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.

Your future

After completing your masters, you may wish to extend your knowledge with a research degree –many Essex graduates decide to stay here for further study.

Alternatively, our course also prepares you for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level.

On our course you gain key employability skills including statistical analysis, mathematical techniques, research skills and a good understanding of the international system. Recent graduates of MSc International Economics have found employment as a consultant for the World Bank and as a climate change economist for HM Treasury.

More generally, our graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organisations.

Which department am I in?

Department of Economics

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees
£22,400.00 (US$ 28,928) per year

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

October 2025

Venue

University of Essex

Wivenhoe Park,

Colchester,

Essex,

CO4 3SQ, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England

Full Time (1 year)

Tuition fees
£22,400.00 (US$ 28,928) per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

Colchester Campus

University of Essex,

Wivenhoe Park,

Colchester,

Essex,

CO4 3SQ, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent, in any discipline which includes three relevant modules in: Econometrics (or Maths, or Statistics); Macroeconomics; Microeconomics. We will also consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above where there is one year's relevant work experience, after graduating, in the field of economics/banking. IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5,TOEFL IBT 76 overall with minimum component scores: listening 17, reading 18, writing 17, and speaking 20.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About University of Essex

At Essex, students learn to think differently, find new ways of doing things and adopt new techniques for solving problems.

  • World-leading academics in a research-intensive environment
  • Foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
  • Flexible course structure, students study what matters to them
  • Internationally diverse university