MSc Economics

Do you have an interest in the world economy and in how economics can help us understand the world around us? Well-trained economists are highly sought after in the labour market and are employed by consultancy firms, government economic services, financial institutions, and other international organisations and businesses (even the tech giants). Do you want to combine an advanced understanding of core economics and the latest developments in economics with the opportunity to specialise in economic theory, applied economics, or economic history?

Economics is about how people make choices in conditions of resource scarcity and the results of these choices for society. It’s about understanding the world around us and our place in it.

If you are interested in advanced study in economics that is ‘post-crisis’ in both structure and content, delivered at one of the UK’s leading universities, then this degree is for you. The core modules develop your understanding of key economic concepts, ideas, tools and techniques, including the latest developments in micro, macro, applied econometrics, behavioural economics, the economics of labour markets and social policy and economic history. You can then specialise further in economic theory, applied economics (policy and institutions), or economic history. You will spend the summer combining your knowledge and skills to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice under the personal supervision of a member of the Queen’s faculty. On successful completion of this Master's, you will have a deep understanding of the world economy past and present and the advanced analytical and quantitative skills that are so highly sought after by employers.

Economics Highlights

Economics is ranked 7th in the UK for teaching satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2020)

World-Class Facilities

• Weekly training sessions in our state-of-the-art computer lab will help you to develop your data analysis skills using market-leading econometrics software such as STATA and R.

Internationally Renowned Experts

• In addition to working with Queen’s own expert faculty, students have the opportunity to learn from external international experts in their fields who come to Queen’s to give seminars and masterclasses. You will also hear guest lectures from industry professionals, with opportunities to network afterwards.

Student Experience

• Economics, and the way economics is taught, is changing. This new programme, with its emphasis on using cutting-edge economic analysis to understand the world today and our behaviour within it, places you at the forefront of this advance.
• You will cover all the core elements (compulsory modules) you need for an advanced understanding of economics and to develop your analytical and quantitative skill set, but you will also have the flexibility to tailor the course to your personal interests and career aspirations.

Queen's University Belfast is one of the leading universities in the UK and Ireland with a distinguished heritage and history.

Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, we became an independent university in 1908. The University is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities, combining excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos.

Queen’s campus is at the heart of Belfast in Northern Ireland which has the lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2021) making it a more affordable option for students.

A World-Class Education and Student Experience

Queen’s offers a world-class education that prepares our students for leadership and citizenship in a global society.

Our inspiring alumni comprises outstanding scholars, Nobel Prize winners - such as Seamus Heaney and David Trimble - and influential leaders who are making an impact in Northern Ireland and across the globe.

Programmes are focused on preparing students for future employment. Students not only learn the core academic material from the staff at the forefront of their discipline but also learn how to put it into practice through practical workshops and hands-on sessions, ensuring that upon graduation, students are ready to step up as the next generation of industry leaders.

A Global and Inclusive University Community

Queen’s is attracting global talent to Belfast.

We currently have staff and students from over 80 countries, helping to create a multicultural and vibrant campus. They are joining a university that is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing the best global talent within an environment that enables them to realise their full potential.

An innovative, welcoming, and inclusive place to work and study, Queen’s is a leader in gender equality and diversity and currently holds a prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award. The University also holds 14 School Awards comprising 3 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze.

Research That Shapes Worlds

Queen’s University Belfast is globally connected and networked with leading universities across the world.

We continue to drive forward research to shape worlds, focusing on five key areas. Ensuring a healthy living for all through developing solutions and treatments for diseases; helping to deliver a transformative and sustainable economy for future generations; leading to securely connected intelligence and AI and the data revolution. We are at the forefront of delivering future-focused human-environment relations; and will continue our strong history of expertise in conflict resolution and building inclusive and cohesive communities.

Ranked 24 in the UK for Research Power

We are forward thinkers and will continue to direct and shape research to help support a workable environment and society.

88% of our research has been assessed as world-leading and internationally excellent, 99% of our research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent and we are ranked 24th in the UK for Research Power (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education).

Northern Ireland's Legendary Beauty

Queen’s University is situated in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland.

In a city with innovation at its heart, technological advances infiltrate every sector helping to build our competitiveness on the global stage. Belfast is in the world’s top 10 Digital Economies of the Future - the only UK city outside London to be listed (Financial Times’ fDi Intelligence, 2018) and was voted one of the top 15 friendliest cities in Europe (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2021).

It is one of Europe's most hip, vibrant and affordable cities, lauded for its energy, and rich in culture and history. Queen's stunning campus is within Belfast's Queen's Quarter, with cafés, bars, restaurants, superb shopping, and entertainment venues (Complete University Guide 2022).