Economics
Entry requirements
At least a second-class honours degree (2:2), or its equivalent, in either a directly relevant or a highly quantitative subject, or the Birkbeck Graduate Diploma in Economics.
Non-EU students are encouraged to submit GRE or GMAT results. In some cases, the admissions tutor may request these results in order to make a decision on your application. In that case, you should upload your score report to the online application system as if it were an additional transcript page.
Demonstrable qualities such as good time management and the ability to cope under pressure are vital.
Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Months of entry
September
Course content
- looking at standard economic theories and their applications to new economic problems
- enabling you to access and evaluate current research output in academic journals and in the public domain
- providing you with the ability to use economic analysis and related techniques in practical and professional contexts
- examining the issues behind current controversies in economics and finance
- training you in quantitative skills and data handling
- requiring you to combine your theoretical and quantitative understanding in an original piece of applied work.
Prior training in economics is a distinct advantage, but not essential. If your first degree is in another discipline, in your first year at Birkbeck we may ask you to complete some or all of the modules in our well-established Graduate Diploma in Economics, which will provide you with key tools in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics to enable you to tackle advanced study in economics. The exact choice and number of modules will depend on your academic background.
You will learn to assess original ideas in academic papers and to test them with the use of econometrics.
Birkbeck's postgraduate economics courses are built around our long-running experience in research-led evening teaching. Many of our students work in government, finance, economic consultancies, think tanks and the digital economy, which generates a lively atmosphere in class and ensures that you'll be studying alongside, and networking with, committed, enthusiastic students with a wealth of experience. You will be taught by active researchers, working at the cutting edge in their respective fields, who are also experienced professional practitioners, giving specialist advice and in-house training to government departments and banks and firms in the City of London.
- We offer you a high quality virtual learning environment with online resources that complement our teaching, including video recordings of lectures. Some modules may also offer opportunities to study online, although this may only be available for home students.
- Since we started teaching this course, we have taught generations of economists, who have gone on to work at the Bank of England, the Treasury, the Civil Service, consultancy and in academia.
- Birkbeck graduates are well respected by employers, who value the dedication and ability required to balance evening study with daytime occupations.
- 84% of our Economics and Econometrics research outputs were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, placing us among the top economics departments in the UK.
- Watch our academics discuss some of their recent research projects.
Graduates can pursue career paths in banking and finance, the public sector, industry, and research and analysis. Possible professions include:
- economist
- financial risk analyst
- statistician
- management consultant
- actuary
- Civil Service fast-streamer
- local government officer.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700