Data Science and Economic Policy

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in any discipline that does not incorporate a strong data science component. In addition to degree classification, we take into account other elements of the application such as your supporting statement. References are optional but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

See international entry requirements and English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MSc Data Science and Economic Policy is designed for students seeking to combine a solid training in the principles of economic policy and an expertise on data science approaches.

Drawing on SOAS’s world-leading applied research on economic policy, the programme allows students to assess economic policies around the world, develop coding skills, apply economic models and understand how data science techniques can guide policy making.

The programme covers major policy challenges, including the climate crisis, structural transformation, macrofinancial stability, poverty, inequality, corruption, as well as labour market and social protection policies. It offers students a unique opportunity to analyse these challenges both from a qualitative and a quantitative perspective and critically assess how data science is shaping economic policies and socio-economic systems in the 21st century.

Why study MSc Data Science and Economic Policy at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked top 25 in the UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• You will have access to the Centre for Sustainable Finance, the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation and the Centre for AI Futures.
• You will obtain transferable analytical skills that are essential for careers in businesses, financial institutions, international organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations, particularly in roles that require combining data science skills with economic policy expertise.
• Direct engagement with world-leading research: students conduct supervised dissertation research and can apply for part-time research assistant roles on faculty projects. You can also access the department’s seminar series, and events from the Centres for Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Structural Transformation, and AI Futures.

Global partnerships and internships

Students of the programme are eligible to apply for a co-supervised dissertation, collaborating with members of the Department of Economics and leading experts from international organisations. These 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).

Students are also eligible for 3-month remote internships at the World Bank for the period after the submission of the dissertation (i.e., after mid-September).

Study Tours

All postgraduate students can take part in our Study Tours and explore the world. Destinations include New Delhi, Lahore, Seoul, Luang Prabang, Almaty, Bishkek, Kigali, Johannesburg, and Doha. For more information, see our Study Tours page.

Information for international students

www.soas.ac.uk/international

Fees and funding

www.soas.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding