Economics and Data Science

Entry requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) specialising mainly in economics. This means you should have achieved a good standard in undergraduate courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, with a First (or equivalent) in econometrics/economic statistics, at an intermediate level. 

We also expect a good standard achieved in mathematics taken at undergraduate level.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This highly quantitative one-year MSc course equips you with the skills to analyse and interpret complex economic phenomena in today’s data-driven, dynamic global economy. The availability of big data and the use of algorithms in decision-making, whether in the private or public sector, has made it essential to have the ability to parse through large datasets, provide data-driven solutions and critically analyse their results.

The programme offers intensive training in state-of-the-art data science methods as well as economics and econometrics. This unique combination provides students with the tools to navigate the data economy through hands-on experience with analytical tools, machine learning techniques, and computational methods. You will gain expertise in critical analysis, data-driven problem-solving, and tackling technical challenges.

The MSc offers a combination of strong core studies, specialist options and the opportunity to conduct academic research under the guidance of world-leading experts. Warwick's Department of Economics, ranked 1st in the UK (The Good University Guide 2025) and 36th in the World (The QS World University Subject Rankings 2025), provides professional training in modern economics.

Graduates will be well-prepared to meet the rigorous standards of top national and international institutions and to excel in high-level PhD programs, to join leading public policy research institutions, or enter the private sectors where such skills are highly in-demand.

Our MSc in Economics is particularly well-suited for students in Economics who wish to specialise or gain additional skills in Data Science and Machine Learning and how such skills may be applied within Economics, Public Policy, Industry and related sectors. The course links economic theory and empirical economics with the fast-developing field of Data Science. You will acquire knowledge and skills in statistical (machine) learning, and use these in your study of applications in macroeconomic and microeconomic theory, econometrics and big data.  An 8,000-word dissertation provides an opportunity to explore your own interests across these fields of study. 

You will be automatically enrolled on a pre-sessional Mathematics and Statistics programme to equip you with the relevant methodological skills you need to succeed. 

By the end of the course, you will be experienced in working with large amounts of data to generate new findings and insights relevant to problems in economics. You will also be proficient in standard coding languages, like R and Python, to work on those problems.

Skills from this degree

• Rigorous advanced training in economic analysis and techniques, which includes opportunities to contribute to current economic research and debates
• Data science techniques and methods pertaining to applications in Economics
• Training in the acquisition, management and processing of large volumes of data with applications in Economics
• Analytical approach to thinking about national and international economic problems, policies and decision-making
• Research skills; use of library and internet as information sources; locating, extracting, analysing, and presenting material
• Numeracy and quantitative skills; use of mathematics and diagrams, understanding data, statistical analysis
• IT skills; coding; word processing and spreadsheets; specialist econometric or statistical software; internet applications
• Written and oral communication skills