About this course
This integrated master's degree in economics will help you understand advanced economic theory. You'll use facilities such as our Bloomberg Trading Suite and behavioural economics labs. You'll develop the analytical and research skills you need to become a professional economist.
Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take.
You'll gain a specialist knowledge of:
- microeconomics (the behaviour of individuals and businesses)
- macroeconomics (the behaviour of the economy as a whole)
- econometrics (applying mathematical and statistical models to economic systems)
This flexible course has 3 separate pathways you can choose after the first year. These have slightly different module selections. The pathways are:
- Economics - this is the default pathway, which will give you a rounded education in the subject.
- Econometrics - focuses on the quantitative methods in economics, providing the relevant statistical tools you'll need to analyse economic data and policy.
- Behavioural economics - has an additional focus on explaining and predicting human behaviour, and using these insights to evaluate and design economic policy.
You'll also have the freedom to shape your studies by choosing optional modules to suit your interests or career plans. You could choose international banking, risk management or public economics, for example.
Our teaching staff are experts in the field, whose research has influenced international policy. Our facilities include the behavioural economics laboratory and the Bloomberg Trading Suite - a realistic trading room environment with the most detailed financial data available..
You'll graduate as a master of economics, with practical transferable skills essential to a successful career or continued learning.
As part of this course you can also:
- take part in a 2-week economics summer school at Xiamen University, China
- spend a semester abroad in your third year
- spend a year in employment
- gain vital work experience on our Student Innovation Projects
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
AAA including Mathematics
A-levels additional information
Excluded subjects are General Studies, Use of Maths and Critical Thinking. If you are taking four A levels, you will receive the standard offer as well as an alternative offer of AABB including A in Maths.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including grade A Mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
If you are studying a BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma (DDD) you will also need an additional A Level in Mathematics (grade A). However, we can accept an Engineering BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma without the additional A Level requirement.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction
Access to HE additional information
Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A2 including Mathematics at A2
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
There are no T levels accepted for this programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202425
A-levels
AAA including Mathematics
A-levels additional information
Excluded subjects are General Studies, Use of Maths and Critical Thinking. If you are taking four A levels, you will receive the standard offer as well as an alternative offer of AABB including A in Maths.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including grade A Mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. The contextual offer for this programme is AAB including A in Maths.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics
DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
If you are studying a BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma (DDD) you will also need an additional A Level in Mathematics (grade A). However, we can accept an Engineering BTEC Extended or National Extended Diploma without the additional A Level requirement.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction
Access to HE additional information
Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A2 including Mathematics at A2
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
There are no T levels accepted for this programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Each year is made up of core, compulsory and optional modules. Your modules in year 1 will depend on whether you studied economics at A level. In years 3 and 4 you'll study topics in more depth and carry out independent research.
You'll also be able to broaden your experience beyond economics by selecting:
You do not need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
In the first 3 years you'll also take an employability module to help you plan your next steps.
Year 1 overview
Core modules provide a foundation in mathematical and statistical techniques, such as:
- optimisation
- elasticity
- probability
- hypothesis testing
You'll study macroeconomics to learn about measures of GDP, inflation and unemployment. You'll also look at perspectives on economic policy and explore the social world.
Year 2 overview
You'll take compulsory modules in macroeconomics and microeconomics. You'll learn how economies grow and the effects of monetary policy, as well as price mechanisms and strategies for analysing markets.
There are also advanced optional modules in:
- econometrics
- games
- financial markets
You'll also take a module to prepare you for your research project in year 4.
Year 3 overview
You'll complete a dissertation over both semesters. You'll research an economic problem of your choice, then show that you can use relevant arguments and techniques.
You'll also choose from a range of optional modules on topics such as:
- international trade
- risk management
- choice and decision
Year 4 overview
In your final year, you'll undertake an advanced research project. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you can set your own objectives, study independently and communicate your findings.
You'll also study microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Further optional modules include topics such as:
- industrial economics
- economic policy
- corporate finance
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Economics Skills and Employability 1
The aim of this module is to equip you with some analytical and professional skills that will be useful in your economics degree and future careers. The module will also provide information about employability opportunities in your discipline, such as int...
Economics with Data
This module gives an introduction into economic policy analysis that is based on empirical data. A range of economic policy questions covering different areas of economics will be presented. Policy recommendations will be derived using analytical economic...
Economics with Experiments
This module will familiarise students with some fundamental insights and principles in economics through participating, analysing and discussing experiments and it will introduce students to experimental methods as used in economics. This is done by using...
Mathematics for Economics
This module provides a bridge between A-level mathematics and university mathematics. It provides a good grounding and an in depth understanding of the theory and application of differential calculus, and other techniques widely used in Economics and Fina...
Principles of Macroeconomics
This module provides an introduction to macroeconomics – the study of the economy as a whole. Combined with Foundations/Principles of Microeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic modules. We begin by discus...
Quantitative Modelling in Economics
The module will provide an opportunity for students to use A-level mathematical skills in studying Economics, Econometrics, Actuarial Science, and Management Sciences throughout their degrees. Pre-requisite for ECON2041 One of the pre-requisites for...
Statistics for Economics
All economics students, on both single and joint honours programmes, take this course. It is optional for students outside of economics. The module is designed to prepare students for the econometrics modules taken in second and third year. It also comple...
Understanding the Social World
This module lays down the foundations for conducting social research in any discipline within the social sciences, focused around criminology, economics, international relations, politics, population sciences, social policy and sociology. The module will ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Foundations of Microeconomics
This module will provide an introduction to microeconomic analysis, the detailed analysis of individuals and groups within the economy. Combined with Principles of Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic m...
Principles of Microeconomics
This module will provide an introduction to microeconomic analysis, the detailed analysis of individuals and groups within the economy. Combined with Principles of Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic m...
Quantitative Modelling in Economics
The module will provide an opportunity for students to use A-level mathematical skills in studying Economics, Econometrics, Actuarial Science, and Management Sciences throughout their degrees. Pre-requisite for ECON2041 One of the pre-requisites for...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
ECON Dissertation: Prelim Info
This is a blended learning module to provide students with the basic tools and information necessary to embark in their third year dissertation modules.
Econometric Theory
The module will familiarise students with the parts of statistical distribution theory and statistical inference that are essential to a full understanding of econometrics and applied statistics. It will give student a thorough introduction to the theoret...
Econometrics with Big Data
The module will proceed from a review of known content (like matrix algebra, linear regression, hypothesis testing) to more advanced topics such as multiple linear regression, heteroscedasticity, restrictions in hypothesis testing, issues of model misspec...
Economics Skills and Employability 2
The aim of this module is to equip you with some analytical and professional skills that will be useful in your economics degree and future careers. The module will also provide information about employability opportunities in your discipline, such as int...
Games
This module gives a comprehensive overview of the modelling of strategic behaviour in modern microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in Intermediate Microeconomics. It will familiarise students with the central concepts in game theory, covering c...
Intermediate Microeconomics
This module will familiarise students with the central concepts of microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in ECON1001/ECON1003. Students will gain a clear understanding of the role of the price mechanism in organising economic activity and of ch...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Applied Econometrics
The module will enable you to apply statistical and econometric techniques to the estimation and testing of economic models and for causal inference. It will thereby provide you with the skills necessary both to undertake your own empirical studies and to...
Development Economics
The module will introduce students to the economics of development.
Dynamic Macroeconomics
The aims of the module are to develop a simple dynamic framework in order to: (b) give microeconomic foundation to macroeconomic analysis, (a) learn to approach macroeconomic problems from a general equilibrium perspective, (c) enable students to eva...
Econometric Theory
The module will familiarise students with the parts of statistical distribution theory and statistical inference that are essential to a full understanding of econometrics and applied statistics. It will give student a thorough introduction to the theoret...
Econometrics with Big Data
The module will proceed from a review of known content (like matrix algebra, linear regression, hypothesis testing) to more advanced topics such as multiple linear regression, heteroscedasticity, restrictions in hypothesis testing, issues of model misspec...
Games
This module gives a comprehensive overview of the modelling of strategic behaviour in modern microeconomics, building on the foundations laid in Intermediate Microeconomics. It will familiarise students with the central concepts in game theory, covering c...
Global Health
The global health module is an exciting opportunity to examine the factors associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as the recent outbreak of Ebola and Swine Flu that quickly spread around the world, and non-communicable diseases ...
Industrial Economics
In this module we study the working of imperfectly competitive markets, the behaviour of firms in these markets, welfare implications and competition policy.
Intermediate Macroeconomics
This module will equip students with the central concepts of macroeconomics, building on the foundations laid in ECON1021 Principles of Macroeconomics. Students will gain a clear understanding of the equilibrium behaviour of economies at the macro level. ...
Introduction to Econometrics
This module provides an introduction to the nature and use of empirical investigation in economics. The module will familiarise students with the basic concepts in econometrics as well as outline the statistical theory underpinning econometrics and statis...
Population Change in Low and Middle Income Countries
This module aims to introduce you to the variety of demographic experiences in low and middle-income countries across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia. We will explore the patterns of historical and...
Portfolio Theory and Financial Markets
The module aims to develop understanding of the role of financial markets, security analysis and valuation, efficient market theory, asset pricing theory and portfolio management. This is an excellent module to understand the basics of finance, how financ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Behavioural Economics
This module gives an overview of the concepts, models, and findings in behavioural economics. Behavioural economics is a field of economics that imports relevant insights from neighbouring disciplines, like psychology and anthropology, to inform economic ...
Choice and Decision
This module familiarises students with central concepts and findings in decision theory. It will explore in detail how decisions should be made, introducing normative benchmarks such as rationality and consistency, and will present how decisions are made,...
Dissertation: Literature Review
This module forms the first part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in composing a literature review on your chosen research topic. You will motivate the research topic, survey and review the relevan...
Economics Skills and Employability 3
The aim of this module is to equip you with professional skills and knowledge that will be useful in your future careers, as well as when applying for graduate jobs. The module consists of up to three timetabled lectures per semester plus independent stud...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Social Data Science
The human sciences are evolving fast to incorporate new forms of data and powerful new analysis tools. Advances in machine learning have allowed huge improvements in our ability to predict individual characteristics and preferences, while our interactio...
Behavioural Economics
This module gives an overview of the concepts, models, and findings in behavioural economics. Behavioural economics is a field of economics that imports relevant insights from neighbouring disciplines, like psychology and anthropology, to inform economic ...
Choice and Decision
This module familiarises students with central concepts and findings in decision theory. It will explore in detail how decisions should be made, introducing normative benchmarks such as rationality and consistency, and will present how decisions are made,...
Dissertation: Research Project
This module forms the second part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in form of composing a piece of economic research on your chosen topic. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage you...
Dissertation: Research Topics
This module forms the second part of a dissertation in Economics. You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work in form of composing two reports addressing specific economic questions. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage yo...
Empirical Finance
Specifically the module aims to provide a bridge to the more theoretical articles in finance theory, by offering a simple framework of conceptual knowledge that enables thinking while making financial decisions. As such the module gives an appreciation of...
International Macroeconomics
This module provides a short course in international macroeconomics. We begin by studying exchange rates before turning to wider issues in international macro, such as the costs and benefits of participation in global capital markets; sovereign debt and c...
International Trade
This module explores key questions in the area of international trade. Should countries trade freely with each other? What are the gains/losses from free trade and are they distributed evenly within the population? What are free trade agreements and what ...
Labour Economics
The module will introduce students to key theories in the analysis of labour markets and to develop knowledge of the relevant institutional framework. The module aims to relate both theory and evidence to key policy issues.
Population and Reproductive Health
We will analyse population health issues in different country contexts with reference to epidemiological and nutrition transition frameworks. We will discuss the role of health systems and policy strategies needed for population health interventions. Popu...
Principles of Finance
The module aims to provide a bridge to the more theoretical articles in finance theory, by offering a simple framework of conceptual knowledge that enables thinking while making financial decisions. As such the module gives an appreciation of the scope of...
Public Economics
The objectives of this module are to introduce students to the major themes of public economics and to develop their skills in using microeconomic tools to analyse public policy.
Risk Management
This is a holistic module because it emphasises that its constituent topics dealing with diverse aspects of risk management are highly interconnected. Mastery of the subject is conceived as requiring a strong understanding of these interconnections. For e...
Strategic Management
Strategic management is central to the operation of a variety of businesses in different sectors and environments. The creation of a strategy and the management of its implementation are important in developing businesses that can create and sustain a com...
Topics in Macroeconomics
The main objective of this module is to expose students to the state-of-the-art discussion in a range of macroeconomic topics: growth, unemployment, taxation, and monetary policy. The approach is to study a simplified version of some widely used models in...
Topics in Political Economy
This module introduces topics at the intersection between politics and economics. It exposes students to substantive issues in political economy, such as the comparative analysis of different electoral systems, distributive justice, and the moral limits o...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
Advanced Research Project
You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage your own learning, to draw together information for a variety of sources and to make use of a range of concepts and techniques
Applied Microeconometrics
This module covers the application of concepts and methods in contemporary microeconometrics to address various applied research questions using mainly individual level (e.g. firms, households) micro data. Many of the examples will come from labour, publ...
Macroeconomics
To provide students with a solid grounding in the techniques of modern macroeconomic theory, with particular emphasis on real business cycle models. The tools you will learn will enable you to understand cutting edge research and provide foundations on wh...
Microeconomics
To provide graduate students in economics with an introduction to the basic frameworks of graduate-level microeconomic theory: general equilibrium theory and game theory. Special emphasis will be given to the design, construction and the solution of econo...
Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics
This two week intensive course is designed to ensure that students who start postgraduate programmes in Economics will have the skills in mathematics and statistics needed for their subsequent modules. The course has two components, statistics and mathem...
Quantitative Methods
Assessment in the module takes the form of an online software skills test (worth 10% of the final mark) and a final written exam (worth 90%).
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Corporate Finance
This module acquaints students with the main concepts, methods and insights in corporate finance at the graduate level. It focuses on firms' financial decision-making and its effect on corporate profits and valuations. Particular emphasis will be placed o...
Experimental Economics
This module will introduce students to experimental methods in economics. Emphasis will be on the methodology, in particular, statistical techniques necessary for establishing causality and valid inference, non-parametric and other useful non-standard sta...
Health Policy and Economics
The growing expertise in health economics at the Department of Economics offers a unique opportunity for the introduction of a health policy and economics module. The importance of health for any human being, the size of the health sector, the limited re...
Household Finance
This module familiarises students with theories and evidence of consumer/household financial decision making. The module examines optimal and actual financial decisions by households, e.g. on borrowing and saving, and the role of financial service provisi...
Industrial Economics
The module will provide an introduction to the field of Industrial Organisation at a graduate level.
Labour Economics
The course discusses in details some of the most important topics in labour economics research by bringing the theory to the data using a combination of empirical methodologies.
Numerical Methods in Macroeconomics
Modern macroeconomic research in academic, government and other institutions relies heavily on using numerical methods to simulate economic models and generate counterfactual outcome for policy analysis. This odule will familiarise the students with numer...
Resource and Energy Economics
This module addresses the main economic problems arising in the management and allocation of natural resources, with a particular focus on energy and the constraints that the natural environment represents for economic growth. It combines economic theory,...
Time Series Econometrics
This module explores the properties of a wide range of models and statistical techniques used to describe and analyse Economic and Financial time series data. The aim is to highlight the usefulness of theoretical time series techniques for understanding d...
Topics in Macroeconomics
The module will introduce students to the monetary economics literature and in particular to New Keynesian framework which is at the heart of the medium-scale models used by many central banks. The core of the module will focus on the relationship betwee...
Topics in Microeconomics
This module builds on your knowledge and understanding of microeconomics from ECON6021 and allows you to study in greater depth some selected topics of current interest in microeconomic theory. The objective of the module is to provide students with suffi...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- self-assessment
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- self-assessment
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Jana Sadeh is the course leader.
Careers
Employability is an essential part of our economics courses, ensuring you're equipped for a successful postgraduate career or further study. You'll be able to take an optional employability module designed to boost your professional skills.
You can also take modules to enhance your employability in particular areas. For instance, you can study social enterprise and finance modules that use our Bloomberg Trading Suite - the same technology used by city traders.
You'll graduate with transferable skills that will qualify you to work in a range of fields and industries.
Our economics graduates have gone on to work as:
- economists
- actuaries
- statisticians
- investment analysts
- financial advisers
- accountants
- management consultants
- business analysts
- marketing professionals
We also run Student Innovation Projects during term time.
Our careers and employability service will support you throughout your time as a student, and for up to 3 years after graduation. It can help you find work placements and graduate jobs, as well as offering specialist careers advice.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can take a year in employment in the third year of your degree.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,400.
The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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