Economics MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Economics
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Economics |
| PGCert | Economics |
Professional recognition
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PLC61001 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PLC61002 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Economics
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Economics
Programme Leader
GARFAGNINI Umberto (Economics)
Date of production/revision of spec
18/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- Enhance student employability, resilience and resourcefulness, global and cultural capabilities, sustainability awareness, and digital capabilities (the five pillars of the University of Surrey's Curriculum Framework) through a range of appropriate, contemporary, and engaging pedagogical methods
- Engage the whole learner with a transformative curriculum that promotes advanced knowledge and offers ample opportunity to do, create, develop, and self-reflect
- Facilitate effective learning and communication within an open, scholarly environment by fostering knowledge discovery and the creation of personal meaning
- Develop an appreciation of economics, both as an intellectual discipline and as an important contributor to an understanding of the world in ways which are of practical significance
- Promote the capacity for independent study through the completion of an MSc dissertation in economics
- Prepare students for a range of careers in which advanced economics analysis, independent thought, as well as the qualities developed through the application of the curriculum framework, can contribute to self-fulfilment and/or an improvement in social and economic welfare
- Enable better performing students completing the programme to progress to postgraduate research in economics
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the core principles in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Show a systematic understanding of the techniques used in contemporary economic research | K | PGDip, MSc | |
| Establish a critical awareness of current and advanced problems and the methodologies that are most common in economics | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Evidence understanding of different methodologies and an ability to choose amongst these as required in different settings | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| Combine relevant theory and analytical techniques with insightful data analysis to produce convincing explanations of economic phenomena | C | MSc | |
| Comprehend published economic research papers and integrate the implications of published research in own studies | C | PGDip, MSc | |
| Demonstrate high-level problem-solving skills | P | PGDip, MSc | |
| Select appropriate techniques to evaluate policy interventions | P | PGDip, MSc | |
| Communicate the results of independent research in the form of a dissertation | P | MSc | |
| Display general skills, such as literacy, numerical, IT and computing skills | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Exhibit interpersonal skills, such as communication skills | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7*. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
*some programmes may contain up to 30 credits at FHEQ level 6.
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
In Semester 2, students must choose a total of three optional modules. Students must select at least one module between ECOM047 - ADVANCED MACROECONOMICS and ECOM048 - ADVANCED MICROECONOMICS plus two additional optional modules.
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
In Semester 2, students must choose a total of two optional modules. Students must select at least one module between ECOM047 - ADVANCED MACROECONOMICS and ECOM048 - ADVANCED MICROECONOMICS plus an additional optional module.
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
In Semester 2, students must select one optional module.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
In line with the University's curriculum framework, our masters programmes are designed to develop graduates with strengths in the following areas:
Digital Capabilities
Our masters students learn how to solve problems in economics by actively using suitable econometric software. They also develop advanced computing skills through working with contemporary programming languages. Students gain from learning experiences designed to grow an appreciation of the fact that decision processes in economics are largely data-driven and to equip them with the skills to make decisions and solve problems based on digital evidence.
Employability
We support our masters students to develop a unique set of individual, interpersonal and professional skills, which are relevant to their career ambitions in the field of economics. Our students undertake a variety of challenging academic assessments, including authentic assessments that mimic professional life. They get the opportunity to go on employer visits/field trips and to engage with speakers from the industry on campus. The programme's pedagogy is carefully planned to ensure that our graduates are employment ready.
Global and Cultural capabilities
Living and studying in our diverse and welcoming community, students develop intercultural awareness and informed views on global issues. Students learn how to engage effectively with people from different backgrounds, e.g., in the context of academic group work. They develop an appreciation of a diversity of cultural experience and ways of relating to others without stereotyping through a range of inclusive academic and social activities designed to bring our students and members of staff together.
Resourcefulness and Resilience
The School and the University actively support our students to respond positively and effectively to opportunities, challenges, difficulties, and setbacks. The programme itself offers a great variety of academic options (pathways, modules), as well as appropriate levels of support in teaching, learning and assessment. Beyond that, students will find that there is an extensive support network in place, both formal and informal, to promote their wellbeing and self-development.
Sustainability
Economics is the discipline best placed to allow an understanding of resource scarcity, allocation, and constraints. In the context of the programme's compulsory microeconomics and macroeconomics modules, decision-making explicitly addresses these issues. Students develop their sustainability awareness through a deep understanding of external economies and diseconomies. Optionally, they may choose modules specifically addressing environmental issues.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.