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Your life in the department

As a student on one our master's programmes, you'll become part of a diverse and dynamic community that strives for excellence.

Our learning environment is ideal for preparing you for life after you graduate, providing a range of transferable skills and developing your confidence when going into the job market. 

You'll have the chance to take part in a range of activities including seminars and conferences, giving you a well-rounded learning experience.

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Discuss, debate and reflect

We offer plenty of opportunities to get involved in our supportive student community; whether through our weekly Economics Conversations or by joining the variety of societies the University offers.

Conversations in Economics

Conversations in Economics

Our weekly "Conversations in Economics" give students and staff the opportunity to discuss topical issues.

You can suggest topics and explore real-world examples in lectures and tutorials, especially in subjects such as macroeconomics and microeconomics.

This is an ideal opportunity to apply what you learn to real-world, ongoing issues.

Economics Society

Run by students, for students, the Economics Society offers a variety of engaging workshops including a lecture series that features three lectures each term on relevant and topical economics issues.

The society has a mentoring scheme between students at different stages of their degree and regularly runs social events with academics, allowing you to enhance your understanding and knowledge in a more relaxed environment. 

The Life Tools programme offered by the University is designed to help you take control of your learning and development. For example, we discussed how to handle stress, sleeping habits, networking and budget management. There are also seminars hosted by Henley Business School that contribute to your ongoing professional development. For example, they invite professionals in the fields of finance and banking and we also had consultants from China.
Hicham El Kaissi, MSc Economics

Learn from academics who are engaged in the media

Our academics are experts in their field and conduct leading research into a number of key areas of economics. They regularly share their expertise in the media. Their involvement in modern-day economics means our teaching and research is always up to date and relevant. You'll get to engage in discussion on today's big issues.

Professor James Reade and Dr Carl Singleton 

Professor James Reade and Dr Carl Singleton have carried out some highly-referenced research in the field of sports economics.

Some of their latest work is about the impact of Covid-19 on the loss of the home advantage in football matches. You can find coverage of this research from ESPN, The Times and The Guardian.  

Professor Marina Della Giusta 

Professor Marina Della Giusta has been quoted by a range of different media outlets about her expertise in the Covid-19 pandemic. She was recently referenced by Huffington Post and Yahoo News on the similarities between the UK and Italy in terms of how the virus might spread.

She also spoke to BBC Radio Berkshire about how women are more likely to be economically impacted by coronavirus if schools close and by Mail Online, on the Italian government's response to Covid-19.

Professor Uma Kambhampati

Uma Kambhampati's latest research analyses how leaders around the world reacted in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The paper considers whether country differences in performance to the pandemic can be explained by differences in policy measures adopted by male and female leaders.

This research has been covered by more than 50 international media outlets since it was published for the first time in June 2020. 


Hear from guest speakers who bring a wider perspective

Lectures from guest speakers from the world of economics and beyond give you the opportunity to hear from the very people who are putting economic principles into practice every day.

Watch this short interview with guest lecturer Zhenya Lui who talks about some of his research.


How we support you

We do everything we can to support our students during their studies, so that they can achieve their full potential and go onto pursue rewarding careers.

When you join our Department, you’ll benefit from a strong academic support network where you will build relationships with students and staff. You'll have an individual academic supervisor who will support you with your dissertation.

Learn more about the University's support services

Your learning environment

You will learn mostly in small-groups, creating a collaborative, inclusive learning environment where you can grow in confidence and build relevant transferable skills such as communication and analytical skills.

You'll have access to the University's recently refurbished Library, which is full of resources and study space that's ideal for independent study.

Find out how we create an inclusive and supportive environment within the Department

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Athena Swan Bronze Award

The School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics is thrilled to announce that it has received an Athena SWAN Bronze Award! The award recognizes the School’s work to advance gender equality and commits us to continuing our efforts through a 5 year action plan. Look for updates and news as we continue to strive for equality, diversity, and inclusion in our academic community!
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How you'll study

You'll learn through lectures, seminars and one-to-one supervision, and have the opportunity to undertake a special assignment known as a Capstone Project.
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Master's courses

Choose from a range of programmes reflecting the changing global economic environment, and examine the links between changes at national and international level.

We offer a range of master's courses in economics, public policy, business economics and economics and finance.

Read our Economics brochure

Discover our Postgraduate courses

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Why study with us?

Home to active researchers and experts, Reading's Department of economics was established more than half a century ago.

We are proud of the friendly international community we've developed, which offers you a supportive environment in which to study.