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MSc Business Economics

  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Examine the most up-to-date analyses of business economics – at both firm and industry level – with our MSc Business Economics programme.

At the University of Reading, you will utilise techniques and evidence to understand how industries are structured, how organisations behave within them, and the impact of these factors on their performance.

Core modules provide detailed, up-to-date introductions to business economics, with a particular focus on industrial economics. A range of optional modules enables you to pursue your interests and develop a specialism.

Study in a lively, research-rich department

100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies). Our research has real-world application and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.

At Reading, our economists are addressing some of the key issues of the twenty-first century, such as the significance of economics in everyday life.

  • Read about Dr Tho Pham’s research on the influence of social media on people and outcomes.

Elsewhere, our innovative research into leisure and sport is providing vital economic insights.

  • Dr James Reade combines his interests in sports and mathematics to understand what drives people’s economic behaviour.

The modules you’ll study throughout your degree are aligned with our research clusters, keeping you abreast of the latest developments in economics. Guest speakers from outside the University further enhance this learning.

Build connections with industry

We are one of the few universities to offer an optional Capstone Project module which we design to give our students hands-on, real-world experience. Working in small groups and overseen by a faculty member, you will contribute to your degree by completing a project on behalf of an external organisation. Examples include:

  • business companies
  • government agencies
  • not-for-profits
  • non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Past projects have included providing a local economic partnership with an impact assessment of policy and business options, a cost-benefit analysis, and advice in developing a strategy in response to the UK government’s new Industrial Strategy White Paper.

Interactive and supported learning

Join a dynamic, collaborative learning environment, where small class sizes allow for active participation. You will typically spend six to eight hours a week in lectures and supported classroom seminars, studying alongside academics, industry professionals and postgraduate colleagues. Our lecturers include economists who actively put economic principles into practice.

The Department of Economics can support your study in several ways.

  • Economics Surgeries offer one-to-one appointments with staff, allowing you to discuss the topics you've studied and gain any assistance you may require.
  • Economics Conversations provide opportunities to network with staff and students from across the Department.
  • The Economics Society arranges lectures and discussions with economists on a range of topical matters, such as the economics of health and feminism.

Develop in-depth research expertise

As part of your master's degree, you'll complete a research dissertation. It's an opportunity for you to carry out independent research supervised in a specific topic or issue and contribute new insights to the current scholarly debate.

An expert in your area of enquiry will supervise your dissertation.

Overview

Examine the most up-to-date analyses of business economics – at both firm and industry level – with our MSc Business Economics programme.

At the University of Reading, you will utilise techniques and evidence to understand how industries are structured, how organisations behave within them, and the impact of these factors on their performance.

Core modules provide detailed, up-to-date introductions to business economics, with a particular focus on industrial economics. A range of optional modules enables you to pursue your interests and develop a specialism.

Learning

Study in a lively, research-rich department

100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Business and Management Studies, and Anthropology and Development Studies). Our research has real-world application and has informed policy decisions by governments, major multinational organisations, and agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.

At Reading, our economists are addressing some of the key issues of the twenty-first century, such as the significance of economics in everyday life.

  • Read about Dr Tho Pham’s research on the influence of social media on people and outcomes.

Elsewhere, our innovative research into leisure and sport is providing vital economic insights.

  • Dr James Reade combines his interests in sports and mathematics to understand what drives people’s economic behaviour.

The modules you’ll study throughout your degree are aligned with our research clusters, keeping you abreast of the latest developments in economics. Guest speakers from outside the University further enhance this learning.

Build connections with industry

We are one of the few universities to offer an optional Capstone Project module which we design to give our students hands-on, real-world experience. Working in small groups and overseen by a faculty member, you will contribute to your degree by completing a project on behalf of an external organisation. Examples include:

  • business companies
  • government agencies
  • not-for-profits
  • non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Past projects have included providing a local economic partnership with an impact assessment of policy and business options, a cost-benefit analysis, and advice in developing a strategy in response to the UK government’s new Industrial Strategy White Paper.

Interactive and supported learning

Join a dynamic, collaborative learning environment, where small class sizes allow for active participation. You will typically spend six to eight hours a week in lectures and supported classroom seminars, studying alongside academics, industry professionals and postgraduate colleagues. Our lecturers include economists who actively put economic principles into practice.

The Department of Economics can support your study in several ways.

  • Economics Surgeries offer one-to-one appointments with staff, allowing you to discuss the topics you've studied and gain any assistance you may require.
  • Economics Conversations provide opportunities to network with staff and students from across the Department.
  • The Economics Society arranges lectures and discussions with economists on a range of topical matters, such as the economics of health and feminism.

Develop in-depth research expertise

As part of your master's degree, you'll complete a research dissertation. It's an opportunity for you to carry out independent research supervised in a specific topic or issue and contribute new insights to the current scholarly debate.

An expert in your area of enquiry will supervise your dissertation.

Entry requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements: You should have a bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:2 or above.

To apply for this course, you must have an undergraduate degree in a numerate, quantitative or business-related discipline such as economics, business administration, finance, accounting, international trade, banking, financial management, public finance, mathematics, computer science, data science, geography.

Applications are also welcome from candidates with strong career experience in a relevant field.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1

Compulsory modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

Introduction to Econometric Analysis

Code:

ECM001

Convenor:

DR Hussein Hassan

Summary:

This module is primarily designed to give students a general understanding of basic econometrics with an emphasis on the interpretation of basic linear regression results and their relevance in economic analysis. 

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Microeconomic Policy

Code:

ECM101

Convenor:

DR Andy Chung

Summary:

This module is intended to give an understanding of the core theories necessary to understand microeconomic policy. It is aimed both at master’s students without previous economics and as a refresher course for other master’s students.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Set exercise 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Econometrics 1

Code:

ECM604

Convenor:

DR Andy Chung

Summary:

This module covers core econometrics methods and their applications to cross-sectional data, while also enabling students to develop their skills in handling cross-sectional data using the statistical package STATA and to critically evaluate empirical research papers in economics.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Project 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Dissertation

Code:

ECM610

Convenor:

PROF Giovanni Razzu

Summary:

This module provides students the opportunity to produce a significant, in-depth analysis of a relevant topic in modern economics. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have mastered the various abilities needed to do original research and to communicate their ideas in a standard format required of the economics community.

Assessment Method:

Exam 20%, Dissertation 80%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Economics of Corporate Strategy

Code:

ECM620

Convenor:

DR Kiran Karrouchi

Summary:

This module seeks to provide a foundation to the economic analysis of corporate decision-making – such as price-setting, output-setting, mergers, and anti-competitive behaviour. In this context, firms’ incentives and strategic interactions among firms are emphasised.  Both the role of market competition  and the imperatives for government intervention are discussed.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Assignment 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Code Module Convenor
ECM001 Introduction to Econometric Analysis DR Hussein Hassan
ECM101 Microeconomic Policy DR Andy Chung
ECM604 Econometrics 1 DR Andy Chung
ECM610 Dissertation PROF Giovanni Razzu
ECM620 Economics of Corporate Strategy DR Kiran Karrouchi

Optional modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

The Economics of Financial Markets

Code:

ECM132

Convenor:

DR Tho Pham

Summary:

This module is an introductory course that teaches the fundamentals of financial markets and institutions. The course begins with an introduction to how consumers and producers make decisions in a perfect capital market under certainty. Next, it introduces the theory of choice under risk. In the next section of the course, students will learn how asset prices are determined and how investors make portfolio allocation decisions. In the final section, we will turn our attention to financial institutions and the recent developments in the financial markets.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Development Economics

Code:

ECM171

Convenor:

DR Nigel Wadeson

Summary:

This module focuses on both microeconomic and macroeconomic issues of development. It will provide a theoretical and empirical foundation to the economics of developing countries. The module will also expose students to research in different facets of development economics that use a wide range of research methods.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Economics of Public Policy

Code:

ECM184

Convenor:

PROF Giovanni Razzu

Summary:

This module introduces and examines key economic tools for the analysis of public policy. Threshold concepts and tools will be applied to and illustrated through a range of public policy problems. Seminars will enable and further prepare students to apply critical analysis to current public policy issues.

Assessment Method:

Project 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Economics of Social Policy

Code:

ECM185

Convenor:

PROF Simonetta Longhi

Summary:

This module is intended to cover the most important social economic policy issues of the day. Consequently, the topics may vary from year-to-year in order to reflect contemporary relevance. The emphasis will be on how economic analysis can contribute to the solution of domestic and international social problems. Indicative topics are: poverty, social exclusion, unemployment, migration, gender and racial wage gaps.

Assessment Method:

Oral 50%, Project 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Capstone Project

Code:

ECM200

Convenor:

PROF Giovanni Razzu

Summary:

Working in small groups and overseen by a faculty member, the students complete a project on behalf of an external organisation, which can be business companies, government agencies, not-for-profits, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The program is designed to give our students hands-on experience, and to give external organisations an opportunity to benefit from an independent analysis of an existing or prospective initiative, policy or area of concern. Students will work in teams, with interdisciplinary backgrounds if appropriate to the nature of the project and external organisation’s requests, to deliveran agreed output on time and to high standard. An academic supervisor will provide guidance through-out the project. The project will require a significant amount of research and inquiry and help students to negotiate successfully the transition to the next stage of their career. 

Assessment Method:

Project 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Econometrics 2

Code:

ECM605

Convenor:

DR Shixuan Wang

Summary:

This module introduces students to more advanced topics and methods in econometrics. The module builds on the material covered in Econometrics 1 and considers how to select and apply the most appropriate econometrics techniques for a given dataset and economic problem. Students will have the opportunity to develop their data analysis skills using particular econometric software programmes.

Assessment Method:

Exam 60%, Project 40%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Macroeconomics for Developing Countries

Code:

IDM063

Convenor:

DR Neha Hui

Summary:

Learn the theoretical and empirical considerations associated with macroeconomic policy making in developing countries. You will engage with pathbreaking macroeconomic analysis of how countries grow and develop, why some countries are richer than others and whether growth is associated with poverty and inequality.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Microeconomics for Developing Countries

Code:

IDM070

Convenor:

DR Neha Hui

Summary:

Study the microeconomic issues of development. Learn how asymmetric information, risk aversion, asset inequality and intrahousehold bargaining power affect microeconomic outcomes and well-being for informal sector workers, migrants, and women and children within a household.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

Microfinance

Code:

IDM075

Convenor:

DR Neha Hui

Summary:

Learn how policy makers design institutions to ensure financial institutions. Through very practical examples of developing countries you will examine how microfinance institutions mitigate the risks associated with lending to rural and urban poor and whether these institutions are successful in aiding disadvantaged communities, especially poor women.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

X

Module details


Title:

The Economics of Financial Markets

Code:

IDM082

Convenor:

DR Tho Pham

Summary:

This module is an introductory course that teaches the fundamentals of financial markets and institutions. The course begins with an introduction to how consumers and producers make decisions in a perfect capital market under certainty. Next, it introduces the theory of choice under risk. In the next section of the course, students will learn how asset prices are determined and how investors make portfolio allocation decisions. In the final section, we will turn our attention to financial institutions and the recent developments in the financial markets.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Class test 50%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Code Module Convenor
ECM132 The Economics of Financial Markets DR Tho Pham
ECM171 Development Economics DR Nigel Wadeson
ECM184 Economics of Public Policy PROF Giovanni Razzu
ECM185 Economics of Social Policy PROF Simonetta Longhi
ECM200 Capstone Project PROF Giovanni Razzu
ECM605 Econometrics 2 DR Shixuan Wang
IDM063 Macroeconomics for Developing Countries DR Neha Hui
IDM070 Microeconomics for Developing Countries DR Neha Hui
IDM075 Microfinance DR Neha Hui
IDM082 The Economics of Financial Markets DR Tho Pham

These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,500

New international students: £21,350

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Your specialist expertise in economic analysis will prepare you for a wide range of professional roles throughout public, corporate and third sectors.

Our MSc Business Economics helps develop a variety of transferable skills that are highly sought by employers:

  • Written and oral communication
  • Analytical thought
  • Numeracy
  • Econometrics
  • Computing.

We are committed to your employability and offer dedicated careers support to all our master's students.

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