MSc, 1 year full time/2 years part time
Subject overview
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In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 100 per cent of our economics research was rated as internationally recognised or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.
Economics at Sussex offers postgraduate-level teaching and research in applied economics.
Our faculty are engaged in research across a range of applied areas, including international economics, development, labour, macroeconomics, social policy and climate change.
While much of our research is policy oriented, and therefore responsive to external events (such as European economic integration and the economic crisis), the highest importance is attached to basing applied work on sound theoretical foundations, as well as using best-practice quantitative techniques in estimating and testing models.
Our focus on applied economics should be interpreted broadly, to include work on developing the applicability of theory and numerical modelling, as well as the analysis of empirical questions.
Members of faculty have attracted project funding from the Ford Foundation, the ESRC, the Nuffield Foundation, the Department for International Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the European Commission, and the Commonwealth Secretariat.
- Specialist facilities
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The University has an excellent library and widely available computing facilities. In addition, graduate students have access to specialist software such as STATA.
Interdisciplinary research conducted at Sussex is often of particular significance to economics students. There is close academic collaboration between specialist centres and the relevant departments at Sussex.
- Academic activities
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Economics faculty organise regular seminars at which external speakers present papers, faculty report on current activities, and research students present their thesis proposals. Seminars also provide a forum for discussing results when a thesis is close to completion.
Programme outline
All of our MSc degrees are recognised by the ESRC under its 1+3 scheme. Visit Doctoral training.
All of our MSc degrees have ‘internship’ variants. These allow you to take a three-month ‘internship break’ for an approved purpose such as a placement in an international organisation or a research assistant post in a university. The registration period for the MSc is then lengthened by three months. If you are interested in the MSc with an internship, you should apply for the standard MSc, and may be transferred to the MSc with an internship after starting the standard MSc. Also visit the Department of Economics.
This MSc emphasises applications and has a special focus on international economic issues. It provides you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful, policy-oriented economist in government, international organisations or universities.
You learn how to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and how to show originality in tackling and solving problems. You explore how to assess policy and work with policy-makers. You develop qualities needed for employment as an economist, such as sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative in difficult and unpredictable professional environments.
Assessment
You are assessed by unseen written examinations, presentations, a term paper, and a dissertation of 15,000 words.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2014 entry to ensure you have the best student experience.In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
The degree comprises four two-term modules – Econometric Methods • Economic Analysis • International Economics • Practical Economics – and a dissertation.
Current modules
Please note that these are the core modules and options (subject to availability) for students starting in the academic year 2012.
Analytical Methods in Economics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1
This module starts to equip you with the tools for economic and econometric analysis necessary for economics at Masters level. It comprises sections on basic mathematical and statistical methods, and the use of appropriate computer packages (currently Stata).
Econometric Methods 1
15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1
This module covers the basic techniques of modern econometrics, making use of applied studies to illustrate the material, particularly from the fields of development and international economics. You are also introduced to the analysis of data sets using the Stata software package, and the interpretation of the resulting output. The module's emphasis is on the appropriate application of econometrics to practical problems arising in economics.
Econometric Methods 2
15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1
This module is devoted in part to further topics in econometrics, including maximum likelihood techniques, qualitative response models, models with limited dependent variables, and panel-data estimation.
Economic Analysis 1
15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1
The module covers the theory underlying a variety of topics and its application in policy analysis and empirical work. Topics covered include: decision making under uncertainty, asymmetric information, oligopoly, efficiency and productivity measurement, and externalities and public goods.
Economic Analysis 2
15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1
This module is oriented towards the design of macroeconomic policy in open economies in the short and medium term. Among the topics covered are concepts of equilibrium unemployment, causes and consequences of real and nominal wage rigidity, rational expectations in models with and without market clearing, and nominal income versus inflation targeting.
International Economics 1
15 credits
Autumn teaching, year 1
This module covers the theory of international trade, including comparative advantage, gains from trade, and trade under imperfect competition; trade policy, including tariffs and other trade restrictions; effective protection theory and the political economy of trade policy.
International Economics 2
15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1
This module addresses macroeconomic and monetary issues, including theory and evidence on the performance of flexible exchange-rate regimes, alternative policies for the international co-ordination of macroeconomic policies in the light of historical experience, issues raised by the prospect of monetary union in the EU, and the operations of international institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.
Research Methods for Economics
15 credits
Spring teaching, year 1
This module equips you with practical econometric tools for analysis, information about economic data sources and their limitations, an understanding of how research and analysis policy fit into the policy making process, and how to communicate with policy makers and other users of analysis.
Entry requirements
UK entrance requirements
A first- or upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in economics.
Overseas entrance requirements
- Overseas qualifications
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If your country is not listed below, please contact the University at E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Country Overseas qualification Australia Bachelor (Honours) degree with second-class upper division Brazil Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 8 Canada Bachelor degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+) China Bachelor degree from a leading university with overall mark of 75%-85% depending on your university Cyprus Bachelor degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5 France Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with final mark of at least 13 Germany Bachelor degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better Ghana Bachelor degree from a public university with second-class upper division Greece Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7.5 Hong Kong Bachelor (Honours) degree with second-class upper division India Bachelor degree from a leading institution with overall mark of at least 60% or equivalent Iran Bachelor degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15 Italy Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105 Japan Bachelor degree from a leading university with a minumum average of B+ or equivalent Malaysia Bachelor degree with class 2 division 1 Mexico Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8 Nigeria Bachelor degree with second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 Pakistan Four-year bachelor degree, normally with a GPA of at least 3.3 Russia Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 South Africa Bachelor (Honours) degree or Bachelor degree in Technology with an overall mark of at least 70% Saudi Arabia Bachelor degree with an overall mark of at least 70% or CGPA 3.5/5.0 or equivalent South Korea Bachelor degree from a leading university with CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent Spain Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 Taiwan Bachelor degree with overall mark of 70%-85% depending on your university Thailand Bachelor degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent Turkey Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 depending on your university United Arab Emirates Bachelor degree with CGPA of at least 3.5/4.0 or equivalent USA Bachelor degree with CGPA 3.3-3.5/4.0 depending on your university Vietnam Masters degree with CGPA 3.5/4.0 or equivalent If you have any questions about your qualifications after consulting our overseas qualifications, contact the University at E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each section. Internet TOEFL with 95 overall, with at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking and 24 in Writing.
For more information, refer to English language requirements.
Visas and immigration
Find out more about Visas and immigration.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex
For pre-application enquiries:
Student Recruitment Services
T +44 (0)1273 876787
E pg.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
For post-application enquiries:
Postgraduate Admissions,
University of Sussex,
Sussex House, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 877773
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E pg.applicants@sussex.ac.uk
Related programmes
Fees and funding
Fees
Home UK/EU students: £5,6001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £5,6002
Overseas students: £13,5003
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The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2
The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3
The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Chancellor's International Scholarship (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 1 May 2014
25 scholarships of a 50% tuition fee waiver
Fulbright-Sussex University Award (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 15 October 2013
Each year, one award is offered to a US citizen for the first year of a postgraduate degree in any field at the University of Sussex.
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust for Postgraduate Study (2014)
Region: UK
Level: PG (taught), PG (research)
Application deadline: 1 October 2013
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust are offering bursaries to Postgraduate students following any postgraduate degree courses in any subject.
Santander Scholarship (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 1 May 2014
Two scholarships of £5000 fee waiver for students studying any postgraduate taught course.
Sussex ESRC 1+3 and +3 Scholarships (2014)
Region: UK, Europe (Non UK)
Level: PG (taught), PG (research)
Application deadline: 28 February 2014
Up to 22 1+3 and +3 awards across the social sciences
USA Friends Scholarships (2014)
Region: International (Non UK/EU)
Level: PG (taught)
Application deadline: 3 April 2014
Two scholarships of an amount equivalent to $10,000 are available to nationals or residents of the USA on a one year taught Master's degree course.
Faculty interests
The range of faculty research activities is illustrated below. More information is available at the Department of Economics.
Mike Barrow Public-sector economics, local government, efficiency and value for money.
Dr Sambit Bhattacharyya Development economics, political economy, economic history.
Dr Ingo Borchert International trade and trade policy.
Professor Richard Dickens Labour economics, poverty, inequality, minimum wages.
Professor Peter Dolton Applied econometrics, labour economics, economics of education.
Rob Eastwood Demographic change and economic development.
Dr Sonja Fagernas Development economics.
Dr Michael Gasiorek International economics, economics of integration, 20th-century economic history.
Dr Torfinn Harding International trade and investment, development, applied econometrics.
Dr Peter Holmes International and European integration, World Trade Organization law, trade and climate change.
Dr Iftikhar Hussain Labour, economics of education, development.
Professor Michael Lipton Poverty, farm size and technology, demographics, undernutrition.
Dr Julie Litchfield Poverty, inequality and income distribution.
Dr George MacKerron Economics of subjective well-being and environmental quality.
Dr Paolo Masella Economics and culture, political economy, development, labour.
Professor Andy McKay Chronic poverty in developing countries.
Dr Alex Moradi Development economics, African economic history.
Professor Andrew Newell Labour and historical economics, poverty, nutrition, demographic change.
Dr Panu Pelkonen Economics of education, labour economics.
Dr Dimitra Petropoulou International trade, industrial organisation, political economy.
Professor Barry Reilly Applied econometrics.
Dr Pedro Rosa Dias Economic inequality, health, education, development.
Dr Shqiponja Telhaj Economics of education.
Professor Richard Tol Economics of energy, environment and climate.
Professor L Alan Winters International trade, migration, international development.
Careers and profiles
Our graduates have gone on to careers in government, finance, academia and international organisations such as the World Bank. Recent examples of career destinations include HM Treasury, Deutsche Bank and Deloitte. Our graduates also have a good record of success in winning Overseas Development Institute Fellowships.
Also visit Department of Economics: Student perspectives.
Daniel's career perspective
‘When I decided it was time to go to graduate school, I took a deep breath and applied to the University of Sussex. I am so glad I did. The following two years, studying first towards a Graduate Diploma in Economics then for an MA in International Economics, were academically very challenging but an utter delight. The teaching ability of my professors coupled with their engagement with policymakers and the wider academic community was a real asset. In addition to providing a robust academic climate, the faculty fostered a friendly and relaxed atmosphere within the Department, which led to many excellent conversations between faculty and students outside the lecture hall.
‘With dedicated help from one of my professors I was able to find a post doing development economics research overseas, which a few years later led me to reach my goal of becoming a Foreign Service economist with the US Agency for International Development. My two years at Sussex are full of happy memories and set me on my professional path.’
Daniel Handel
Foreign Service Economist, US Agency for International Development
Manuel's student perspective
‘When I decided to apply for a Masters programme in the UK, I was strongly recommended Sussex because of its high prestige in my subject, Economics, and I think I made the right decision.
‘The MSc in International Economics, which focuses on providing tools to contribute to world development and welfare through international trade and openness, is strengthened by high-quality lecturers, who always encourage us to undertake deep research on every topic taught as well as promoting intense debates on many interesting issues.
‘I feel that interacting with teachers and students from different countries, cultures and realities, has enhanced and consolidated my learning process. That is a key benefit of Sussex, and it is really preparing me for greater challenges like working at globally-recognised international organisations, such as the World Bank, OECD and WTO among others, which I certainly want to apply for in the future.
‘My experience of the MSc in International Economics at Sussex has been so fruitful that now I intend to study for a PhD here as well. With the research I hope to undertake , I expect to offer a contribution to the economic development of my own country, Peru.’
Manuel Tong
MSc in International Economics
For more information, visit Careers and alumni.
School and contacts
School of Business, Management and Economics
The School of School of Business, Management and Economics is a unique, research-focused business school, which takes a strong policy-directed view on business practices while also developing the underlying core disciplines.
School of Business, Management and Economics,
Department of Economics, Jubilee Building,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9SL, UK
T +44 (0)1273 872717
E pgbmec@sussex.ac.uk
Department of Economics
Postgraduate Open Day 2013
4 December 2013, 1pm-4pm
Bramber House, University of Sussex
- talk to academic faculty and current postgraduate students
- subject talks and presentations on postgraduate study, research and funding
- choose from our exciting range of taught Masters and research degrees
- find out how postgraduate study can improve your career prospects
- get details of our excellent funding schemes for taught postgraduate study.
To register your interest in attending, visit Postgraduate Open Day.
Can’t make it to our Postgraduate Open Day? You might be interested in attending one of our Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions.
Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions
If you can’t make it to our Postgraduate Open Day, you’re welcome to attend one of our Discover Postgraduate Study information sessions. These are held in the spring and summer terms and enable you to find out more about postgraduate study and the opportunities Sussex has to offer.
Visit Discover Postgraduate study to book your place.
Other ways to visit Sussex
We run weekly guided campus tours every Wednesday afternoon, year round. Book a place online at Visit us and Open Days.
You are also welcome to visit the University independently without any pre-arrangement.