Program Overview

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MSc Economics of Business and Management

The MSc Economics of Business and Management is a postgraduate course that combines advanced training in economic analysis and decision-making with a flexible capstone project tailored to students' career goals.

Overview

• Course: Economics of Business and Management
• Start date: January 2027
• Study mode: Full-time
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: Economics

Why this Course

Students will gain advanced training in modern microeconomics, contract and incentive theory, and strategic firm behavior while applying these frameworks to business and management challenges. The course builds expertise in quantitative analysis and communication skills that employers in finance, consultancy, government, and international business demand.

Who Should Apply

• Graduates ready to specialize in economics applied to business and management
• Consultants and professionals looking to boost their analytical and decision-making edge
• Future leaders in finance, government, or multinational corporations
• Ambitious researchers preparing for doctoral study in applied economics

What You'll Learn

• Core economic principles: Build strong foundations in microeconomics, statistical methods, and the economics of business decision-making
• The firm and strategy: Understand contract theory, incentives, and how competition between firms shapes markets
• Applied specialisms: Choose from areas such as behavioral economics, banking, game theory, and asset pricing to match your interests
• Transferable expertise: Develop critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills valued across business, finance, and government sectors

Your Learning Experience

• Start in January and tailor your degree with module choices across spring, summer, and autumn terms
• Showcase your expertise through a capstone project presented as a dissertation, policy memo, blog, or podcast
• Gain practical skills using statistical software and leading economics databases
• Learn under the guidance of researchers who advise businesses, governments, and financial institutions worldwide

Careers and Outcomes

The MSc Economics of Business and Management prepares students for roles across industries, including:

• Finance and banking: Economists, analysts, risk consultants
• Consultancy and business: Management consultants, business and financial analysts
• Government and policy: HM Treasury, Ministry of Finance, regulatory bodies
• Research and think tanks: Policy analysts, research officers, data scientists

Employers of Our Graduates

Postgraduate alumni from the Department of Economics have held influential roles within organizations such as:

• HM Treasury
• The Ministry of Finance
• Fitch Ratings
• Schroders Investment Management
• The Work Foundation

Meet the Experts

• Professor Rossella Argenziano: Expert in microeconomic theory, game theory, and decision theory
• Evgeny Iakovlev: Expert in industrial organization, health economics, and labor economics

Why Choose Essex

• 3rd in UK for research environment in economics and econometrics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 9th in the UK for Economics (The Guardian University Guide 2026)
• 92% of postgraduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025)

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree in any discipline, with at least one module in subjects like accounting, economics, business, finance, management, maths, or statistics
• Alternatively, applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above and one year's relevant work experience after graduating may be considered

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. For specific requirements, it is recommended to contact the University.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components
• Alternatively, completing a pre-sessional English pathway may be possible for those who do not meet the IELTS requirements

Structure

Course Structure

The course is research-led and evolving, with modules subject to change. Components may include:

• Core components: Mandatory modules that must be passed
• Optional components: Modules from which students can choose, allowing for specialization or breadth of understanding

Components and Modules Explained

• Core: Mandatory modules that must be passed
• Core with Options: Students choose from available options but must pass
• Compulsory: Mandatory modules, with limited opportunities to continue if failed
• Compulsory with Options: Students choose from options, with limited opportunities to continue if failed
• Optional: Modules from which students can choose, with limited opportunities to continue if failed

Teaching

• Postgraduate students typically attend a two-hour lecture and a one-hour class or lab for each module per week
• Core components can be combined with optional modules for in-depth specialization or breadth of understanding
• Postgraduates are encouraged to attend conferences and seminars

Assessment

• Each module is assessed with a final examination and a coursework component
• Coursework may be in the form of a term paper or a midterm test

Dissertation

• Students undertake an individually supervised research project involving in-depth study of a specific economic problem or issue

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• £15,750

International Fee

• £24,675

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

For information on applying, open days, and visiting the campus, students are advised to consult the University's official resources.