Program Overview

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MSc Economics with Data Science

Overview

Gain an in-depth understanding of economics, econometrics and data science on our interdisciplinary MSc Economics with Data Science.

This programme is suited to both professionals and recent undergraduates, following a related degree in economics, computer science, physics, maths, or engineering, with exposure to quantitative methods and/or programming.

Combining theoretical and practical teaching by experts in both economics and mathematical engineering disciplines, the programme provides training on essential programming and data science software, alongside robust economics content distinctive to this programme.

You will apply your learning to solve real problems through a dissertation project. Some of these projects are industry-led, meaning you could work closely with potential employers addressing questions relevant to them.

Whether you are looking to pursue a career as a data analyst or quantitative economist, this programme provides you with the real-world skill you need.

• Gain advanced skills in both economics and data science that many employers are looking for.
• Evidence hands-on practical experience and build industry connections.
• Navigate state-of-the-art software including Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Python to explore big data in a real-world setting.
• Develop soft skills by working in a professional environment, essential for employment in any sector.

You can further enhance your skills by selecting from a variety of optional units to tailor your studies to your interests.

Bristol is in the top 5 UK universities for research (REF 2021) and our MSc Economics with Data Science incorporates the latest economics research – research that has a direct impact on policy and practice. You will be joining an academic community that is international, forward-thinking, collaborative, and committed to helping all our students reach their full potential.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 24 July 2025.
  • Home applicants: 9 August 2025.
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

Our programmes are current and exciting, and you will be taught by leading academics who are tackling real problems and influencing economic policy worldwide.

In the first term, you will study compulsory units in economics and data science. In the second term, you can choose optional units which you will study in addition to a mandatory Machine Learning for Economics unit. Finally, you will have the opportunity to work in a group with other students on an applied research project, potentially collaborating with an industry partner, to solve a real-world problem. Project assessment is based on a mixture of group and individual work, and the majority of your dissertation mark will be assessed on your personal contribution.

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a quantitative-based subject: for example Maths, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science or Physics.

OR

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in an Economics or quantitative discipline or a related field. This must include a 2:1 in at least three different quantitative units from the Maths qualification requirements list below.

Non-quantitative subjects are considered unsuitable, these include:

• Arts/Humanities
• Languages
• Essay-based Social Science subjects
• Nursing/Dentistry/Veterinary Science
• Sports Science

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following:

• Evidence of significant (minimum of two years in a paid role) relevant work experience such as data analysis, economics modelling, data informed policy making.
• A postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications. Specific module requirements would still apply.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Maths Qualification Requirements

If your degree subject is not listed in the main entry requirements, you must have evidence of an upper second class honours degree which includes three units of mathematics with 60% or above (or international equivalent) in each unit. Examples of acceptable units include:

• Advanced Maths (introductory maths does not count towards maths unit requirements)
• Analysis
• Auditing
• Bayesian Modelling
• Calculus
• Complex Functions
• Computer Science (including programming/algorithms)
• Data Mining/Data Science/Data Analytics
• Decision Analysis and Simulation
• Decision Maths
• Derivatives
• Differential Equations/Ordinary Differential Equations
• Discrete Mathematics
• Econometrics (including 'introductory' 'foundations of'; and 'advanced')
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Maths
• Financial Modelling
• Financial Reporting
• Game Theory
• Geometry
• Information Theory
• Investment Analysis
• Kinematics
• Linear Algebra
• Linear Programming
• Macroeconomics (including intermediate/advanced)
• Management Science
• Mathematical Programming
• Maths for Economics
• Mechanics (any type of mechanics)
• Mechatronics
• Micreoconomics (including intermediate/advanced)
• Multi Variate Analysis
• Network Science
• Number Theory
• Optimisation
• Probability
• Proof/Intro to Proof
• Pure Maths
• Quantitative techniques
• Quantitative Methods
• Research Methods
• Statement Analysis
• Statistics/Statistical Methods/Statistical Analysis
• Supply Chain management/Logistics Management
• Time Series Analysis

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £18,400 per year
• Overseas: full-time £34,200 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and Scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

Our graduates possess a multidisciplinary set of skills that can be tailored to a broad range of industries and occupations, such as data analyst or quantitative economist within the financial industry, private sector organisations, or public organisations such as the Government Economic Service.

As a world top 55 and UK top 10 university (QS World Rankings 2024), Bristol graduates are in high demand – being the seventh in the UK for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022).

We offer a broad range of support and links to partner organisations, helping you prepare for an exciting future career – whether in the UK or overseas. You will have access to our Careers Service and Professional Liaison Network, which provide professional mentoring, networking events and business advice.