Program Overview

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Economics (MRes)

About this course

Develop your research skills on this MRes in Economics, and gain a deeper understanding of economic and econometric analysis. Study particular areas of the discipline from both a theoretical and evidence-based perspective.

This full-time research master’s gives you the skills to carry out independent research and conduct your own investigations. It’s the ideal training for a career as an economist or a path to starting a PhD.

Initially you'll cover quantitative methods. As well as either microeconomics or economic analysis, and macroeconomics or financial economics and asset prices.

Later on you’ll take a research module and you'll attend departmental seminars and workshops to learn about the latest economic research. Choose from options covering all aspects of the discipline from macro and microeconomics to econometrics and finance.

You’ll develop the ability to:

• understand the theoretical foundations of economics and/or econometrics
• formulate, manipulate and draw conclusions from an economic model
• apply economic analysis to a range of policy areas
• interpret and critically evaluate economic ideas and research findings
• test and evaluate economic models using a variety of research methodologies, data and analyses
• design, implement and manage independent research in economics
• present ideas, arguments and research findings effectively

You’ll have access to our Bloomberg suite as part of standalone training and your dissertation research. The suite hosts 21 trading terminals, giving you access to real-time data, breaking news and powerful analytics.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Christian Kellner, an associate professor in economics. His research focuses on how people make decisions in uncertain situations, such as contract design or communication. Read Dr Kellner's staff profile to find out more about his work.

Learn more about this subject area

Economics

Get to the heart of modern society, and help tackle real-world problems, by learning how the economy works and how we make financial decisions. Our graduates go on to successful careers as economists, ...

Facilities

Financial laboratory

The financial laboratory will give you valuable experience using Bloomberg terminals, which allow you to access to real-world financial market data.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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Entry requirements

You'll need a degree in a relevant subject such as:

• economics
• mathematics
• engineering
• data science
• computer science
• physics
• a related subject with a high maths content

We do not accept Finance or Management degrees for this programme.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score

6.5

reading

6.0

writing

6.0

speaking

6.0

listening

6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

Course structure

You'll study this UK economics research master’s full-time over 12 months.

The taught part of the degree takes place between October and May and consists of 9 months of study. During this time you’ll also carry out research in preparation for the MRes dissertation.

You’ll complete the dissertation by the end of September. The subject of your dissertation is chosen with advice and guidance from the academic team.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules :

Applied Microeconometrics

This module covers the application of concepts and methods in contemporary microeconometrics to address various applied research questions using mainly individual level (e.g. firms, households) micro data. Many of the examples will come from labour, publ...

MRes Economics Dissertation

You will undertake a substantive piece of independent work. This is designed to demonstrate your ability to manage your own learning, to draw together information for a variety of sources and to make use of a range of concepts and techniques at the postgr...

Macroeconomics

To provide students with a solid grounding in the techniques of modern macroeconomic theory, with particular emphasis on real business cycle models. The tools you will learn will enable you to understand cutting edge research and provide foundations on wh...

Microeconomics

To provide graduate students in economics with an introduction to the basic frameworks of graduate-level microeconomic theory: general equilibrium theory and game theory. Special emphasis will be given to the design, construction and the solution of econo...

Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics

This two week intensive course is designed to ensure that students who start postgraduate programmes in Economics will have the skills in mathematics and statistics needed for their subsequent modules. The course has two components, statistics and mathem...

Quantitative Methods

Assessment in the module takes the form of an online software skills test (worth 10% of the final mark) and a final written exam (worth 90%).

Research in Economics

This module forms part of the Research in Practice component of postgraduate education. Students will be exposed to state-of-the art research in the field of Economics, by attending weekly departmental seminars and workshops that are run throughout the s...

You must also choose from the following modules :

Computational Machine Learning and Optimisation

This module will introduce you to some of the main approaches used for data analysis and machine learning. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of different computational machine learning methods, and gain skills in applying them to analyse dat...

Experimental Economics

This module will introduce students to experimental methods in economics. Emphasis will be on the methodology, in particular, statistical techniques necessary for establishing causality and valid inference, non-parametric and other useful non-standard sta...

Financial Derivatives

The module studies quantitative techniques for pricing the main financial derivatives available for trading in financial markets. This is done under assumptions imposing absence of arbitrage opportunities in financial markets. The module focuses on future...

Household Finance

This module familiarises students with theories and evidence of consumer/household financial decision making. The module examines optimal and actual financial decisions by households, e.g. on borrowing and saving, and the role of financial service provisi...

Labour Economics

The course discusses in details some of the most important topics in labour economics research by bringing the theory to the data using a combination of empirical methodologies.

Numerical Methods in Macroeconomics

Modern macroeconomic research in academic, government and other institutions relies heavily on using numerical methods to simulate economic models and generate counterfactual outcome for policy analysis. This odule will familiarise the students with numer...

Qualitative Methods

This module aims to provide postgraduate students with an understanding of the role and application of qualitative methods within social science research. The module will include a focus on the issues that arise in the design, generation, analysis and ev...

Time Series Econometrics

This module explores the properties of a wide range of models and statistical techniques used to describe and analyse Economic and Financial time series data. The aim is to highlight the usefulness of theoretical time series techniques for understanding d...

Topics in Macroeconomics

The module will introduce students to the monetary economics literature and in particular to New Keynesian framework which is at the heart of the medium-scale models used by many central banks. The core of the module will focus on the relationship betwee...

Topics in Microeconomics

This module builds on your knowledge and understanding of microeconomics from ECON6077 and allows you to study in greater depth some selected topics of current interest in microeconomic theory. The objective of the module is to provide students with suffi...

Learning and assessment

Learning

You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

• staff-led lectures and seminars
• written coursework assignments or problem sets
• weekly departmental seminars and workshops
• independent research work
• presentations of research work
• regular research meetings with your supervisor

Taught modules provide a solid foundation for your learning. Throughout the degree you’ll carry out independent reading to supplement the taught part of the course and broaden your knowledge.

You will undertake an extended research project in a specific area supervised by a leading researcher with expertise in the subject.

Assessment

The taught part of the course is assessed by a combination of coursework and examinations at the end of each semester.

The MRes dissertation is assessed by your supervisor and by an independent internal examiner. They assess the academic quality of your work and your ability to present parts of your research in a workshop.

Dissertation

You’ll carry out a piece of independent research to demonstrate your ability to:

• manage your own learning
• draw together information from multiple sources
• make use of a range of concepts and techniques at postgraduate level

You’ll develop an extended piece of writing in which an argument is developed in response to a core question. You’ll support this using evidence from the research you conduct and analyse.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

accountancy firms,

banks (high street and city),

charitable and not-for-profit organisations,

Consultancies,

insurance companies,

Government departments,

Think Tanks,

non-government organisations (NGOs).

Careers directly related to this course:

• Actuary
• Chartered accountant
• Data analyst
• Economist
• Financial risk analyst
• Internal auditor
• Investment analyst
• Political risk analyst
• Stockbroker
• Tax adviser

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Business development manager
• Data scientist
• Diplomatic service officer
• Local government officer
• Management consultant
• Policy officer
• Procurement manager
• Quantity surveyor
• Risk manager
• Retail banker

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MRes Economics graduates*:

• Actuarial analyst
• Associate auditor
• Business consultant
• Compliance manager
• Corporate finance analyst
• Data operations lead
• Financial adviser
• Financial analyst
• Health economist
• Risk analyst

See more

Job prospects for MRes Economics graduates

£37k

Average professional salary

85%

In a skilled profession or further study

95%

Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £28,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)

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Economics (MRes) is a course in the Economics subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

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