Program Overview

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Program Overview

The MSc Economics, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programme provides advanced training for those looking to progress into careers as a professional economist in the financial and public sectors, regulation, research, and consulting - or as a pathway to PhD study.

Why Study Economics, AI and Data Science?

At the intersection of economics, artificial intelligence and data science lies the future of how we analyse markets, inform policy, and solve complex problems. This programme offers rigorous training in microeconomics and macroeconomics, alongside economics-focused data science and AI modules. It also delivers cutting-edge data science techniques through interdisciplinary collaboration with the School of Computer Science.

• Learn from top economists and computer scientists, gaining critical insights into economic theory, computational thinking, and real-world applications for competitive advantage.
• You'll master causal machine learning and economic analysis
• Develop the skills needed to understand research at the frontiers of the discipline
• Neural Computation Module: Master the fundamentals of neural computation and how it relates to automated learning in computing machines. You'll gain practical experience of designing and implementing a neural network for a real-world application.
• Data-Intensive AI Module: Learn how to collect, engineer, and deploy large datasets for training machine learning and artificial intelligence models. Through hands-on experience with tools and programming, you'll master the algorithms that power data-driven artificial intelligence while exploring critical issues of fairness, ethics, and responsible AI deployment across different data types.
• Machine Learning and Economics Module: This hands-on module equips you with the tools to analyse economic data, build causal models, and make informed decisions in complex environments.

Triple-Crown Accreditation

Birmingham Business School is one of a small number of schools worldwide to hold triple-crown accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

Course Delivery

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Our lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering world-leading expertise in Economics. The course is delivered through a mix of teaching and learning methods, including:

• Taught Modules – these include lectures, workshops, seminars and blended learning support.
• Assessments - these will include exams, group and individual projects and presentations, reports, essays and case studies.
• Dissertation Project - this provides students with the opportunity to read extensively and apply research skills to a chosen area related to economics

Module Information

The course comprises of 180 credits, taught through a series of 20 credit modules and a 60 credit Dissertation. You will study five core modules, one optional module and complete a dissertation.

Semester One

• Core Modules
  • Microeconomics | 20 | Semester 1
  • Data-intensive Artificial Intelligence | 20 | Semester 1
  • Neural Computation (Extended) | 20 | Semester 1

Semester Two

• Core Modules
  • Macroeconomics | 20 | Semester 2
  • Data Science, Machine Learning and Economics | 20 | Semester 2
• Choose to study one of the following optional modules in Semester two.
  • Optional Modules
    • Econometrics with unstructured data | 20 | Semester 2
    • Environmental Economics | 20 | Semester 2
    • Natural Resource Economics | 20 | Semester 2
    • Topics in Development Economics | 20 | Semester 2
    • Development Economics Policy | 20 | Semester 2
    • Experimental Economics | 20 | Semester 2
    • Behavioural Economics | 20 | Semester 2
    • Monetary Policy | 20 | Semester 2

Dissertation

As part of your degree, you will complete a dissertation which enables you to undertake in-depth research and study in an area of economics that interests you.

• Core Modules
  • Economics Dissertation | 60 | Full-term

Teaching Staff

Meet Your Programme Director

• Dr Ekaterina Kazak is an econometrician. Her main research interests lie at the intersection of machine learning and econometrics.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours degree or postgraduate diploma from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in a subject with a quantitative element, such as Economics, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Science or Commerce. Applicants must demonstrate a pass mark for at least one module in a programming language, such as Python, R, MATLAB, Julia, C, C++, C#, Fortran or Java.

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.

• £17,460 Full-time

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

• Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

• 28 August 2026 Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Economics, AI and Data Science are positioned at the forefront of a rapidly evolving job market where economic insight meets computational power. Your unique combination of skills opens doors across multiple sectors.

• Whether you're forecasting economic trends, designing algorithms for digital markets, evaluating the impacts of automation, or conducting cutting-edge research, this degree equips you with the versatility and technical edge that today's employers actively seek.

Careers Support for Business School Students

Throughout your studies and beyond, you'll have access to dedicated careers guidance designed for your success in the global marketplace. Our comprehensive service combines specialist business school expertise with university-wide resources, offering tailored workshops, networking events with alumni and leading employers, and personalised one-to-one consultations.

Related Courses

• Economics MSc
• Financial Economics MSc
• Money, Banking and Finance MSc

Student Experience

At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.

• Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.