Program Overview

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MSc in Economics for Development

The MSc in Economics for Development is a full-time course that prepares students for further academic research or for work as a professional development economist in international agencies, governments, or the private sector.

About the Course

The course seeks to cultivate the analytical and critical skills relevant to economic development, in particular those needed to assess alternative approaches to policy. It provides rigorous quantitative training, helping students develop the ability to access, process, and interpret a variety of data. The course aims to provide the research tools and approaches needed for those who wish to proceed to doctoral research in development economics.

Course Structure

The course structure includes:

• Economic theory (macroeconomics, microeconomics, and international trade)
• Quantitative methods (econometrics)
• Development economics
• A dissertation written on a subject chosen in consultation with the supervisor

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Oxford Department of International Development, in conjunction with the Department of Economics. Students will be allocated a general supervisor who will support their academic development and with whom they will meet regularly throughout the course.

Assessment

The degree is formally assessed through examination at the end of the final term, which normally comprises four written papers:

• Microeconomic theory
• Macroeconomic theory and international trade
• Quantitative methods
• Development economics The dissertation will be submitted before the examinations, and the final mark will be aggregated from the results of the examinations and the dissertation.

Graduate Destinations

Approximately one third of MSc graduates proceed to doctoral research in economics, either immediately or after work experience in the field. Significant numbers of MSc graduates proceed to work in major international financial institutions, governments, or the private sector.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for the course, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve:

• A first-class or a very strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in economics
• At least two years of full-time study at university level of economics courses
• Some mathematical and quantitative ability is essential for this course
• English language proficiency at the University's higher level

Funding

The collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Costs

• Annual course fees: Ł32,020 (Home) and Ł40,710 (Overseas)
• Living costs for full-time study: between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 per month
• Additional costs, such as accommodation and living expenses during the pre-sessional Maths course, and potential research costs for the dissertation

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Economics for Development:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Corpus Christi College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Merton College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Application

The application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. Applicants should not upload a separate document. The application will be assessed against the entry requirements, and whether or not the applicant has secured funding will be taken into consideration.

Deadlines

The latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships and the final application deadline for entry is 12:00 midday UK time on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.