Program Overview

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Economics (Econometrics and Big Data) MSc

The University of Surrey offers a Master's degree program in Economics with a focus on Econometrics and Big Data. This program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in economics, econometrics, and data analysis.

Awarding Body and Teaching Institute

The awarding body and teaching institute for this program is the University of Surrey.

Framework

The program is structured according to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) levels 6 and 7.

Final Award and Programme/Pathway Title

The final award for this program is a Master of Science (MSc) in Economics (Econometrics and Big Data).

Subsidiary Awards

Subsidiary awards for this program include:

• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Economics (Econometrics and Big Data)
• Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Economics (Econometrics and Big Data)

Professional Recognition

This program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Modes of Study

The program is available for full-time study, with 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits.

Faculty and Department/School

The program is offered by the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences, Department of Economics.

Programme Leader

The program leader is GARFAGNINI Umberto (Economics).

Date of Production/Revision of Specification

The program specification was produced/revisioned on 27/01/2026.

Educational Aims of the Programme

The educational aims of this program are to:

• Engage students with a transformative curriculum that promotes advanced knowledge and offers ample opportunity to develop skills and self-reflect
• Enhance student employability, resilience, and resourcefulness, global and cultural capabilities, sustainability awareness, and digital capabilities
• Develop an appreciation of economics as an intellectual discipline and its practical significance, with a focus on econometric techniques applied to big data
• Facilitate effective learning and communication within an open, scholarly environment
• Promote the capacity for independent study through the completion of an MSc dissertation in econometrics and big data
• Prepare students for a range of careers in advanced quantitative analysis and independent thought

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of core principles in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics with a focus on big data
• Show a systematic understanding of techniques used in contemporary economic research
• Establish a critical awareness of current and advanced problems and methodologies in economics and econometrics
• Evidence understanding of different methodologies and an ability to choose amongst these as required in different settings
• Combine relevant theory and analytical techniques with insightful data analysis to produce convincing explanations of economic phenomena
• Comprehend published economic research papers and integrate the implications of published research in own studies
• Demonstrate high-level problem-solving skills
• Select appropriate techniques to evaluate policy interventions
• Communicate the results of independent research in the form of a dissertation
• Display programming skills to be used in estimations of models with big data
• Exhibit interpersonal and generic skills, such as communication, literacy, numeracy, and IT

Programme Structure

The program is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester-based and worth 15 credits, with the exception of project, practice-based, and dissertation modules.

Modules

The program includes the following modules:

• ECOM027: Research Methods
• ECOM020: Microeconomics
• ECOM021: Macroeconomics
• ECOM042: Econometrics 1
• ECOM077: Advanced Quantitative Methods in Economics
• ECOM075: Machine Learning Methods and Big Data
• ECOM076: Applications of Econometrics to Big Data
• Optional modules:
  • MAT3051: Mathematics of Data Science
  • ECOM047: Advanced Macroeconomics
  • ECOM048: Advanced Microeconomics
  • MATM063: Principles of Data Science
  • ECOM043: Econometrics 2

Opportunities for Placements/Work-Related Learning/Collaborative Activity

There are no opportunities for placements, work-related learning, or collaborative activity in this program.

Quality Assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programs can be found in the university's quality assurance documents.