Development Economics MSc

Gain a rigorous training in economics and a thorough understanding of a wide range of economic theories, concepts, and methods of analysis. Become a policy-oriented development economist in government, international development organisations, consultancies or prepare for PhD study.

On this course, you will benefit from our applied approach to teaching and research. You will engage in current debates, work with real data, and begin to appreciate the nuances around economic problems and policies. There’s a particular focus on circumstances where markets are not well developed, institutions are weak or contested, or where high-quality data is scarce.

You will learn to:

• design and evaluate policy
• frame complex development challenges
• communicate economic and technical analysis to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• understand ethical standards and behaviours in research, analysis, and policy
• work effectively in diverse teams as well as in leadership roles.

As well as gaining a solid grounding in micro- and macroeconomic theory, you’ll learn to analyse contemporary theory, debates, and evidence on a wide range of development issues.

Careers

Your MSc will develop your technical skills in:

• independent thinking and problem solving
• teamwork
• communication
• leadership.

You will be well prepared for careers in:

• international organisations (for example, World Bank, OECD, IMF, IADB, ADB, UN)
• UK Government (for example, HM Treasury)
• governments abroad
• the financial sector
• consultancies (for example, Oxford Policy Management)
• academia (both UK and abroad).

You will join a diverse and intellectually stimulating academic community. Our aim is to provide a friendly environment where you can develop academically and personally.

Graduate destinations

Recent University of Sussex Business School graduates from our Economics courses have gone on to jobs including:

• economic adviser, UK Government Economics Service, Department for International Development
• technical co-ordinator, Social Security and Intergenerational Taxation, United Nations
• research analyst, MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) World Bank Group.

Degree requirements: You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Subject-specific requirements: Your qualification should be in economics and include intermediate-level microeconomics and macroeconomics. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.