Economics Diploma plus MSc

Find out more about our Economics Diploma plus Master's degree at Warwick

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Diploma plus MSc

2 years full-time

29 September 2025

Economics

University of Warwick

Economics Diploma plus MSc is available for those converting from a first degree subject other than Economics. Train in the core components of modern economic analysis and appropriate quantitative methods within Warwick's Department of Economics, ranked 1st in the UK (The Good University Guide 2024)), 2nd in the UK for research excellence (based on the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021, published in Times Higher Education rankings) and 23rd the World (The QS World University Subject Rankings 2024).

Our Diploma is aimed at students without a background in economics, and will provide training in the core components of modern economic analysis and appropriate quantitative methods. You will acquire the ability to analyse economic problems, both empirically and theoretically, developing knowledge of economic trends, institutions and policy.

The Diploma plus MSc programme is available for those who plan to convert from a first degree subject other than Economics to a Master’s in Economics. Following a successful completion of the Diploma to a required standard you will then be eligible to progress onto our MSc programmes in Year Two.

Frequently Asked Questions

View a full list of frequently asked questions from the Department of Economics.Link opens in a new window

You will have a combination of lectures, and small group support and feedback classes.

Throughout the course, you will have many opportunities to apply the principles of economics to practical study. This means what you are learning is highly relevant to real-world issues. We encourage one-to-one interaction with our academics and offer great flexibility in the optional modules that allow you to specialise or diversify your studies.

Reading lists

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platformLink opens in a new window. 

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue. 

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.

Diploma (Year One)

Your lecture size will naturally vary, especially for the optional modules, but also for core lectures.

Some of the larger modules may have 200-600 students in them. You will then typically have weekly or fortnightly support and feedback classes with around 15-20 students.

MSc (Year Two)

Core modules range from 50-200 students and classes have typically around 15-20 students.

An average of 8-10 hours of lectures and 3 hours of classes per week.

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you, and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

For Diploma students, assessment is through formal examinations and coursework.

Feedback is a vital part of the assessment process, as it helps you to reach your full potential by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your work and the actions needed to develop your understanding and enhance your performance.

Feedback is provided in a variety of ways, including:

• Grades and comments on marked work
• Solutions to problem sets
• Verbal feedback from tutors and peers in Support and Feedback Classes
• Advice and Feedback hours with academic staff
• Personal tutor meetings

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). You must have a strong background in Mathematics and Statistics. This means you should have achieved a good standard in quantitative modules as part of your undergraduate degree, or have at least an A grade at A level Mathematics (or equivalent).

• Band A
• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules (Diploma)

Macroeconomics 2

On this module, you will learn to understand and apply the core theoretical models used in macroeconomics, for both closed and open economies, in order to enhance your comprehension of real-world macroeconomic experiences, especially involving macroeconomic policy. By the end of this module, you should be able to present clearly and methodically your understanding of a variety of common theoretical models and their inter-relationships, including through the use of equations and graphics. We will typically cover all major areas, including but not limited to, flexible pricing and sticky-price models; consumption and growth; wage-setting and unemployment; fiscal and monetary policy; international trade and exchange rate systems; and international financial markets.

Microeconomics 2

You will gain a solid understanding of intermediate and some advanced principles of microeconomics and be exposed to a range of applications of theory. You will spend time on the use of mathematical concepts in the field for analysis, and cover important principles of general equilibrium and social welfare, market failure, choice and uncertainty, and static and dynamic games of complete and incomplete information. By the end of this module, you will be able to analyse a range of microeconomic concepts, using a range of approaches, including graphical and mathematical techniques and apply your knowledge to policy issues and to the analysis of different sectors.

Econometrics 1

You'll be equipped with important skills of both academic and vocational value, being an essential part of the intellectual training of an economist and also useful for your future career. This includes an awareness of the empirical approach to economics; experience in analysis and use of empirical data; understanding the nature of uncertainty and methods of dealing with it; and using econometric software packages as tools of quantitative and statistical analysis.

Core modules (MSc)

Microeconomics A or Microeconomics B

Macroeconomics A or Macroeconomics B

These modules will develop your understanding of advanced economic analysis, with more applied versions (A) or more technical/theoretically orientated versions (B). As a guide, we expect students opting for the B versions of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics to have obtained the equivalent of a First Class mark (70%) in their undergraduate studies, though we will consider a request to take a B variant even if that prerequisite is not met.

Quantitative Methods: Econometrics A or Quantitative Methods: Econometrics B

Econometrics A covers fundamental econometrics research skills and Econometrics B will supplement the development of these key and fundamental professional skills by looking at more advanced topics.

Dissertation

You will have the opportunity to pose an interesting research question in economics, to find the correct methods for analysing the question, including development of theoretical models and/or analysis of data where appropriate, and to write up your results independently.

Optional modules

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules for the Diploma may include:

• Economics of Money and Banking
• Mathematical Economics 1A
• Econometrics 2: Time Series
• International Trade

Example optional modules for the MSc may include:

• Topics in Global Finance
• Health Economics
• Game Theory
• Topics in Applied Macroeconomics

Read more about the modules on our Economics web pages.Link opens in a new window

Page updates

We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.