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Economics (Diploma plus MSc) (2023 Entry)

Explore our Economics taught Diploma Master's degree.

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 4th in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2023) and 25th the World (The QS World University Subject Rankings 2022).


Course overview

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.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:i 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).


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

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

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Core modules

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 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

Teaching

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.


Class sizes

Diploma (Year One)

Lecture size will vary, especially for the optional modules, but also for core lectures. Some of the larger modules may have 200-450 students and weekly classes typically average around 15-20 students.

MSc (Year Two)

Core modules range from 50-175 students and classes have typically around 15 students.


Typical contact hours

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


Assessment

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

Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.


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.

Your career in Economics

Graduates from our Master’s courses have gone on to work for employers including:

  • Bank of America
  • Bank of China
  • China Merchants Bank
  • Citibank
  • Deloitte
  • EY
  • European Central Bank
  • Frontier Economics
  • HM Treasury
  • HSBC
  • IMF
  • KPMG
  • World Trade Organisation

They have pursued roles such as:

  • Economists
  • Analysts
  • Consultants
  • Researchers
  • Business and financial project management professionals
  • Chartered and certified accountants
  • Actuaries
  • Statisticians
  • Quality assurance and regulatory professionals

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Careers in Economics Webinar Series with speakers from our Economics Alumni community
  • Careers in Economics Event with key employers held annually in November
  • Investment Banking Uncovered
  • Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
  • Mock Assessment Centre workshops
  • Manage Your Digital Identity and Use LinkedIn Effectively

Economics at Warwick

We're an inclusive, diverse community committed to the highest quality research which informs our teaching on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Many of our experts are leaders in their field.

We hold regular live chats for prospective students and offer holders. Please see the live chat schedule for Economics.

Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

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Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

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Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

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