Economics and Data Science (MSc) (2025 Entry)

A group of economic students at the Universirty of Warwick

Course code

P-L1I1

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

1 year full-time

Qualification

MSc

Led by

Economics

Location

University of Warwick

Course code

P-L1I1

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

1 year full-time

Qualification

MSc

Led by

Economics

Location

University of Warwick

Meet us

Download our prospectus Link opens in a new window

Apply now

Find out more about our Economics and Data Science Master's degree at Warwick

This highly quantitative one-year MSc course equips you with the skills to analyse and interpret complex economic phenomena in today’s data-driven, dynamic global economy. The availability of big data and the use of algorithms in decision-making, whether in the private or public sector, has made it essential to have the ability to parse through large datasets, provide data-driven solutions and critically analyse their results.

The programme offers intensive training in state-of-the-art data science methods as well as economics and econometrics. This unique combination provides students with the tools to navigate the data economy through hands-on experience with analytical tools, machine learning techniques, and computational methods. You will gain expertise in critical analysis, data-driven problem-solving, and tackling technical challenges.

The MSc offers a combination of strong core studies, specialist options and the opportunity to conduct academic research under the guidance of world-leading experts. Warwick's Department of Economics, ranked 1st in the UK (The Good University Guide 2025) and 23rd in the World (The QS World University Subject Rankings 2024), provides professional training in modern economics.

Graduates will be well-prepared to meet the rigorous standards of top national and international institutions and to excel in high-level PhD programs, to join leading public policy research institutions, or enter the private sectors where such skills are highly in-demand.

Applications for the MSc Economics and Data Science are open now. For specific questions about this course, please get in touch with us: economics.pgoffice@warwick.ac.uk

Course overview

Our MSc in Economics is particularly well-suited for students in Economics who wish to specialise or gain additional skills in Data Science and Machine Learning and how such skills may be applied within Economics, Public Policy, Industry and related sectors. The course links economic theory and empirical economics with the fast-developing field of Data Science. You will acquire knowledge and skills in statistical (machine) learning, and use these in your study of applications in macroeconomic and microeconomic theory, econometrics and big data.  An 8,000-word dissertation provides an opportunity to explore your own interests across these fields of study. 

You will be automatically enrolled on a pre-sessional Mathematics and Statistics programme to equip you with the relevant methodological skills you need to succeed. 

By the end of the course, you will be experienced in working with large amounts of data to generate new findings and insights relevant to problems in economics. You will also be proficient in standard coding languages, like R and Python, to work on those problems.

Skills from this degree

Rigorous advanced training in economic analysis and techniques, which includes opportunities to contribute to current economic research and debates
Data science techniques and methods pertaining to applications in Economics
Training in the acquisition, management and processing of large volumes of data with applications in Economics
Analytical approach to thinking about national and international economic problems, policies and decision-making
Research skills; use of library and internet as information sources; locating, extracting, analysing, and presenting material
Numeracy and quantitative skills; use of mathematics and diagrams, understanding data, statistical analysis
IT skills; coding; word processing and spreadsheets; specialist econometric or statistical software; internet applications
Written and oral communication skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) specialising mainly in economics. This means you should have achieved a good standard in undergraduate courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, with a First (or equivalent) in econometrics/economic statistics, at an intermediate level. 

We also expect a good standard achieved in mathematics taken at undergraduate level.

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.

Modules

Core modules

The following basic structure applies to MSc Economics and Data Science:

Economics Analysis A or Economics Analysis B 

Economic Analysis will develop your understanding of the theoretical foundations of macroeconomic analysis, and how models can be used in policymaking and to help explain empirical evidence. Then you will learn microeconomic concepts in the areas of game theory, information economics and choice under uncertainty. You can choose Economic Analysis A, which is a more applied version, or Economic Analysis B, which is more technical and theoretically orientated. As a guide, we expect students opting for the B version 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 B

The module provides students with a thorough understanding of material needed for empirical quantitative analysis, particularly applied econometrics. You will understand how to produce high quality empirical econometric analysis using cross-sectional, time-series, and panel data, and also learn to interpret critically empirical results.

Foundations of Data Science 

Analyses in all fields of economics nowadays make frequent use of large and detailed datasets ("big data"). The explosion in data access and availability opens many opportunities for applied research, as well as new challenges on how to handle, process, and extract meaningful conclusions from the data. The aim of the module is to introduce students to the R and Python programming languages and basic concepts of data science, and to provide a "hands-on" experience with economic data. The module lays the foundation for more advanced materials.

Machine Learning and Big Data in Economics

This module covers recent developments in statistical methods tailored to handle very large datasets. These include machine learning techniques, supervised and unsupervised learning methods, such as those used broadly in academia and industry. Students will learn about the properties of those methods, how to critically apply them to different economic applications, and obtain hands-on experience in implementing them with existing datasets.

Dissertation

You will have the opportunity to pose an interesting research question in economics and data science, 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:

You will choose two optional modules to complete.

Teaching and learning

Teaching

You will have a combination of lectures, and small group support and feedback classes. You will also learn through independent study, which will include reading journals and books, completing problem sets and assessments, revising for exams and undertaking research.

In the summer term and summer vacation your independent study time will increase as you complete your research dissertation. Your dissertation work will normally be individually supervised on a one-to-one basis and we have an effective personal tutor system providing individual support.

We encourage one-to-one interaction with our world-leading academics and offer great flexibility in the optional modules that allow you to specialise or diversify your studies.

Class sizes

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

Some of the larger modules may have 50-200 students in them. You will then typically have weekly support and feedback classes with around 15-20 students. 

Typical contact hours

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.

Pre-Sessional Mathematics and Statistics

The MSc Economics is a quantitative degree and students will need to be competent in several areas of mathematics. You are required to attend a pre-sessional course, Introductory Mathematics and Statistics, which will be taught in the two weeks before the University's main term begins.

The course is designed to ensure that your maths and statistical knowledge and skills are at the standard required for you to succeed on the rest of the MSc course and it consists of both lectures and a small learning group. Further information can be found on our Economics webpageLink opens in a new window.

Assessment

For MSc students, assessment is through formal examinations, coursework and an individually supervised research dissertation.

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 classes, Advice and Feedback hours with academic staff and personal tutor meetings.

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.

Careers

Your career in Economics

Employers that have hired our Economics graduates in the past have indicated that they are particularly interested in students with knowledge and skills in data science in addition to 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 Fair 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

About the Department

Economics at Warwick

We are committed to rigorous training of the next generation of economists in the tools and techniques of the discipline, producing cutting-edge research that has a wide and deep impact on society and the economy, and creating strong collaborations. Our work has established Warwick Economics as one of the leading centres of economic research internationally.

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

Visit the Economics website to find out more

Our Postgraduate courses

Academic Resources Portal

The Department of Economics have put together a portal of academic resources recommended by faculty members for anyone who may be considering studying economics at postgraduate level.

Economics Academic Resources Portal

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.

Find your taught course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

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

Scholarships and funding

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.

Economics Scholarships

There are a number of scholarships available for students looking to undertake study in a Taught Masters in Economics at the University of Warwick. Below are the scholarships relevant for students looking to study within the Department of Economics.

Economics Excellence Scholarship

The Department of Economics will award one Master’s scholarship (of 100% of tuition fees) to an outstanding applicant who has firmly accepted their offer by the 19 May 2025 on one of our one-year taught MSc courses.

Economics Regional Scholarship

The Department of Economics will award two Master’s scholarships (of 50% of tuition fees) to students who are nationals of, and domiciled in any country located in Africa or South America, who have firmly accepted their offer by the 19 May 2025, on one of our one-year taught MSc courses.

Alumni Discount Scheme

If you are a Graduate of the University of Warwick and are of home or overseas fee status, you will be able to access a 10% tuition fee discount on this course.

Warwick Taught Master's Scholarship

The University of Warwick offers a number of Warwick Taught Masters Scholarships, which are available to eligible Home/EU students from under-represented groups who wish to start a postgraduate taught master's course.

How to apply

Applications to our Economics Master’s programmes typically open in October and close in June.

Find out more about our application deadlines including when we will make offers.Link opens in a new window

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Meet us

Explore ways to connect with us

We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:

Warwick hosted events
Postgraduate Fairs
Live chats
Talk and Tours
Department events

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

See 2024 entry »

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

8th in the UK

in the Guardian University Guide 2025

6th Most Targeted University

by the UK's top 100 graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd)

69th in the World

out of 1,500 institutions across 104 locations (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Page updates

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

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2025 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

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Economics and Data Science (MSc) (2025 Entry)

Find out more about our Economics and Data Science Master's degree at Warwick

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Why Warwick

Why Warwick

Why Warwick

Why Warwick

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6th Most Targeted University

69th in the World

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