Economics and Data Science MSc

Year of entry: 2025

Course length: 12 months Full-time

About the course

This innovative program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who can utilise data science methods to gain fresh insights into economic issues and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

With the emergence of data science as a game-changer in various fields, there is a heightened interest from both the public and private sectors in harnessing the potential of data-driven approaches in economics, econometrics, and finance.

This program offers comprehensive training that covers essential theories, methodologies, and practical applications of data science in analysing real-world economic problems. By enrolling in this program, you will be prepared for a rewarding career as an economic data analyst in prestigious institutions such as government agencies, central banks, or the private sector.

The University of Manchester has a long-standing reputation as a leading centre for economics education and research, with a notable track record that includes three Nobel Prize winners in economics. As a student, you will benefit from exceptional postgraduate training and supervision in core and specialist areas of economics.

See the full course profile on our website >

Join one of the UK's Top 10 universities for Economics & Econometrics

(Times Higher Education Rankings 2024)

Be part of an internationally-recognised academic community which boasts three Nobel Prize winners in its history

Our graduates are among the most targeted by top UK employers

(High Fliers 2024)

Compulsory Units

Macroeconomic Theory
Microeconomic Theory
Econometric Methods
Data Science and Machine Learning
Programming and Other Skills for Data Scientists
Dissertation for MSc Economics and Data Science

Optional Units

Microeconometrics
Financial Econometrics
Applied Macroeconometrics
Labour Economics
Economics of Environmental Policy

These are examples of units offered in 2023/24 and are subject to change.

See the full list of units and find out more on the full course profile >

Where will your degree take you?

The growing awareness of the gains from analysing big data has led to increasing demand from employers for recruits with data science skills. This programme is designed to prepare you for employment as an economic data analyst in government, central banks, the private sector and for PhD research.

Most of our recent Economics graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations in finance and banking, local and national government, consulting, accountancy, and at top universities, with job titles such as Economist, Analyst, Consultant, Accountant, Manager, and Researcher.

Prof Karim Chalak

Professor of Econometrics, The University of Manchester

“I think that the skills that MSc Economics and Data Science offers help train students to make data-driven decisions to answer a variety of questions, ranging from how to make useful forecasts to how to design and evaluate policies. So I think these skills will prove useful for graduates once they join the labour force.

We are looking for students who are motivated, ambitious, collegial, and who are eager to hone their skills in economics and data science as they embark on a career or pursue further studies."