Economics and Data Science MSc

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 months Full-time

About the course

There’s a growing demand for skilled thinkers able to utilise data science methods to tackle real-world economic challenges, reveal fresh insights into issues, and drive evidence-based policymaking.

Our MSc Economics and Data Science course offers you comprehensive training in the practical applications of real-life data using a variety of statistical software such as R, Python, Excel and others.

You’ll also learn essential theories and methodologies, allowing you to turn complex data into actionable economic insights, through practical applications of data science in analysing real-world economic problems.

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

You’ll graduate prepared for a rewarding career as an economic data analyst in prestigious institutions such as government agencies, central banks, or the private sector.

Seamlessly transition from master's to PhD study through a fully-funded 1+3 pathway with our prestigious ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).

See the full course profile on our website >

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

(Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025)

Become part of an internationally recognised academic community which boasts four Nobel Prize winners in its history. Our latest, Simon Johnson, received his award in 2024 for his groundbreaking research into understanding wealth disparities between different nations

Graduate from one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top employers

(High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2025)

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 2024/25 and are subject to change.

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

Where will your course take you?

Across fields data science has emerged as a game-changer, leading to a heightened interest in harnessing the potential of data-driven approaches in economics, econometrics, and finance.

Our courses prepare you to contribute towards data analysis in both the public sector, such as government and central banks, and in the private sector through PhD research in Economics, or a similar subject, at Manchester or another leading institution.

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

Econometrics Professor

“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."