Economics at UEA
Find out more about studying Economics at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Economics and International Relations
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Is foreign policy a zero-sum game? Is globalisation helping or harming the world? Should we move towards a single global currency? These are just some of the complex issues you’ll explore on our MSc in Economics and International Relations.
This unique interdisciplinary programme equips you with the analytical tools and critical insight to understand—and influence—the economic and political forces shaping our world. As part of our Academic and Professional Programme, this rewarding MSc is designed for those who may not have previously studied economics but are eager to develop essential economic skills and apply them to real-world issues in international relations.
Our dynamic teaching approach includes lectures, workshops, student presentations, group activities, IT lab sessions, and guest lectures. You’ll study at both the School of Economics and the School of Politics, enjoying the combined expertise of both faculties. From day one, we’ll provide tailored support to help you succeed. This begins with an intensive pre-sessional programme covering topics such as calculus, statistical methods in the context of economics, and an introduction to STATA, the econometric software you’ll use throughout your studies. Over the course of the year, you’ll also receive training in the use of various online data sources, which will support your dissertation research.
You’ll explore international economics and international relations through an interdisciplinary lens, gaining a deeper understanding of global institutions, foreign policy, and the analytical tools of an economist. You’ll also study microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international relations theory, and international trade. From there, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies to suit your interests and career ambitions by choosing from a wide range of exciting optional modules. Your dissertation is then the capstone of your MSc—an opportunity to apply your skills to a research topic of your choice, under expert guidance. You may even choose to collaborate with external organisations, gaining valuable work-based experience.
Alongside world-class academic training, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant student experience here at UEA, in the historic city of Norwich. The School of Economics will support your career ambitions with employer visits, alumni networking, and tailored guidance to help boost your employability skills and confidence. Whether you’re aiming for a role in government, finance, or want to work for global institutions like the IMF and World Bank – or pursue a PhD – this course will help you to excel.
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Study and Modules
Structure
The MSc in Economics and International Relations is a 12-month course, commencing with the pre-sessional course in September.
You’ll receive rigorous training in the fundamentals of economics and international relations. You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your learning by selecting specialist modules that align with your interests and career goals.
To prepare for your dissertation, you'll attend a series of training lectures covering how to choose a topic, access data, conduct literature reviews, and analyse quantitative data. You’ll also benefit from additional lab-based dissertation training workshops.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
UEA’s School of Economics is a vibrant, friendly, research-focused community known for its excellence in teaching and innovation. We have an international reputation in many key areas, covering both theoretical and applied economics. Our principal research includes behavioural economics, competition economics, environmental policy, contests and corporate behaviour, finance and financial markets, and data science.
You’ll take taught modules, spread over two semesters. In a typical module, you'll have two hours of lectures and one hour of workshops (or lab sessions) per week. Your workshops and lab sessions are more interactive than lectures and provide you with an opportunity to raise questions arising from lectures.
In your econometrics modules, your workshops will take place in computer labs, where you'll learn how to conduct econometric analysis using the specialist econometric software package, STATA.
You’ll also develop strong independent study skills as you work on coursework assignments, prepare for seminars, and carry out wider reading. These skills become especially valuable when you begin your dissertation.
Assessment
Assessments will take various forms, including take-home assignments, seminar presentations, written tests, computer tests and your dissertation.
You’ll regularly complete formative assessment tasks, giving you the chance to practise without affecting your module marks. When your marked assessments are returned, you’ll receive constructive written feedback to help you improve.
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, you can receive help from our Student Support Service.
Employability
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc, you can pursue a variety of careers in finance, management, international business and political organisations.
Past graduates from the School of Economics have gone on to work for HM Treasury, the Home Office, Bank of England, Aviva, Barclays, M+A Partners, BDO, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Goldman Sachs, Grant Thornton, HSBC, JP Morgan, KPMG, Lloyds, PwC and Santander amongst others.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Business consultancy
- Banking
- Investment and financial risk analysis
- Government agencies
- Insurance
- International organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject acceptable.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject acceptable.- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £12,400
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International Students: £23,850
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.