Economics MA
Economics - MA
Develop advanced economic expertise, a deep understanding of wider economic issues, and the ability to apply advanced economic models. Strengthen the decision-making skills vital for shaping policy and driving meaningful change. Our Economics MA focuses on practical applications of economic models, and policy analysis. You will learn through a variety of research methods and practical experience, preparing you for careers as a policy analyst, economic consultant, or researcher.
Month of entry
- September, January
Mode of study
- Full time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- UK - Full time £11,700 per year.
International - £18,200 per year.
Fees
Duration of study
- Full time: 1 year l 'With placement': +6–12 months
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
This programme is available with a Placement - an opportunity to complete a 6-12 month placement after the taught element of the course. Apply for the 'with Placement' option below.
Why study Economics at Keele University?
About the course
Our Economics MA is designed to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to succeed in a range of careers. You'll develop comprehensive knowledge of advanced economic concepts, the expertise to make complex economic decisions, and a socially responsible mindset grounded in ethical and sustainable practices.
You'll explore advanced micro and macroeconomic theory, from decision-making, fiscal sustainability and monetary policy to examining the impact of new challenges such as AI and financial innovation. There’s an emphasis on how societies around the world are changing their economic systems, social frameworks, and technologies to adapt to global challenges such as energy security and climate migration.
Public sector economics and policy making are studied, tackling real-world challenges such as spending on key areas including health, welfare and education. You’ll also build practical skills in key tools such as cost benefit analysis and social choice theory to support effective evidence-based policy decisions.
Central to this programme is a strong focus on advancing your professional development and providing practical industry engagement opportunities, strategically enhancing your employability. You’ll connect with experienced professionals, gain insights into the latest trends in your chosen field and have the opportunity to work directly with an organisation to develop solutions for a current business issue, gaining valuable real-world skills.
Our programme provides the flexibility to align your studies to your career aspirations through a core Professional Project. You can choose to undertake a research project, consultancy project, or a strategic business proposal.
Sustainability, ethics and responsible business practices are embedded throughout and by completing Keele Business School’s Sustainability Passport you’ll demonstrate your ability to incorporate sustainability practices in a professional context.
Located in an innovation park that fosters collaboration between academia and industry, Keele’s campus offers a supportive learning environment designed to prepare you to excel in the dynamic world of global business.
Related courses
Postgraduate Study with Keele Business School
Course structure
If you choose the 'with Placement' route, you will complete a 6-12 month placement module after the taught element of your programme.
What you will study
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Advanced Economic Models and Applications (30 credits)
This module will provide you with an excellent grounding into theories and models of micro and macroeconomics and their respective applications at postgraduate level. Microeconomic topics will include modern extensions of decision-making by individuals and firms, efficiency and choice under uncertainty. In macroeconomics you will see challenges such as debt management and fiscal sustainability, monetary policy and determinants of long-term sustainable growth. Macroeconomic implications of new challenges such as AI, climate change or credit and financial engineering are also addressed. The module focuses on empirical and policy applications of the topics discussed.
Public Economics and Public Policy (15 credits)
The Module develops advanced knowledge and understanding of the economics of the public sector and public policy. The relative merits of provision of goods and services by the private or public sector is a fundamental question underlying much intellectual and public discourse, and this Module will get to the core of the debates. The approach is analytical and applied, emphasising policy and real-world challenges. Alongside the key theoretical concepts and established theory, particular areas of interest such as the economics of government expenditure in areas such as welfare, technology and education will be emphasised. Policy tools such as social cost-benefit analysis and mechanisms of social choice are explored.
Climate Crisis, Energy and World Economy (30 credits)
In this module you will study the measures taken for the transformation of existing socio-economic and technical structures in countries around the world to drive economies towards sustainable transition pathways. The current global climate emergency highlights the interconnections of those structures, which emphasises the relevance of addressing topics such as the links between water, energy, food and ecosystem services, the trade-offs between energy security, affordability and sustainability, climate migration, fiscal incentives for renewable energy or the access to green financial products by developing countries. You will gain knowledge in all those areas, in such a way that enhances your awareness of and capacity to develop practical policy applications of the topics covered.
Business Consultancy Project (15 credits)
In the Business Consultancy Project, you will develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience by working on a real organisational challenge to create effective solutions. This module teaches you how to engage with businesses, frame complex issues, and apply creativity and innovation. It strengthens core skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving—essential for your professional development. Additionally, it complements other areas of the programme by enhancing your ability to apply consultancy skills in diverse contexts. The skills gained in this module will be valuable for all students, including those who take the Placement option.
Professional Development and Industry Insights (15 credits)
This module helps you explore the profession and industry you want to work in, including its structure, recruitment practices, and key trends. You will assess your own skills and experiences, identifying how you align with the industry’s needs and expectations. Through active learning, reflective activities, and guest speaker insights, you will develop practical knowledge and career planning skills
Research Methods (15 credits)
The research methods module will develop your analytical and research skills to develop competencies for future work based research and consultancy work. The module provides the essential guidance in conducting the research and problem solving activities that you will undertake as part of your summative dissertation/work based project/work placement or entrepreneurship project. The module includes how to scope a research or problem solving project, exploring underlying assumptions, designing an appropriate methodological approach and examining the ethical concerns of any research or problem solving project. The module will enable you to examine and apply appropriate paradigms for your sector and context, develop knowledge of the various research styles available to researchers, and explore epistemological rationales and ethical implications. In so doing you will develop an understanding of the potential strengths and weaknesses of each research style so as to enable the critical selection and use of the most appropriate research style, in the light of your chosen dissertation/work based project/work placement or entrepreneurship project.
Professional Project (45 credits)
In the Professional Project, you will undertake an independent piece of work that builds on academic and practical skills developed throughout the programme. You can choose from three routes: a research project, a consultancy project, or a strategic business proposal, aligned to your career aspirations. We will support you in preparing for your chosen path with essential research or consultancy skills. The module culminates in a detailed write-up and reflective analysis, showcasing your expertise and professional growth.
Optional modules
Sustainability Measuring and Reporting (15 credits)
The purpose of this module is to familiarise students with the indicators used to measure progress towards more sustainable behaviour. This includes on one hand, targets related to environmental, social and economic aspects of government policies, linked to their own domestic agenda or to the compliance with international commitments to tackle climate change. On the other hand, it enables students understanding of how climate risks can affect businesses performance and reputation, and the instruments that can be used to address said risks. Designed with an applied approach, students will be able to master the practice of reporting about the economic, social and environmental impacts of businesses activities in a manner that can be understandable to a variety of stakeholders, including potential investors, but also compliant with the latest regulations and standards.
Business Technology and AI (15 credits)
In this module, you will explore how emerging technologies—such as enterprise systems, automation, and AI—transform business operations and strategy. You will learn to design data workflows, analyse digital systems, and evaluate their ethical and societal impacts. Through case studies, group activities, and interactive discussions, you will develop skills in systems thinking, strategic communication, and critical analysis. You will also practise articulating the value of digital transformation to business stakeholders. This module prepares you to lead and support innovation in areas such as supply chains, analytics, and sustainable enterprise. It builds your ability to engage with the technological challenges and opportunities shaping contemporary business environments.
PRME Champions
Keele Business School is proud to have been selected for the 2026-2027 cohort of PRME Champions - a global collective of business and management schools who are dedicated to raising the bar for sustainable business education. Learn more about the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champions Programme: PRME Champions | UNPRME
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pre-Master's in Business
The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Business programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate business degree at Keele University.
Please visit the Keele University International College for more information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
2026/27 academic year
For start dates between September 2026 and July 2027.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £11,700 |
| International - full time | £18,200 |
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £12,200 |
| International - full time | £18,900 |
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Placements: The placement year fee for students on a 'with Placement' programme will be £1,955 for 2026/27 entrants and £2,010 for 2027/28 entrants.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage to find out more about our scholarships, including:
- Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
- Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
Optional costs
There may be optional costs that students can choose to incur to enhance their learning experience. These are not required to complete the course. Details of these optional costs are outlined below to help you plan accordingly.
Students may also incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
- Travel/subsistence for client visits or business engagement you choose to undertake
- Discretionary project expenses (e.g. travel for interviews, data purchase)
- Optional UK/international study visits (including travel, accommodation, insurance)
- Optional professional memberships/certifications, competitions, conferences, printing, and any premium software or equipment you elect to use are also at your own cost.
Funding or subsidies may occasionally be offered but are not guaranteed and may change vary from year to year. The School may amend or withdraw optional activities if needed necessary.
Your career
Studying on this programme will give you an outstanding training in economics providing you with an exceptional combination of transferable skills and economic knowledge you can take forward into a successful career in the field. You’ll be well placed to pursue careers in public and private sectors finance, banking, local authorities, international institutions and NGOs upon successful completion, securing roles such as research consultants, policy analysts, economic development officers, data analysts or economic policy advisors. You could also progress to undertake further postgraduate studies at PhD level.
Placements
Giving you an opportunity to undertake a 6-12 month industry placement after the taught element of the course
This practical experience enhances employability, strengthens transferable skills, and demonstrates professional capability in the competitive jobs market. To apply for this programme with a Postgraduate Placement, start your application.
Whilst placements are competitive and therefore not guaranteed, our dedicated Placements and Projects Team will support you in finding a suitable opportunity, and will provide guidance throughout the process. We strongly encourage students to actively engage with these services as soon as possible to maximise the chances of securing a placement.
To apply for this programme with a Postgraduate Placement, use the Apply Now button above.
For eligibility criteria, information on transferring onto the Postgraduate Placement route, fees and additional costs, visa information and support available, please see our dedicated Postgraduate Placements web page.
For key information about the programme, including the structure of modules, assessment methods and awards, please see the relevant programme specifications.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
Teaching on our Economics MA combines interactive and applied learning methods to create a dynamic and engaging experience. You’ll benefit from interactive, in person lectures, small group tutorials, and web-based learning via the Keele Learning Environment (KLE). Independent study is encouraged, allowing you to explore your interests in greater depth, while reflective practice helps you evaluate and enhance your learning journey. Communication and teamwork skills are developed through peer-assisted learning and collaborative projects. Additionally, you’ll engage with real-world scenarios through live policy and business challenges, simulations and guest lectures, gaining valuable insights directly from industry professionals.
Assessment
You will be assessed using a wide variety of methods which reflect the breadth of the knowledge and skills you will have developed on the programme, including assignments, group assessments, literature reviews, portfolios, reports, and research paper proposals and summaries.
Co-located with businesses
As a Keele Business School student, you will study alongside innovative companies that are based in the Business School building, a hub for fostering networks and linking with industry.
Keele Business School is located at the heart of the Keele University Science & Innovation Park, one of the leading developments of its kind in the UK. The Park offers companies a business environment that provides an innovative research culture, combined with academic expertise and the University’s specialist resources, with a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, from internships, knowledge exchange partnerships, and student enterprise initiatives.
Our expertise
You will be taught by academics who are experts in economics and who have specialist qualifications in economics or closed related areas. They have extensive teaching, research and work experience in their field and teaching on this programme is informed by research with academics regularly presenting and publishing academic papers at conferences and economic and financial journals.
Teaching Team:
- Dr Rosa Fernandez Martin
- Dr Rumman Khan
- Dr Shiva Sikdar
- Professor Paul Sissons
- Dr Dimitrios Syrrakos
- Dr Christopher Tsoukis
Academic facilities
Launched in 2026, Keele Business School’s Postgraduate Hub at Home Farm provides a professional environment designed to enhance postgraduate success and employability. With modern teaching rooms, dedicated study areas and an MBA Business Suite, the hub supports advanced learning, collaboration and career development.
As a central base for the postgraduate community in Keele Business School, it strengthens links with local businesses, creating opportunities for real-world projects, professional engagement and progression into employment.