Economics for Development MSc

<strong>The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.</strong><br/><br/>The MSc in Economics for Development will prepare you for further academic research or for work as a professional development economist in international agencies, governments or the private sector.<br/><br/>The course seeks to cultivate the analytical and critical skills relevant to economic development, in particular those needed to assess alternative approaches to policy. It provides the rigorous quantitative training that development work now requires, helping you develop the ability to access, process and interpret a variety of data. It aims to provide the research tools and approaches needed for those who wish to proceed to doctoral research in development economics.<br/><br/>Course structure<br/>You will take courses in economic theory (split between macroeconomics, microeconomics and international trade), quantitative methods (ie econometrics), and development economics. <br/><br/>A central component of the course is a dissertation written on a subject which you choose in consultation with your supervisor. More information on the structure of the course is available in the course handbook on the departmental website’s course page.<br/><br/>The course is taught through lectures and classes and, for the development modules, student presentations. The quantitative methods course also includes hands-on training in the use of specialist statistical software. Class sizes are small – usually between five and 30 students – encouraging active participation and enabling students to learn from each other.<br/><br/>During the course you will be required to complete a number of problem sets and write essays for individual supervisors (the tutorial system). This system is used to build critical and analytical skills and is particularly beneficial to students from a different background of instruction.<br/><br/>Around 65% - 75% of your time will be spent on lectures and guided study, with the remaining 25% - 35% devoted to self-directed work, much of which will be spent on your dissertation.<br/><br/>As a student on the course you will be able to attend a wide range of public seminars organised within both ODID and the Economics Department, in particular the seminars run by the Centre for the Study of African Economies. Beyond the immediate degree, Oxford offers a great variety of events, including seminars and lectures by distinguished academics and policy-makers in related fields.