Introduction
Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
The programme offers training in the understanding and critical evaluation of economic policy issues, design and solutions, their foundation in the evolution of economic theory and methods, as well as critical discussion of the application of policy design to real-world problems without requiring a first degree in Economics for enrolment. It offers distinct core modules that enable students to engage with debates in Economic theory and policy in advanced as well as developing regions. It also provides a programme structure that develops qualitative and quantitative research capabilities.
Who is this programme for?
Anyone with a strong interest and need in gaining a thorough academic foundation in, and understanding of, current developments in the area of economics and economic policies. Such professionals (whether working in the public, private or NGO sectors of society) place a high value on obtaining degrees based in economics departments and require a programme designed to take them up a steep learning curve that also remains oriented towards their primary focus on understanding current issues in economic policy.
This programme can be attractive to graduate students from other disciplinary backgrounds wishing to further their understanding of economic policy issues and debates through systematic academic study.
Why is the SOAS MA Economic Policy unique?
Masters degree in Economics open to those WITHOUT a first degree in Economics. Replaces the need to take an additional Economics bridging degree, such as a Graduate Diploma in Economics.
A combination of economic theory and global policy application taught in small classes (one of the best student-staff ratios in the UK – 11.3:1).
Develop and apply quantitative and qualitative research skills through a variety of inclusive teaching and learning methods, from team-based assessments to Pecha-Kucha presentations. See some recent work we have been doing around inclusive assessment at Advance HE.
First-class teaching in the heart of London with access to events and libraries across the University of London (see our latest Economics departments events).
#33 in the World - THE University Impact Rankings 2019: Decent work and economic growth*.
Opportunity to plan and undertake your own research project in economics or the economic policy under close supervision from SOAS academics.
Join a close-knit SOAS Economics community with strong links with our alumni, across economics policy, research and private sectors internationally, from Accenture in Abuja to the OECD in Paris. Through targeted alumni networking and careers events we will help you to plan your next career move, whether in the UK or internationally.
*Measures universities’ economics research, their employment practices and the share of students taking work placements.
Structure
Masters programmes (with the exception of two-year full-time MAs) consist of 180 credits, made up of taught modules of 30 or 15 credits, taught over 10 or 20 weeks, and a dissertation of 60 credits. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.
As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study (see Approaches to teaching and learning at SOAS) such as reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. Also included is class time, for example, lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects may have more class time than others – a typical example of this are language acquisition modules.
At SOAS, most postgraduate modules have a one-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar every week, but this does vary.
Dissertation
Research Project in Economic Policy
Taught Component
Core Modules
All students will take the following five core modules:
Debates in Economic Theory
Global Economic Policy Analysis
Introductory Statistics
Statistical Research Techniques
Research Methods
and
All students will take modules to the value of 45 credits from the list of options below:
List of Modules (subject to availability)
Module availability in any given academic year will be communicated via the website.
Economic development of Africa: macroeconomic approaches
Political Economy of Development and Change in the Middle East
Political Economy of Development and Change in South Asia
Economic Development in the Asia Pacific region
China's Economic Transformation
China and World Development
Gender Economics (PG)
Green Finance
Political Economy of Institutions
Economic development of Africa (PG)
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session.
Admissions and Applications
You can apply for this course via the online application form.
We aim to assess a complete application and provide a decision within a 5-week time frame. Overseas students who require a Tier 4 visa and wish to join SOAS should bear in mind visa applications can take several weeks, so you should apply as soon as possible.
Consideration of Application
The whole application, including transcript and references, is considered before a decision is reached. You are therefore advised to submit a complete application including references and transcript (where required). An incomplete application will add considerable delays to the decision-making process.
Students will receive an acknowledgement of their application. Each application is carefully considered and although we try and respond as quickly as possible, we do ask that students should expect to receive a response within five weeks of receipt.
Candidates who are available in the United Kingdom may be called for an interview. The absence of academic members of staff (or instance on study leave) may affect the timing of decisions.
Entry Requirements
Minimum upper second class (2.1) or above honours degree (or equivalent).
English Language Entry Requirements
You must be able to show that your English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete your course at SOAS. Please note that we take our English language requirements seriously and failure to meet them exactly may well result in your application to SOAS being rejected. It is not possible to negotiate if your scores are below our required levels, with the expectation that because they are 'close enough' they will be accepted. It is important that you plan appropriately, well in advance, so that your English language test comes in good time and so that you have time to retake the test if necessary. We do not accept reasons of inconvenience or financial hardship for not submitting or retaking an English test.
Minimum upper second class (2.1) or above honours degree (or equivalent)
International students
For EU and International students who need a visa, if unconditional entry scores are achieved we accept qualifications from several countries, as well as a range of international qualifications and tests.
If a Tier 4 entry visa is required then a SELT, such as UKVI IELTS may be needed. For this reason, we recommend all Tier 4 visa students to choose the UKVI IELTS Academic test as the test of first resort.
