Everything you need to know...
-
What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
International/EU: £18,600 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
-
Where will I study?
-
When do I start?
September 2026
Course summary
- Develop your skills in data-driven analysis, economic modelling and decision-making.
- Build advanced analytical capability using industry standard statistical software and economic methods.
- Work on live business challenges that reflect today’s complex global economy.
- Learn to innovate in global corporations, high-growth start-ups or your own venture.
- Gain transferable data, policy and software skills.
Study an MSc Applied Economics course that’s focused on ethical practice, sustainability and real-world application – learning how to shape the economic decisions that influence business performance, public policy and everyday life. You’ll graduate with the analytical, technical and professional skills to drive innovation in research, policy and business environments.
How you learn
We’ve collaborated with industry specialists to design an MSc Applied Economics course that gives you the global skills employers value. You’ll learn from industry experts and research-active academics, developing your leadership and communication skills in our purpose-built facilities, including the business lounge and trading floor.
Our teaching is grounded in contemporary academic research and the real-world challenges facing governments, businesses and financial institutions. You’ll explore applied macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometric methods and policy evaluation, developing your confidence in data analysis, economic modelling and evidence-based decision-making.
Through guest lectures you’ll hear from organisations such as HSBC and the Bank of England, giving you direct insight into applied economic practice. You’ll also develop advanced technical skills – using Stata for econometric analysis and data management, and MATLAB for macroeconomic modelling and simulation.
You learn through:
- lectures
- interactive seminars
- workshops
- live projects
- guest lectures
- digitally enabled learning and simulations
- group and individual presentations
- specialist software training
- small group and individual dissertation supervision
Follow our Sheffield Business School Instagram to see real student life, course experiences, events and what it’s like to study here.
What you'll study on our MSc Applied Economics
This course focuses on applying economic theory to real-world challenges. You’ll explore topics including sustainable development, macroeconomic modelling, political and institutional economics, financial volatility, digital currencies, ESG considerations, climate change, income inequality and energy markets.
Within applied macroeconomics you’ll examine policy interactions and contemporary issues such as climate change and digital currencies. Through applied microeconomics you’ll explore market behaviour, competition and strategic decision-making. You’ll also experience hands-on training in econometric methods and applications – including empirical research, modelling and statistical analysis using Stata.
A major feature of the MSc Applied Economics course is your dissertation, where you’ll independently research an applied economics topic aligned to your academic interests and career goals. Other assessment methods include assignments, policy briefs, empirical projects, presentations and phase tests, giving you plenty of ways to demonstrate your learning.
Course support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- student support advisers for personal, academic and career development
- access to the Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources
- academic support from research-active staff and industry specialists
- employability-focused learning through live projects and applied assessments
Applied learning
Live projects
Applied learning is embedded throughout the MSc Applied Economics course. You’ll work on live consultancy projects or independent research that reflects real economic challenges.
Partnering with organisations ranging from local enterprises to international firms, you’ll analyse data, evaluate policy and operational decisions, and deliver evidence-based recommendations. These experiences strengthen your analytical rigour, creativity and strategic thinking. Case studies then deepen your appreciation of diverse economic contexts – from agile start-ups to multinational corporations – giving you the tools to assess performance, forecast trends and inform decision-making.
Networking opportunities
On this MSc Applied Economics course, you’ll have opportunities to meet economists, policy advisers and business leaders through guest lectures, masterclasses and networking events delivered by Sheffield Business School and its alumni community. Through our Business Hub you’ll connect with local and regional organisations – great opportunities to apply your economics knowledge to professional contexts.
You can also build your networks and confidence in our student-led Economics Society, which hosts academic talks, professional development events, peer-led study sessions, social events and study sessions.
Competitions
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in the Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge, the only university investment competition delivered entirely through the Bloomberg Terminal. Working in teams, you’ll design and implement trading strategies using real market data in a simulated environment – applying your financial and analytical skills while competing against students from around the world.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module develops your understanding of macroeconomic theory and policy applications by introducing current issues in applied macroeconomic analysis. To link theoretical foundations with practical policy analysis, you will investigate contemporary macroeconomic issues in a changing global economy.
You will study topics such as:
Introduction to key macroeconomic issues
The development of macroeconomic debate from classical macroeconomics to the COVID-19 pandemic
Demand-side policy (fiscal and monetary)
Supply-side policy (market-oriented and interventionist)
Macroeconomic policy interaction
Real Business Cycle and New Keynesian DSGE models
The international macroeconomic policy and exchange rate dynamics
The global financial crisis
Climate change and sustainable macroeconomic policy
Digital currency and monetary innovation
The module emphasises analytical rigour and practical application, preparing you to critically assess macroeconomic policies and contribute to current debates through theoretical and quantitative analysis.
This module develops your understanding of microeconomic theory and its applications to contemporary economic issues. You will examine how individuals, firms, and markets operate, with emphasis on linking theoretical frameworks to practical policy analysis and real-world decision-making challenges.
You will study topics such as:
- Consumer theory and demand analysis
- Producer theory and cost structures
- Market structures and competitive behaviour
- Game theory and strategic interaction
- Market failure and externalities
- Public goods and common resources
- Information asymmetry and mechanism design
- Behavioural economics and decision-making
- Labour market economics
Competition policy and regulation
The module emphasises analytical rigour and practical application, preparing you to critically assess microeconomic policies and contribute to current debates through theoretical and quantitative analysis.
This module provides key foundation to econometric methods for analysing economic, business, and finance problems using comprehensive training in Stata Software. You will develop competency in both theoretical understanding and practical application of econometric techniques essential for delivering impactful work.
You will study topics such as:
Statistical review
Linear regression models
Functional forms of regression models
Qualitative explanatory variables regression models
Heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation diagnostics
Model specification errors
Stationary and nonstationary time series
Cointegration and error correction models
Economic forecasting
The ARCH and GARCH models
Panel data regression models
Quantile regression models
The module emphasises practical application through interactive IT sessions and real-world datasets, preparing you to conduct independent empirical research in economics, business, and finance. You will gain fundamental quantitative skills for careers in research, policy analysis, and data-driven decision making.
This module gives you a thorough understanding of financial stability, regulation, and sustainability. You’ll explore the key principles, challenges, and practices that shape financial systems. The course will help you develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to assess how financial policies and regulations impact stability and sustainability in the world of finance, banking and the general economy. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to evaluate the effects of financial policies on stability, manage environmental and social risks, and assess sustainability reporting frameworks.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Key macroeconomic indicators for financial stability
- Macroprudential regulation and managing systemic risk
- Understanding international banking regulations
- Managing environmental risks with sustainable finance
- Corporate governance and social responsibility
- Climate change and transition risks for finance
- Sustainable and impact investing strategies
- The role of international financial institutions
- Financial crime regulations
Elective modules
This module develops your consultancy skills through a live project with a real client. You’ll investigate a specific organisational issue, apply research methods, and deliver practical insights. Alongside the project, you’ll reflect on its broader relevance to professional practice.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Defining project scope with your client
- Applying relevant theoretical frameworks
- Choosing appropriate research methods
- Addressing ethical research considerations
- Conducting a focused literature review
- Analysing and interpreting research data
- Drawing evidence-based conclusions
- Communicating findings clearly and professionally
- Managing your project effectively
- Reflecting on consultancy in professional practice
This module strengthens your critical research skills as you explore a current issue within your discipline. You’ll design and carry out an independent research project, generating insights that contribute to both academic knowledge and professional practice.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Defining your research question and focus
- Applying theoretical frameworks effectively
- Selecting appropriate research methods
- Addressing ethical research considerations
- Conducting a structured literature review
- Analysing and interpreting research data
- Drawing meaningful, evidence-based conclusions
- Managing your dissertation timeline
- Writing clearly and persuasively
- Reflecting on research in professional contexts
Future careers
This MSc Applied Economics course prepares you for economics careers across government, finance, consultancy and international organisations, such as:
- economic analysis
- policy advisory roles
- financial and economic consultancy
- data and research analysis
- central banking
- international economic organisations
You’ll graduate with the skills to work across government departments, financial institutions, consultancy firms, and international organisations such as the IMF and World Bank. You’ll also have a strong foundation for further academic or research study. With a focus on applying economic theory to real-world challenges, you’ll be equipped to influence policy, support strategic decision-making and drive sustainable economic growth.
Equipment and facilities
You’ll study in our new state-of-the-art Sheffield Business School, using flexible teaching and learning spaces designed for collaboration, applied learning and professional development. Learning takes place across a blend of on-campus and digital environments, supported by modern teaching facilities and specialist resources.
You’ll have access to:
- the Financial Trading Floor with Bloomberg terminals
- specialist software including Stata and MATLAB
- IT labs and digitally enabled teaching spaces
- extensive online economic and financial databases
- library resources supporting applied economics research
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Explore the libraryEntry requirements
All students
Normally an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above, in a related field.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 for the course.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Business School (PDF, 278.4KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
