Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Economics & Policy MSc
Key information
Course type:
Single honours
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
1 year FT/2 years PT
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
180
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
The Economics & Policy MSc offers strong disciplinary and methods training on Economics with an eye to applying key methodological tools in the analysis of economic policy making. It aspires to train professional economists who will embark on careers in both private and government sectors as well as international organisations that are responsible for designing and implementing economic policy.
Key benefits
- A strong disciplinary training in economics with a focus on modern methods and techniques.
- A focus on applications with the ability to apply key methods into a variety of contexts and the design of policy
- A unique multidisciplinary environment in the department of political economy to gain perspective on applying modern economic techniques in addressing policy challenges.
- Located in the heart of London, the Department of Political Economy has a strong reputation for research-led teaching and links to industry.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) in economics, finance, the natural sciences, mathematics, or social science, with evidence of a quantitative background. Successful candidates are expected to have the necessary background in quantitative methods - e.g. statistics or econometrics, microeconomics and mathematical methods in economics. We encourage applicants with a science background (e.g. Engineering).
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme across all years of study.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes | The personal statement should explain why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background, and, if relevant, your career plans. The personal statement should be a maximum of 500 words, if you submit a personal statement which is longer than this it will not be accepted, and you will be required to submit a shorter version, thus delaying application assessment. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Check out further information about our Political Economy courses including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. Note that students are expected to have the necessary background (or aptitude to pick up relatively complicated concepts quickly) in quantitative methods- e.g. statistics or econometrics, causal inference, micro economics and mathematical methods in economics. We offer some pre-sessional training for 1 week before the term begins to update students’ knowledge.
| Module | Lectures, seminars and feedback | Self-study |
| Per 15-credit taught module | The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is 20 hours. | Each 15-credit taught module has 130 hours of self-guided learning time. |
| Dissertation module | A set of dissertation workshops plus one-to-one dissertation consultations. | 592 hours self-study and project work. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Assessment
- Written examinations
- Course Work
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations. Assessment patterns will vary across modules, but examples of typical assessments for 15-credit modules would be a 3,000-word referee report, presentations on original work using the tools taught in the module, or a 2-hour unseen examination. The assessment of the dissertation module will be through a 1,000 word research proposal (10%) and a 10,000-word dissertation (90%). Dissertations are expected to be quantitative and use the tools taught in the degree.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
You are required to take the following modules:
Advanced Microeconomics (15 credits)
Advanced Econometrics (15 credits)
Advanced Macroeconomics (15 credits)
Evaluating Public Policy (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
If you are taking the part-time course, you will usually take Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Econometrics and Evaluating Public Policy together with 2 optional modules worth 15 credits each during the first year of your programme and the remaining 2 required optional modules in the second year of your programme together with the dissertation. Part-time students can, however, ultimately decide how to distribute their 60 credits of optional modules over the two years of the programme, as long as they ensure that by the end of the programme they have completed the required number of credits. Please note that part-time students should feel free to discuss this decision with the Programme Director, should they wish to do so.
Optional modules
You will take an additional 60 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:
Formal Political Economics (15 credits)
Causal Inference (15 credits)
Ethics and Public Policy (15 credits)
Business and Politics (15 credits)
Game Theory and Political Economy (15 credits)
The Political Economy of Organised Crime (15 credits)
Economic History (15 credits)
Political Economy of Discrimination (15 credits)
Experimental Economics (15 credits)
Climate Change Economics and Policy (15 credits) [Department of Political Economy]
Climate Policy and Global Energy Transitions (15 credits)
Health Economics and Policy (15 credits)
Using Economics in Government (15 credits)
Identity Economics (15 credits)
African Crisis and Opportunity (15 credits)
Development Economics (15 credits)
Topics in Applied Microeconomics (15 credits)
Law and Politics of Regulation (15 credits)
Internship (15 credits)
Gender in Democracies and Elections (15 credits)
Managing the UK economy: Fiscal and monetary policy since 1945 (15 credits)
Political Economy of Violence (15 credits)
Policymaking in Non-Democracies (15 credits)
The Political Effects of Climate Change (15 credits)
If you are taking the part-time course, the Department will allow you some flexibility in choosing how many optional modules you wish to take during Year 1 and during Year 2.
Optional modules outside of the programme’s pre-approved list can only be taken with explicit permission of the programme director.
Students may take an additional non-assessed credit language module for free. This option is available in addition to the required 180 credits.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Studying a degree with the Department of Political Economy equips students with certain skills required in the public and private sectors, and for work in civil organisations. A typical postgraduate student will gain strong theoretical and empirical skills for the analysis of complex economic and political phenomena. These skills are highly valued in fields such as finance, consultancy, law and the civil service. Typical career destinations include:
- Junior economist (in government, private sector, think tanks or international organisations)
- Economic consultant and policy analyst
- Policy consultant
- Public affairs executive
- Financial analyst
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £19,550 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £9,775 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £17,900 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) in economics, finance, the natural sciences, mathematics, or social science, with evidence of a quantitative background. Successful candidates are expected to have the necessary background in quantitative methods - e.g. statistics or econometrics, microeconomics and mathematical methods in economics. We encourage applicants with a science background (e.g. Engineering).
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme across all years of study.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes | The personal statement should explain why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background, and, if relevant, your career plans. The personal statement should be a maximum of 500 words, if you submit a personal statement which is longer than this it will not be accepted, and you will be required to submit a shorter version, thus delaying application assessment. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Check out further information about our Political Economy courses including our teaching team, exclusive videos and more on our hub page.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face-to-face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. Note that students are expected to have the necessary background (or aptitude to pick up relatively complicated concepts quickly) in quantitative methods- e.g. statistics or econometrics, causal inference, micro economics and mathematical methods in economics. We offer some pre-sessional training for 1 week before the term begins to update students’ knowledge.
| Module | Lectures, seminars and feedback | Self-study |
| Per 15-credit taught module | The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is 20 hours. | Each 15-credit taught module has 130 hours of self-guided learning time. |
| Dissertation module | A set of dissertation workshops plus one-to-one dissertation consultations. | 592 hours self-study and project work. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Assessment
- Written examinations
- Course Work
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations. Assessment patterns will vary across modules, but examples of typical assessments for 15-credit modules would be a 3,000-word referee report, presentations on original work using the tools taught in the module, or a 2-hour unseen examination. The assessment of the dissertation module will be through a 1,000 word research proposal (10%) and a 10,000-word dissertation (90%). Dissertations are expected to be quantitative and use the tools taught in the degree.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
You are required to take the following modules:
Advanced Microeconomics (15 credits)
Advanced Econometrics (15 credits)
Advanced Macroeconomics (15 credits)
Evaluating Public Policy (15 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
If you are taking the part-time course, you will usually take Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Econometrics and Evaluating Public Policy together with 2 optional modules worth 15 credits each during the first year of your programme and the remaining 2 required optional modules in the second year of your programme together with the dissertation. Part-time students can, however, ultimately decide how to distribute their 60 credits of optional modules over the two years of the programme, as long as they ensure that by the end of the programme they have completed the required number of credits. Please note that part-time students should feel free to discuss this decision with the Programme Director, should they wish to do so.
Optional modules
You will take an additional 60 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:
Formal Political Economics (15 credits)
Causal Inference (15 credits)
Ethics and Public Policy (15 credits)
Business and Politics (15 credits)
Game Theory and Political Economy (15 credits)
The Political Economy of Organised Crime (15 credits)
Economic History (15 credits)
Political Economy of Discrimination (15 credits)
Experimental Economics (15 credits)
Climate Change Economics and Policy (15 credits) [Department of Political Economy]
Climate Policy and Global Energy Transitions (15 credits)
Health Economics and Policy (15 credits)
Using Economics in Government (15 credits)
Identity Economics (15 credits)
African Crisis and Opportunity (15 credits)
Development Economics (15 credits)
Topics in Applied Microeconomics (15 credits)
Law and Politics of Regulation (15 credits)
Internship (15 credits)
Gender in Democracies and Elections (15 credits)
Managing the UK economy: Fiscal and monetary policy since 1945 (15 credits)
Political Economy of Violence (15 credits)
Policymaking in Non-Democracies (15 credits)
The Political Effects of Climate Change (15 credits)
If you are taking the part-time course, the Department will allow you some flexibility in choosing how many optional modules you wish to take during Year 1 and during Year 2.
Optional modules outside of the programme’s pre-approved list can only be taken with explicit permission of the programme director.
Students may take an additional non-assessed credit language module for free. This option is available in addition to the required 180 credits.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Studying a degree with the Department of Political Economy equips students with certain skills required in the public and private sectors, and for work in civil organisations. A typical postgraduate student will gain strong theoretical and empirical skills for the analysis of complex economic and political phenomena. These skills are highly valued in fields such as finance, consultancy, law and the civil service. Typical career destinations include:
- Junior economist (in government, private sector, think tanks or international organisations)
- Economic consultant and policy analyst
- Policy consultant
- Public affairs executive
- Financial analyst
Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £19,550 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £9,775 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £35,800 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £17,900 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
- Library fees and fines.
- Personal photocopies.
- Printing course handouts.
- Society membership fees.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Related courses including study abroad
Double Masters in Asian & International Affairs MADouble Masters in Policies & Governance in Europe MAEuropean Studies MAKey information
Course type:
Single honours
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
1 year FT/2 years PT
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
180
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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