Economics & Policy MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Kings College London

Program Overview

King’s College London’s MSc in Economics & Policy is a rigorous, policy-focused degree designed to train professional economists with the analytical tools needed to shape real-world decision-making. Perfect for students aiming to work in government, international organisations, or policy consultancy, the program blends modern economic theory with practical evaluation of social and economic policies.

Curriculum Structure

Term 1
Students begin with Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, gaining a solid foundation in market behaviour, national income, and policy interventions. Alongside these, Quantitative Methods for Economics & Policy introduces econometric techniques and data analysis skills essential for policy evaluation.

Term 2
The focus shifts to applied modules such as Public Economics and Policy Evaluation, where students learn to assess taxation, welfare programs, and regulatory frameworks using empirical methods. Electives like Development Economics or Behavioural Economics allow students to tailor their learning to global or psychological dimensions of policy.

Term 3
Students undertake a substantial Dissertation (60 credits), applying their skills to a real-world policy challenge. Supervised by expert faculty, this independent research project often explores topics like healthcare reform, education policy, or climate economics.

Focus areas: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Public Economics, Policy Evaluation, Quantitative Methods, Development Economics

Learning outcomes: Students will master economic modelling, apply quantitative tools to policy analysis, and critically evaluate the design and impact of public policies.

Professional alignment (accreditation): While not formally accredited by a professional body, the program is housed within the Department of Political Economy and shaped by input from government and industry experts.

Reputation (employability rankings): King’s College London ranks #40 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is widely recognised for excellence in political economy and public policy.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in King’s College London’s MSc in Economics & Policy develop hands-on expertise in policy analysis, economic modelling, and data-driven decision-making — all within one of the UK’s most influential political and academic hubs. The program is delivered by the Department of Political Economy, offering access to cutting-edge research, real-world policy debates, and digital tools that mirror the demands of government and consultancy roles.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Quantitative Methods Training: Students gain proficiency in econometric software and statistical analysis, applying these tools to real policy datasets.
Dissertation Supervision: Each student completes a 60-credit dissertation, often focused on live policy issues such as taxation, healthcare, or education reform, with guidance from expert faculty.
King’s Libraries & Digital Resources: Access to the Maughan Library and databases like Eikon, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect supports deep research and policy evaluation.
Policy-Focused Seminars: The Department hosts regular events featuring speakers from HM Treasury, the UK Government Economic Service, and leading think tanks.
Group Projects & Presentations: Modules such as Policy Evaluation and Public Economics include collaborative assignments that simulate government briefings and consultancy reports.
Location Advantage: Situated in central London, students are steps away from Parliament, Whitehall, and major policy institutions — ideal for networking and field research.
King’s Careers & Employability: Offers tailored support including internship guidance, CV clinics, and employer panels focused on public policy and economics careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of King’s College London’s MSc in Economics & Policy are equipped to shape public policy, advise governments, and drive change in international organisations. Many go on to roles such as policy analyst, economic consultant, public sector economist, or research officer — with employers including HM Treasury, the UK Government Economic Service, and global think tanks. The program’s blend of theory, quantitative training, and real-world relevance sets students up for high-impact careers:

King’s Careers & Employability: Offers tailored support for policy-focused students, including internship guidance, CV clinics, and employer panels featuring government and consultancy recruiters.
Graduate Outcomes: 89% of King’s postgraduate students are in full-time work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Salary Potential: Economics graduates from King’s report median earnings of £36,000–£40,000 within a year of completing their degree.
Industry Partnerships: The Department of Political Economy collaborates with HM Treasury, the UK Government Economic Service, and leading policy institutes to shape curriculum and offer networking opportunities.
Long-Term Value: While not professionally accredited, the program’s rigorous training in policy evaluation and economic modelling supports progression into roles requiring CFA, FRM, or PhD-level expertise.
Global Reputation: King’s College London ranks #40 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is a top UK institution for politics, economics, and public policy.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can pursue doctoral studies in Economics, Public Policy, or Political Economy at King’s or other leading institutions. The MSc’s strong emphasis on research methods and policy analysis makes it an excellent foundation for PhD-level work or research-intensive careers.