MSc in Economics for Development

9 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Oxford

Program Overview

Oxford’s MSc in Economics for Development is a one-year, intensive program designed for students who want to apply economic analysis to real-world development challenges. It suits aspiring economists, policymakers, and researchers who are passionate about tackling global poverty, inequality, and sustainable growth through rigorous training in applied economics.

Curriculum Structure

Michaelmas Term (Autumn)
You’ll begin with core training in Quantitative Methods, Development Economics, and Macroeconomics. These modules build your analytical foundation, covering econometric techniques, growth theory, and the economics of low-income countries. You’ll also engage with policy debates and empirical research from the Global South.

Hilary Term (Winter)
This term deepens your understanding with advanced modules like Microeconomics for Development, Topics in Development Economics, and continued Quantitative Methods. You’ll explore household behaviour, market failures, and institutional economics, while refining your data analysis skills using real-world datasets.

Trinity Term (Spring–Summer)
You’ll focus on your Extended Essay, a substantial piece of independent research supervised by Oxford faculty. This is your chance to investigate a development issue of your choice—often linked to field experience or policy interests—and demonstrate your ability to apply theory to practice.

Focus areas: Development Economics, Quantitative Methods, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Policy Analysis

Learning outcomes: Advanced skills in empirical research, policy evaluation, and economic modelling for development contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed for careers in international development, NGOs, government agencies, and global financial institutions; ideal preparation for doctoral study or policy roles

Reputation (employability rankings): Oxford ranks 3rd globally for graduate employability (QS 2025); the Department of International Development is internationally recognised for its interdisciplinary excellence

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in Oxford’s MSc in Economics for Development gain practical skills through intensive training in data analysis, policy evaluation, and independent research—all supported by world-class facilities and expert supervision. The program is housed within the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID), offering access to interdisciplinary networks, specialised libraries, and digital tools tailored to development economics.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded throughout the program:

Software & Tools: Students use Stata and R for econometric analysis and quantitative research, with training integrated into the Quantitative Methods module.
Extended Essay Supervision: The final research project is closely mentored by ODID faculty, often linked to real-world development issues and datasets.
Library Access: Students benefit from the Bodleian Social Science Library and the ODID Library, which house extensive collections on development economics, policy, and global affairs.
Institute Links: The program connects with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), offering exposure to applied research and policy engagement.
Facilities: Teaching and research take place in the Queen Elizabeth House, ODID’s dedicated building, which includes seminar rooms, computing labs, and collaborative study spaces.
Seminars & Workshops: Students participate in weekly departmental seminars featuring leading development economists and practitioners from institutions like the World Bank and UNDP.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Oxford’s MSc in Economics for Development go on to shape policy, lead research, and drive impact in global development. Many secure roles in international organisations, government ministries, NGOs, and economic consultancies. Common job titles include: development economist, policy advisor, research analyst, and programme officer.

Here’s how Oxford supports your future success:

Career Services: The Oxford University Careers Service offers tailored support for MSc students, including sector-specific guidance, employer panels, and access to the CareerConnect platform for global opportunities.
Employment Stats: A significant proportion of graduates enter roles at institutions like the World Bank, UNDP, DFID, and the IMF, or continue to doctoral study. While salary data varies by region, Oxford postgraduates in social sciences report median earnings of £35,000–£45,000 within six months of graduation.
Industry Partnerships: The program is closely linked to the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), both of which collaborate with governments and international agencies.
Accreditation Value: The MSc is internationally recognised and valued by employers and academic institutions for its rigorous training in applied economics and policy analysis.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni have progressed to leadership roles in development finance, humanitarian policy, and economic research, or pursued PhDs at Oxford and other top universities.

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates continue to doctoral study, including Oxford’s DPhil in International Development or DPhil in Economics. The MSc provides a strong foundation in research methods and development theory, making it an ideal stepping stone for academic careers in economics, public policy, or global development.