Development Economics MSc

Key information

Duration:
1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:
September 2025
Apply by:
1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

Gain a rigorous training in economics and development, and develop a thorough understanding of a wide range of economic theories, concepts and methods of analysis. Become a policy-oriented development economist in government, international development organisations, consultancies or prepare for PhD study.

On this course, you’ll benefit from our applied approach to teaching and research. You’ll engage in current debates, work with real data and begin to appreciate the nuances around economic problems and policies. There’s a particular focus on circumstances where markets are not well developed, institutions are weak or contested, or where high-quality data is scarce.

You’ll learn to:

  • design and evaluate policy
  • frame complex development challenges
  • communicate economic and technical analysis to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • understand ethical standards and behaviours in research, analysis and policy
  • work effectively in diverse teams as well as in leadership roles.

As well as gaining a solid grounding in micro- and macroeconomic theory, you’ll learn to analyse contemporary theory, debates and evidence on a wide range of development issues. You may also choose to do a placement to broaden your horizons and tailor the course to your interests.

Accreditation

You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School. Learn more about all of our course accreditations here. Find out more

    We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

    Pathway to doctoral study

    This course is eligible for ESRC SEDarc funding as part of a Masters+PhD scholarship.

    This course gave me the tools to understand and combat such priority issues as poverty, inequality and economic growth. I chose Sussex as it is ranked as the best place to study development.”Javier Munoz
    Development Economics MSc graduate

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    Entry requirements

    Degree requirements

    You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.

    Subject-specific requirements

    Your qualification should be in economics and include intermediate-level microeconomics and macroeconomics. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

    Please select your country from the list.

    English language requirements

    IELTS (Academic)

    Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

    IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS

    We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

    We accept IELTS Online.

     

    Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

    Alternative English language qualifications

    Proficiency tests

    English language qualifications

    Country exceptions

    English language support

    If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

    Visas and immigration

    Find out how to apply for a student visa

    Admissions information for applicants

    How to apply

    You will be able to apply from November 2024. 

     

    Personal statement

    Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. 

    Find out how to write a personal statement

    If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

    For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

    Pre-Masters

    Need to boost your academic skills for your taught course? Find out about Pre-Masters routes

    Application deadlines

    1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

    We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

    Modules

    Full-time and part-time study

    Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below. For details about the part-time course, contact us.

    Core modules

    Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

    Autumn teaching
    Spring teaching
    Summer teaching

    Options

    Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

    While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

    Summer teaching

    We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

    We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

    American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

    If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t undertake your placement/internship in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid 

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    Our experts

    Our MSc provides our graduates with the skills and understanding they need to work as practising development economists.”Professor Andy McKay
    Professor of Development Economics

    Fees and scholarships

    How much does it cost?

    Fees

    Home students:
    £14,975 per year for full-time students
    Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
    £14,975 per year for full-time students
    International students:
    £26,250 per year for full-time students

    Receive a £2,000 award towards your international tuition fee.

    If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

    If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

    Living costs

    Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

    Find out about our terms and conditions

    How can I fund my course?

    Scholarships

    Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

    Working while you study

    Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

    Careers

    Your MSc will develop your technical skills in:

    • independent thinking and problem solving
    • teamwork
    • communication
    • leadership.

    You’ll be well prepared for careers in:

    • international organisations (for example, World Bank, OECD, IMF, IADB, ADB, UN)
    • Governments abroad and in the UK
    • governments abroad
    • NGOs
    • the financial sector
    • consultancies (for example, Oxford Policy Management)
    • academia (both UK and abroad).

    You’ll join a diverse and intellectually stimulating academic community. Our aim is to provide a friendly environment where you can develop academically and personally. 

    Graduate destinations

    Recent University of Sussex Business School graduates from our Economics courses have gone on to jobs including:

    • economic adviser, UK Government Economics Service, Department for International Development
    • technical co-ordinator, Social Security and Intergenerational Taxation, United Nations
    • research analyst, MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) World Bank Group.

    (University of Sussex Business School careers database)

    The social responsibility aspects I learnt at Sussex allowed me to comply to international ethical standards within and outside my role.”Nada Ashraf Mohsen Bakry
    Intern at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

    Design your future at Sussex

    Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

    As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

    • our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
    • one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
    • entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

    Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

    The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services logo

    Winner
    Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
    AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

    National Enterprise Educator Awards logo

    Winner
    Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
    National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

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