Program Overview
The MSc in Development Economics from the University of Sussex equips students with advanced economic theories and analytical methods for development policy and research. Emphasizing an applied approach and engagement with real-world data, the program prepares graduates for careers in international development organizations, government, consultancies, and academia, focusing on developing economies and addressing complex challenges in contexts of underdeveloped markets and institutions.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Development Economics MSc is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program offered by the University of Sussex. It provides a rigorous training in economics and development, equipping students with a thorough understanding of economic theories, concepts, and analytical methods. The program aims to develop policy-oriented development economists who can work in government, international development organizations, consultancies, or pursue PhD studies. The program emphasizes an applied approach to teaching and research, engaging students in current debates, working with real data, and understanding the nuances of economic problems and policies. It focuses on situations where markets are underdeveloped, institutions are weak or contested, or high-quality data is scarce.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the ability to:
- Design and evaluate policy
- Frame complex development challenges
- Communicate economic and technical analysis to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Understand ethical standards and behaviors in research, analysis, and policy
- Work effectively in diverse teams and leadership roles
Outline:
Full-time Course Structure:
The full-time course is structured across three semesters: Autumn, Spring, and Summer.
Core Modules:
- Autumn Teaching:
- Analytical Methods in Economics
- Development Microeconomics
- Econometric Methods 1
- Microeconomic Analysis
- Spring Teaching:
- Development Macroeconomics
- Econometric Methods 2
- Macroeconomic Analysis
- Research Methods for Economics
- Summer Teaching:
- Dissertation in Economics
Options:
Students can choose options to broaden their horizons and tailor their course to their interests. The options list is subject to change based on student feedback, staff expertise, and the latest research.
Summer Teaching:
Teaching:
The program employs an applied approach to teaching and research, engaging students in current debates, working with real data, and understanding the nuances of economic problems and policies.
Careers:
The MSc in Development Economics prepares graduates for careers in:
- International organizations (e.g., World Bank, OECD, IMF, IADB, ADB, UN)
- UK Government (e.g., HM Treasury)
- Governments abroad
- The financial sector
- Consultancies (e.g., Oxford Policy Management)
- Academia (both UK and abroad)
Other:
- The program is accredited by EQUIS and AMBA.
- The course is eligible for ESRC SEDarc funding as part of a Masters+PhD scholarship.
- The program provides a diverse and intellectually stimulating academic community.
- The Careers and Employability Centre can help students find part-time work while studying.
