Comparative Economics and Policy

The MSc in Comparative Economics and Policy at University College London offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of economic theories, institutions, and policies across countries and regions. This programme is designed for students who are interested in understanding the diverse economic systems, policy challenges, and development issues faced by nations worldwide. Through a combination of theoretical foundations and empirical analysis, students gain the analytical tools necessary to evaluate and compare economic policies, institutions, and development strategies. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, and political economy, enabling students to develop a multi-faceted understanding of economic phenomena. The programme emphasizes critical thinking and encourages students to analyze economic policies within their specific political, social, and institutional contexts, fostering a nuanced perspective on global economic issues. Students will also engage with current debates on inequality, globalization, sustainability, and economic growth, preparing them for careers in policy analysis, governmental agencies, international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector. The programme is delivered by experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research and policy consultancy, providing students with valuable insights and practical knowledge. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for research projects, internships, and collaborations with policymakers and industry experts, enhancing employability and professional development. Graduates of the MSc in Comparative Economics and Policy will be equipped with advanced analytical skills, policy evaluation techniques, and a deep understanding of the economic forces shaping the modern world, enabling them to contribute effectively to policy-making, research, and economic development initiatives globally.

The programme focuses on the development experiences of the 28 nations that have emerged from the former Soviet bloc in Europe and Asia. Students analyse the impact of institutional reforms on diverse outcomes, including economic performance, socio-economic development, financial integration, democratisation, innovation and entrepreneurship, and internationalisation.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (60 credits), a choice of a further one of three core modules (15 credits), optional modules (45 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

60 credits of compulsory core modules:

• International Macroeconomic Policy
• Quantitative Methods
• Advanced Quantitative Methods

Optional modules

60 credits of optional courses, including at least one policy related module. Options may include:

• Public Choice-Private Interest
• Economics of Health and Population
• Trade and FDI Policy with reference to Eastern Europe
• Economic Development and Policies
• Corporate Finance and Investment in Emerging Markets
• Financial Development
• Informal Practices in Post-Communist Societies
• Political Economy of International Business
• The Economics of Property Rights
• Corporate Governance
• Language modules offered by SSEES

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, laboratory sessions and workshops. Students will be assessed by a variety of methods: unseen examinations, long essays, course work and the research dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants are usually expected to have studied one term of both microeconomics and macroeconomics in their undergraduate degree.

Funding options for the MSc in Comparative Economics and Policy at University College London include a variety of financial aid opportunities designed to support students throughout their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore scholarships offered directly by UCL, such as the UCL Graduate Scholarships and departmental-specific awards, which may provide partial or full fee waivers based on academic merit or financial need. Additionally, many students secure external funding through government-sponsored programs, international organizations, and private foundations, which often require separate application processes and specific eligibility criteria. UCL also provides information and guidance on loans available to international and domestic students, including loans from government agencies and private lenders, to ease the financial burden of postgraduate study. Students are advised to start their scholarship and funding applications early, as competition is typically high, and application deadlines vary. Cost of living in London is an important consideration, and students should budget for accommodation, travel, books, and personal expenses as part of their overall financing plan. The university's financial aid office offers support and advice on managing finances, applying for funding, and accessing work opportunities such as graduate assistantships or research positions that may provide additional income and valuable experience concurrently. International students should also investigate visa regulations regarding work permissions during their studies. Overall, financing a postgraduate program at UCL requires thorough research and proactive planning, but various funding avenues can significantly offset the cost and make studying at UCL accessible to a diverse range of students.

The MSc in Comparative Economics and Policy at University College London is a highly interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, institutional frameworks, and policy practices across different countries and regions. The program aims to analyze and compare the economic policies and development strategies implemented by various nations, with a focus on their social, political, and institutional contexts. Students will engage with a broad spectrum of topics including economic growth, development economics, governance, institutional analysis, and the impact of globalization on different economies. The curriculum typically combines rigorous quantitative methods with qualitative analysis, offering students practical skills to evaluate and formulate effective economic policies.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to critically assess current economic debates and policy issues, such as inequality, market regulation, fiscal policy, and sustainable development. The program often incorporates case studies from both developed and developing countries, providing an international perspective that prepares graduates for careers in government, international organizations, research institutes, or policy consultancy.

The program is usually delivered full-time over one year or part-time over two years, with a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research. There may also be opportunities for internships or interaction with policy practitioners, enriching the learning experience. Successful graduates leave with a strong foundation in economic analysis and a nuanced understanding of comparative policy challenges, enabling them to contribute effectively to policy development and economic planning at national and international levels. As a flagship program at UCL, it benefits from the university’s global reputation, world-class faculty, and its extensive network of alumni and professional contacts.