Economics

The objective of the Master’s by coursework is to equip students with the theoretical and technical knowledge required to practise as a professional economist in the public and private sector. All courses, including the core theory courses, include theoretical and empirical applications to reflect the objectives of the degree. 

The Master’s specialising in Economics comprises four compulsory courses in the first semester, two elective courses in the second semester, and a compulsory minor dissertation. The degree runs over 12 months. 

Compulsory (core) courses:

• ECO5011F Quantitative Methods for Economists
• ECO5020F Advanced Microeconomics/ECO6007F Microeconomics II
• ECO5021F Advanced Macroeconomics
• ECO5046F Advanced Econometrics
• ECO5023W Minor Dissertation 

Elective courses: Two courses to be chosen from: 

• ECO5003F Governance and Growth
• ECO5030S Applied Growth Theory
• ECO5050S International Finance II
• ECO5052S Natural Resource Economics
• ECO5057S Labour Economics
• ECO5062S Applied International Trade
• ECO5064S Views of Institutional and Behavioural Economics
• ECO5069S Applied Time Series Analysis
• ECO5070S Microeconometrics
• ECO5073F Problems of Globalisation, Industrialisation and Development
• ECO5074S Research and Policy Tools
• ECO5075S Macroeconomic Policy Analysis
• ECO5076S Development Microeconomics
• ECO5077S Industrial Organisation

• An average of at least 65% in an Honours degree in Economics.
• Applicants with degrees obtained outside of South Africa are encouraged (and in some cases may be required) to submit a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score. A strong performance in the quantitative segment (above the 80th percentile) is expected.
• Students who have completed equivalent courses at the Master’s level may apply for exemption but not credits, from particular courses. 
• Certified copies of official academic transcripts in ENGLISH (full transcripts for each tertiary institution attended)
• Certified copies of degree certificates in ENGLISH (for each tertiary institution attended where applicable)
• Applicants from universities situated in non-English speaking countries: TOEFL/IELTS certificate OR letter from previous tertiary institution stating “English as medium of instruction” for the programme
• Curriculum vitae (include work experience)
• A recent score (obtained within 3 - 5 years before application for admission) of at least 570 (paper-based test) or 230 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• A recent overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of the test scoring below 6.0) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• OR, noting that this may only be written at certain designated venues within South Africa, a score of at least 65% on the university's Placement Test in English for Educational Purposes (PTEEP).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• International & refugee scholarships
• Merit awards