Your Guidebook to Master’s in Economics in 2025

Introduction

Do you wish to work in large trading firms or be the risk analyst of high-potential clients and influence important policies, and business strategies? 

From government think tanks, and advisors to healthcare and climate resources, economists play a vital role in shaping the economic stature and determining the condition of  a country. Studying economics in undergraduate and postgraduate can differ a lot in terms of its mathematical complexity. But the best part is you don’t need to have an undergraduate in economics to do a master’s in economics in 2025! 

 If you love fiddling with numbers and want to work in risk analysis or educate companies on their loss and gains in the markets, a Master's in Economics is for you.

What is a master’s of economics?

With the current rise in technology infused with market knowledge, companies need someone who can evaluate their market risks. Someone with a good grasp of analyzing numbers and patterns in market trends, strategies and market policies is the target employee for these corporations.

Guess what? A master's in economics can help you gain those potential employers and stand out in the market. A master's in economics is an excellent choice for individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of global economies, analyze and understand theories based on real-time data and have a knack for solving real-world economic problems.

To pursue a master's in economics you need:

  • Qualifying degree: You should have obtained an undergraduate degree in Economics, finance or business. Some universities might be a bit relaxed with the subject flexibility but be sure to check the university website before applying.
  • GRE/GMAT: It is university-specific. Some universities like Imperial College recommend that a GRE/GMAT score will add weight to your profile. These scores are preferred for people with less quantitative degree backgrounds.
  • English language proficiency: If you come from a non-English speaking country, you will need a good score on the English proficiency exams like IELTS/TOEFL/ PTE / Duolingo English test to prove your verbal competence. Please check the university website to get clarity on which test they want.
  • Personal Statement:  A well-crafted personal statement will highlight your skills and journey to the admission officer. Specify why you are the ideal fit for that university and help the admission officer navigate through your journey. We at EdYOU have helped countless students write their compelling essays and win their dream school admits. 
  • CV: A well-structured CV or resume highlights your skills, accomplishments, and how you have used all the years to build your skills and networks. 
  • Recommendation letter: Seek recommendation letters from people you have closely worked under. This acts as a testimonial of your skills and diligence. You have showcased your leadership capabilities. Ideally, academic professors and one professional(if applicable) supervisor are preferred.
  • Work experience: A master's in economics is for recent graduates so work experience is not expected. However, if you have experience do put them in your CV and cover letters.

Some universities ask for more documentation like a research proposal(especially if it's a research master's) or motivation letters or others. Do check the website for these details. Some universities call the shortlisted candidates for interviews. A stellar performance can land you that dream admit! Guess what we at EdYOU Abroad also train our cohort in interview preparation. Click here to book a call with us. If these check your boxes look no further. In this blog, we have made a comprehensive list of top universities offering masters in economics with unique specializations that will help you find high-paying future jobs this 2025.

What can be done with a master's in Economics? What does it entail?

Masters in economics generally have a duration of 1-2 years which is country and university-specific. Some universities also offer you part-time courses according to your availability and schedule. Generally, a master's degree in economics equips you with an advanced course on economic policies. The curriculum can be divided into core and elective or specializations.

Core: The list of core curriculum entails:

  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Exchange rate economics
  • Industrial organization
  • Econometrics
  • Economic history etc

Specializations are university-specific. Universities with a marketing base have more marketing specializations and universities with tech inclination tend to follow such courses. Here is a list of specializations:

  • Financial economics
  • Development economics
  • International economics
  • Strategy
  • Sustainability
  • Energy business
  • Sustainable finance
  • Economics and banking
  • Consumer behavior
  • Applied Contemporary Economics  
  • Business cases in behavioral economics  
  • Decision analysis for smart choices in business and beyond  
  • Game theory  
  • Strategic consulting
  • Country and sovereign risk analysis
  • Macroeconomics of large public debts
  • Globalization and financial markets
  • Money, interest rate and monetary policy
  • Design thinking for innovation
  • Economics of climate change
  • Sustainable and responsible investing
  • Climate change and bank risk management
  • Financing decisions of firms
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Non-bank financial institutions 
  • Quantitative revolution in asset management
  • Structured financing

And many more. This list is exhaustive but below we have highlighted the best masters in economics programs for 2025 with futuristic specializations.

A master's in economics equips you with valuable skills in finance and consulting economic research. A master in economics trains you in relevant skills like:

  • Strong numerical skills
  • Management skills
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Analytics skills
  • Computing skills especially R and Strata
  • Knowledge of global issues
  • Research skills
  • Risk analysis
  • Statistical analysis.

Top Universities to study master’s in economics this 2025

Economics is a lucrative field with great future job opportunities. Here is the list of top master’s in economics programs across the globe

University School Course Location Duration
University of Cambridge   MPhil in Economics Cambridgeshire, UK 9 months
University of Oxford   MSc in Economics for Development Oxford, UK 9 months
Imperial College London   Master of Science in Economics and Strategy for Business London, UK 12 months
HEC Paris   Master in Economics and Finance Jouy-en-Josas, France 10 months
UCL   Master of Science in Economics Bloomsbury, UK 12 months
Cornell University Dyson SC Johnson College of Business Master of Science in Applied Economics and Management Ithaca, USA 24 months
University of Melbourne   Master of Economics Parkville, Australia 24 months
Yale University School of the Environment Master of Arts in Economics* New Haven, USA 2.5 years
Sciences Po   Master’s in Economics Paris, France 24 months
UNSW Sydney   Master of Applied Economics Sydney, Australia 12-24 months
The University of Sydney   Master of Economics Camperdown, Australia 24 months
MIT MIT Economics Master's of Engineering in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science Massachusetts, USA 24 months
University of Toronto   Master of Arts in Economics Ontario, Canada 8 months
University of Amsterdam Amsterdam School of Economics Master of Science Economics** Amsterdam, Netherlands 12 months
Georgetown University Department of Economics MS in Economics Washington DC, USA 24 months

*Yale offers a joint International and development economics degree with Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

**Amsterdam School of Economics also offers a 1-year master's in business economics, allowing you to conduct research in business economic subjects offering interesting tracks in Neuroeconomics, sustainability, managerial economics & strategy.

Top Universities for Master’s in Public Policy in 2025

Ready to kickstart your career in Public Policy in 2025? Several universities offer excellent Master’s in Public Policy. Here are some top institutions to consider in 2025:

University School Course Location Duration
Harvard University Harvard Kennedy School Master in Public Policy Massachusetts, USA 2 years
Yale Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs Master in Public Policy in Global Affairs New Haven, USA 2 years
University of Oxford   Master of Public Policy Oxford, UK 1 year
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)   Master of Public Policy London, England 1 year
LSE   MSc Public Policy and Administration London, England 1 year
LSE   MSc International Social and Public Policy London, England 1 year
Stanford University Graduate School of Education Master of Public Policy California, USA 2 years
Stanford University Graduate School of Education Master of Arts in Public Policy California, USA 1 year
Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Master of Public Policy Washington DC, USA 2 years
Columbia University Columbia SIPA Master of Public Administration New York, USA 21 months
HEC Paris   Master in Management and Public Affairs Jouy-en-Josas, France 2 years
National University of Singapore (NUS) Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Master in Public Policy Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 2 years
The University of Edinburgh School of Social and Political Science Public Policy MSc Edinburgh, Scotland 1 year
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Goldman School of Public Policy Master of Public Policy Berkeley, USA 2 years
Princeton University Princeton School of Public Policy Master in Public Policy New Jersey, USA 1 year

Master’s in Public Policy 1+1 allows you to extend your degree to an MSc in Public Policy Research that includes a research project and thesis by the end of your second year.

The University of Cambridge also offers a similar research program called MPhil in Public Policy.

Is a Master of Economics better than an MBA?

As a student's profile, background, and ambitions heavily affect his or her ability, no degree can be compared less to the other. A person who wants to work at a top firm as a quantitative analyst is most likely to earn a master's degree in economics. Whereas someone who wishes to work in a managerial and directorial post in an MNC will prefer an MBA. 

In the chart below, we have listed the key features you might consider before sending your application.

Metrics Master in Economics MBA
Focus Economic theory and analysis Business management
Skills Analytic thinking, quantitative and research skills Leadership, communication, business
Competition Comparatively less as fewer people apply and are eligible for most of these programs. MBA is one of the most competitive degrees as it allows a wide range of candidates from different backgrounds
Curriculum Economic and quantitative modules Business-related modules are focused

Post-Masters Career opportunities

The industries are changing. The market has become very dynamic lately, integrating its knowledge with technology and incorporating community ideas. Economics is very lucrative for future job sectors.

After analyzing the market, trends and demand we have listed a few lucrative careers for you in 2025. After a master's in economics, you can work as:

  • Business journalist
  • Risk analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Economics researcher
  • Economics professor
  • Economist

This list highlights the highest-paying future jobs after a master's in economics in 2025 and beyond.

Conclusion

Economics is a thriving field and economists are individuals who love numbers. It is a thriving field, more so in 2025. Having so much data in recent years has made businesses rely on analysts to gain insights from it and to understand market trends in order to succeed. In order to understand and draw conclusive results about how the market is being affected by diminishing market utility or properly registered demand, the role of an economist becomes vital.

 So if you enjoy numbers a master's in economics might be your right fit. We understand how exhausting it is to understand what a specific university wants and which is the best university for your profile. That is why we at EdYOU Abroad, love to understand your story and give the most unbiased opinion which has helped several students get their scholarship admits from top-tier universities. 

What are you waiting for? Click here and let's get your dream university admit.

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