MSc Economics and Strategy for Business
Providing the unique combination of analytical thinking and strategic focus needed for today’s rapidly changing environment.
Overview
Our MSc in Economics & Strategy for Business is a one-year, full-time programme developed for business graduates with prior experience of economics and strategy.
The programme integrates strategic analysis with contemporary economics to prepare students for successful careers in strategy or management consulting.
There is a careful balance of teaching and learning, individual work and group work, as well as regular seminars by external speakers. Case study methodology and class-based discussions are also used to strengthen conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills.
Study programme
You complete a number of core modules, starting in the autumn term and continuing throughout the year, which will teach you to combine the rigour of analytical thinking with a strategic focus.
During the summer term, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience by completing one of the applied modules (Consulting Project, Work Placement, or Case Study) and the ESB report. The Consulting Project is a substantial group-based project undertaken for a real client.
Students wishing to move on to doctoral work may take a conventional MSc project (Individual Research Report) instead of an applied module and ESB Report.
Careers
Graduates of our MSc in Economics and Strategy for Business primarily seek strategy consulting, management and finance roles within the consultancy, banking and finance and information technology sectors.
Our most recent graduates have gained employment at top global employers including:
- Bloomberg
- Citigroup
- ExxonMobil
- EY
Professional accreditation
We are among a handful of business schools worldwide to achieve triple accreditation:
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
We have also been recognised for our work in tackling gender inequality in higher education with a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 22 October 2021.
Structure
Non-assessed modules
- Accounting Primer
- Career and Professional Development
- Data, Tools and Evidence
- Foundations for Careers Success
- Maths Primer
- Induction
- Plagiarism Awareness
- Strategy Primer
- Study Skills
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Macroeconomics
- Corporate Finance
- Corporate Strategy
- Business Economics
- Economics of Public Policy
- Economics and Strategy for Innovation
- Digital Economics and Digital Strategy
- Risk Management
- Analytics for Applied Economics and Business
- Global Business
- Business Simulation
Elective modules
You will take two modules from Group 1 and two modules from Group 2:
Group 1
- Information, Incentives and Contracts
- Economics of Healthcare
- Economics and Banking
- Business Sustainability
- Energy Business
Group 2
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Venture Capital and Growth Finance
- Private Equity Online
- Management Strategy and Innovation in FinTech
- Family Business
- Project Management
- Leading Social innovation
- Design Thinking for Innovation
- Consumer Behaviour
- Sales Force Management
- Strategic Marketing
Integrative and applied modules
You will get the chance to integrate and apply your knowledge in an Individual Research Project or an ESB Report.
If you choose the ESB report, you will also gain practical experience by completing either a Consulting Project, Work Placement or Case Study.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Case studies
- Equipment/technique demonstrations (e.g. Bloomberg, Datastream)
- Formal presentations
- Group work exercises
- Interactive content including video and module quizzes
- Lectures
- On-line discussion forums
- On-line lecture materials
- Practical classes and field work
- Pre-programme VLE modules
- Seminars
- Workshops
Assessment methods
- Case Studies
- Continuous assessments
- Essays
- Formal Presentations
- Multiple Choice Tests
- Participation
- Reports
- Written Examinations/Tests
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree which includes introductory courses in micro- and macro-economics, and a basic knowledge of quantitative topics (in particular calculus, statistics and linear algebra).
You are also required to have a well-researched career plan with clear short and long term goals.
International qualifications
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications. For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the ICBS requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for Business School applicants.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View Imperial College Business School's competence standards [pdf]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Imperial College Business School
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
How to apply
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
If you are applying to the Business School, you may only be considered for one programme per admissions cycle, with the exception of applicants to our Finance Master's programmes, who may select two programmes.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The fees for MSc Economics and Strategy for Business are the same for UK and international students.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies. Find out more about our scholarships to see what you might be eligible for.
There are a number of external organisations also offer awards for Imperial students, find out more about non-Imperial scholarships.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
T: +44 (0)20 7589 5111
E: business.school@imperial.ac.uk
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