What are the differences between MA and MSc in economics?
The core difference is that MA Economics leans qualitative, covering policy and economic history, while MSc Economics is quantitative, built around econometrics, coding and modelling. MA graduates often move into public policy or consulting, while MSc graduates lean toward finance, data science and banking, so match your career goal.
Your choice between an MA and an MSc in Economics should be driven by how you want to work with the subject, not just the degree label. An MA builds your ability to reason about policy and economic history through essays and coursework. An MSc treats economics as a hard science, built on advanced math, coding and data modelling.
MA Versus MSc At A Glance
| Feature | MA Economics | MSc Economics |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Conceptual, policy driven | Numerical, data driven |
| Math rigour | Moderate | High, calculus and coding |
| Assessment | Essays and dissertations | Technical exams and data models |
| Target careers | Policy, civil services, consulting | Finance, data science, banking, PhD |
What Builds Your Skill Set In Each
- MA programs sharpen your critical thinking, qualitative analysis and policy evaluation skills.
- MSc programs build your statistical modelling, coding in Python or R, and predictive analytics skills.
- Degree names vary by university, so always check the actual syllabus rather than relying on the title alone.
My Advice
Pick the MA if you enjoy writing policy essays and want to shape strategy, and pick the MSc if you would rather build models and write code for a living. Tell your counsellor your undergraduate background and dream job so the right specific programs can be shortlisted for you.
Looking for a specific course?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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