About the course

This is a nine-month degree in development economics with a strong emphasis on bringing methods of modern economic analysis to economic development theory and policy. The course will prepare you for further academic research or for work as a professional development economist in international agencies, governments or the private sector.

Course objectives

The course seeks to cultivate the analytical and critical skills relevant to economic development, in particular those needed to assess alternative approaches to policy. It provides the rigorous quantitative training that development work now requires, helping you develop the ability to access, process and interpret a variety of data. It aims to provide the research tools and approaches needed for those who wish to proceed to doctoral research in development economics.

Teaching and learning

The course is taught through lectures and classes and, for the development modules, student presentations. The quantitative methods course also includes hands-on training in the use of specialist statistical software. Class sizes are small – usually between 5 and 30 students – encouraging active participation and enabling students to learn from each other.

During the course you will be required to complete a number of problem sets and write essays for individual supervisors (the tutorial system). This system is used to build critical and analytical skills and is particularly beneficial to students from a different background of instruction.

Assessment

On-course assessment, which will not count towards your final degree, will be provided through feedback on problem sets and essays. In addition there will be five informal examinations during the year. Again, these will not count towards your final degree but they will provide an invaluable opportunity to assess your progress and for you to practise exam technique.

The degree is formally assessed through examination at the end of the summer term. This comprises four written papers. microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and international trade, quantitative methods, and development economics.

Graduate destinations

Approximately one third of MSc graduates proceed to doctoral research in economics, usually two to three in Oxford, either immediately or after work experience in the field. Significant numbers are also now working in the major international financial institutions such as the World Bank, the IMF and the UN system, as well as in the UK’s Department for International Development. Many others work in the international NGO sector and for major consultancies. Read more about the kinds of careers the department’s students pursue on the ODID Alumni page.

‘The MSc provided me with the technical skills and professional confidence to contribute within international development, plus a network of colleagues from diverse backgrounds dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world.’ (Joevas Asare, graduated 2015)

‘This MSc programme is unique not only because of its structure and teaching approach but also because of its student diversity, which makes the learning experience truly exceptional.’ -- Claudia-Dominique Geiser, graduated 2018.