Economics (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MPhil in Economics is designed to provide rigorous training in economic theory, applied economics, and econometric methods. It is comparable to the first two years of a PhD programme at a US university.

The MPhil provides a solid foundation for progressing to doctoral research, while at the same time providing the advanced knowledge and skills required for a career as a professional economist in government or the private sector. Numerous MPhil graduates have gone on to distinguished careers in economics or related fields. This is the course recommended if you have not undertaken any previous graduate work in economics.

Please note that if you are applying for the MPhil + DPhil in Economics and your application is unsuccessful, your application will automatically be considered for the MPhil in Economics, even if you have not indicated in the application form that you want to be considered for other courses. You will not need to make an additional application for the MPhil course or pay an additional application fee to be considered for both courses under these circumstances. If an application is unsuccessful for the MPhil + DPhil in Economics, but is accepted for the MPhil, then you will receive notification of an offer for the MPhil. If an application is unsuccessful for the MPhil + DPhil in Economics, and you receive notification of a rejection, then you were considered for the MPhil but were unsuccessful, therefore you will not receive an offer for either course.

The department has developed the MPhil to enable students to easily tailor the course to their specific needs and objectives. For those already intending to progress to a DPhil at Oxford or a PhD elsewhere, the MPhil will offer rigour and exposure to the research frontier. For those intending a career as a professional economist, the MPhil will offer a broad range of options and opportunities for skill development. And for those unsure about further study beyond the masters’ level, the two years of the MPhil will allow you to make this choice after learning more about what graduate economic training involves.