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Development Economics (Taught)

2 Study options · PostgraduateSussex House

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

6th in the UK for our research impact in Economics and Econometrics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

Top 200 in the World for Economics and Econometrics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Gain a rigorous training in economics and development, and develop a thorough understanding of a wide range of economic theories, concepts and methods of analysis. Become a policy-oriented development economist in government, international development organisations, consultancies or prepare for PhD study.

On this course, you’ll benefit from our applied approach to teaching and research. You’ll engage in current debates, work with real data and begin to appreciate the nuances around economic problems and policies. There’s a particular focus on circumstances where markets are not well developed, institutions are weak or contested, or where high-quality data is scarce.

You’ll learn to:

  • design and evaluate policy

  • frame complex development challenges

  • communicate economic and technical analysis to specialist and non-specialist audiences

  • understand ethical standards and behaviours in research, analysis and policy

  • work effectively in diverse teams as well as in leadership roles.

As well as gaining a solid grounding in micro- and macroeconomic theory, you’ll learn to analyse contemporary theory, debates and evidence on a wide range of development issues. You may also choose to do a placement to broaden your horizons and tailor the course to your interests.

Give your career a head start and gain real-world experience with our Guaranteed Internship Scheme.

Accreditation
You’ll join the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Sussex House

Study options

  • MS • Full-time • 1 Years
  • MS • Part-time • 2 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

Open days

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Discover what it's like to study Development Economics at University of Sussex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Tomisin

    University of Sussex
    Politics
    I’m a British-Nigerian Politics and International Relations student. I’ve been enjoying the joint honour degree as it has personally helped me to expand my knowledge and connect the links between international history and British politics! I am also a Christian and passionate for Jesus! I enjoy attending church in Brighton, meeting more people and growing in faith 😄

  • Khadija

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    Second-year business student who started with a foundation year. I’m really enjoying the course and hoping to work in operations or consulting after I graduate. Happy to chat about uni life or business.

  • Rudie

    University of Sussex
    Ecology and Conservation
    I'm a Mature and Neurodivergent Student who didn't have the most conventional education due to a lack of support at school. If you feel like you need advice on the support Sussex offers or if this is the right University for you, I can help. I also organise a variety of surveying and STEM outreach events, both with the School of Life Sciences and the NGO Shelltering Sussex. So, if you want to know what extracurricular activities Sussex has to offer for Life Sciences students, I'm your person.

  • Mykhailo

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    I'm Mykhailo, a first year BSc Marketing student at University of Sussex. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, my course or student life.

  • Shubby

    University of Sussex
    Law
    I am Nigerian but was born in Canada. I aspire to be a civil litigation or corporate lawyer in the future as this has been a long desire passion of mines. I am very passionate about helping other individuals in anyway I possible can! I also enjoy taking part in societies and staying involved in the community through volunteering.

  • Lily

    University of Sussex
    Psychology
    I'm a mature international student, and have just started studying this year, which comes with different challenges, but just as many rewards! As much as I love my course, I also love being able to be a part of so many different societies, and meet so many new and interesting people!

  • Sarah

    University of Sussex
    Medicine
    Hi there! I’m Sarah, a fourth year medical student at Brighton and Sussex medical School. I am a mature student having worked for the UK Government for the past ten year, and a graduate, completing my first degree in Medical Neuroscience here at the University of Sussex. It really feels like I have come full circle now that I am back here studying medicine! I hope to become an obstetrician once I finish my degree, but we get so much exposure to different specialities I am also excited to explore. I enjoy yoga and cold water swimming which is great as I live by the sea for the first time!

  • Zehra

    University of Sussex
    Law
    Hi! My name is Zehra, and I’m a first-year LLB Law student at the University of Sussex. I’m really excited to be part of the Student Ambassador Programme and to support students who are considering joining our community. My goal is to become a barrister, and I’m particularly interested in areas such as human rights, public, and employment law. I’m passionate about supporting and advocating for underrepresented communities. As a first-generation student, an ethnic minority immigrant from Turkey, a mature student, and someone living with a disability, I truly understand how important it is to feel supported, welcomed, and connected at university. That’s why I’m here — to share my journey, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in finding your own path. I speak both Turkish and English, and outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, watersports, chess, cinema, and music. I also have a cat who keeps me company during my study sessions! If you’re feeling unsure, curious, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help.

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