Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Economics. This Master of Science (MSc) program is a truly interdisciplinary course, taught jointly by the Department of Economics, Department of Government, Department of Sociology, and Essex Business School. It is designed for students seeking to understand the pressing issues in international development through rigorous quantitative research methods. The program provides robust training in econometric and statistical techniques, research design, and data analysis (including R and Stata). Students gain a sophisticated understanding of how to apply strong analytical methods to explore the realities of developing countries and evaluate policy interventions. The curriculum includes core modules in economic development theory, econometrics, and quantitative methods, alongside a substantial dissertation project.

Graduates are highly sought after in roles requiring strong analytical and empirical skills in the international development field. Career options include: Development Economist, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Programme Coordinator, Project Evaluator, Consultant (e.g., in development, finance, management), Statistician, and roles in government departments (local, national, international), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (e.g., United Nations, The World Bank), research institutes, and financial services. The program also provides excellent preparation for further doctoral research.

The University of Essex is a university with a forward-thinking environment and diverse international community, fostering a global perspective. Essex is a centre of world-leading research excellence for the social sciences, with its Faculty of Social Sciences being top 5 in the UK for research (over 90% rated "world-leading" or "internationally excellent"). This means students are taught by leading experts and benefit from cutting-edge research. The university offers a location close to beautiful countryside that's only an hour away from London by train, providing a balance of campus life and city access. Key resources include the UK Data Archive (UKDA), the largest digital collection of social sciences data, and the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), a world-class center for social surveys and panel data analysis.