School of Economics · ECO-MDSE
Master of Data Science in Economics (MDSE)
Modern data science applied to economic problems — the most mathematically demanding of our five programmes.
Overview
A 12-month (16 with research track) quantitative master's for graduates of economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields who want to apply modern data science to economic problems — in finance, policy, technology, and research.
It is the most mathematically demanding of the five programmes and rewards students who arrive with solid quantitative preparation.
Eligibility & quick facts
| Duration | 12 months full-time (16 with research track) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | SGD 60,000 |
| Minimum CGPA | 3.3 / 4.0 |
| Work experience | Not required; suited to 0–2 years |
| Bachelor's degree | A quantitative discipline is required: economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, or quantitative finance |
| English | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 |
| GMAT / GRE | Not required |
| Prerequisites | Required: completed university-level calculus, linear algebra, and statistics/probability. Programming in Python or R is recommended. |
Curriculum
Core modules
- Microeconometrics
- Macroeconomic Forecasting
- Statistical Learning
- Causal Inference
- Programming for Data Science (Python/R)
- Time Series Analysis
- Optimization
- Applied Economic Modelling
Electives (selection)
- Financial Economics
- Behavioural Economics & Data
- Network Economics
- Policy Evaluation
- Big Data Econometrics
Fees
- Tuition
- SGD 60,000
- Application fee
- SGD 100 (non-refundable)
- Enrolment deposit
- SGD 5,000 (credited to tuition on enrolment)
Intakes & deadlines
| Intake | Round 1 closes | Round 2 closes | Final round closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | 31 Jul 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | 15 Nov 2026 |
| August 2027 | 31 Jan 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 15 May 2027 |
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis within each round; scholarship consideration is automatic for eligible applicants. Earlier rounds have the most scholarship capacity.
Scholarships
Eligible applicants are considered automatically; the following awards apply to this programme.
- Test Merit Award
- Research Excellence Award (MDSE only)
- Women in Technology Scholarship
- ASEAN Leaders Grant
- India Excellence Award
- Early Commitment Rebate
See scholarships for amounts and country-specific eligibility.
Careers & pathways
- Economic data scientist
- Quantitative analyst
- Econometrician
- Policy / research data analyst
- Forecasting analyst
- Research economist
Who should not apply
These are negative factors and disqualifiers for this programme. Some are hard blocks; others indicate a poor fit and a better-matched alternative.
- Non-quantitative bachelor's without the required prerequisite mathematics (hard block)
- CGPA below 3.3
- Degree from an unaccredited institution
- Incomplete documentation
- English below requirement without exemption
- Passport from a restricted jurisdiction (see International)
How to apply
Follow the general admissions process. Programme-specific notes:
Academic experience
The MDSE is the most mathematically demanding of the five programmes. It moves quickly from econometrics and statistical learning into causal inference and forecasting, and rewards students who arrive with solid quantitative preparation. The capstone applies these methods to a real economic question.