If you want to study heterodox economics at the graduate level, such as Post-Keynesian, Marxian, institutional, ecological, or Austrian economics, your options are more limited than in mainstream economics, but they do exist. This guide covers the best-known programs in the US, the UK, and Europe, what each one is like, and how to choose.
A note on accuracy: programs, admissions, and fees change often. We've summarized each program's own description as of September 2026. Always check the official program page before applying.
What to Look For in a Heterodox Economics Program
Before comparing programs, decide what matters most to you:
- Degree level. Most heterodox-friendly programs in the US are PhD programs, sometimes with a master's awarded along the way. Standalone heterodox master's degrees are more common in the UK and Europe.
- Which schools of thought. "Heterodox" covers many traditions. A department strong in Marxian political economy may have little Austrian economics, and vice versa.
- Pluralist or specialist. Some programs teach heterodox and mainstream economics side by side; others concentrate on one or two traditions.
- Format. Nearly all traditional programs are full-time and on campus.
- Math requirements. PhD programs usually require strong quantitative preparation, even heterodox ones. (If that worries you, see whether you can study economics without a strong math background.)
United States
University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC)
UMKC's PhD in economics describes itself as a pluralistic department that grounds students in both orthodox and heterodox theory. It's especially well known for Modern Monetary Theory and Post-Keynesian economics, and lists areas including institutional economics, monetary economics, and political economy. In person; typically about five years; graduate assistantships may be available.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
UMass Amherst's economics department is one of the best-known US homes for Marxian and Post-Keynesian economics and political economy, alongside mainstream fields. The graduate program is designed for doctoral students, with an MA available along the way. In person, full-time.
University of Utah
Utah's economics PhD has long included both orthodox and heterodox approaches, with an emphasis on inequality, globalization, and sustainability. The university is in the process of creating a unified School of Economics with its business school's quantitative division, so prospective students should check how the program is evolving.
The New School for Social Research
The New School in New York has historically been one of the leading US centers for heterodox economics. However, its economics PhD paused admissions for the 2026–27 year as part of a review of its doctoral programs. Check its website for updates.
United Kingdom
University of Leeds — MSc Economics
Leeds describes itself as one of the major hubs of heterodox economics research in the UK, and its MSc combines mainstream theory with alternative critical perspectives. Twelve months, full-time, on campus. Requires a strong background in economics and quantitative subjects.
University of Greenwich — MSc Economics
Greenwich's MSc asks students to explore economic theories in a pluralistic fashion, comparing competing approaches, and its faculty includes well-known Post-Keynesian economists. One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus in London.
SOAS University of London — MSc Economics
SOAS teaches both mainstream and heterodox economics, with a strong focus on development and the Global South. Modules include pluralistic macroeconomics and the political economy of finance. On campus in London.
Continental Europe
EPOG-JM (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master)
The Economic Policies for the Global Bifurcation master's, successor to the well-known EPOG+ program, is a multi-university European program focused on heterodox approaches to economic policy, ecological transition, and innovation. A limited number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships are available. Students study at more than one partner university.
Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin)
HWR Berlin offers master's programs, including International Economics and Political Economy of European Integration, with a strong pluralist and heterodox orientation, especially in macroeconomics and the economics of inequality.
Degrowth and ecological economics
For ecological economics specifically, programs such as the Autonomous University of Barcelona's master's in Political Ecology, Degrowth and Environmental Justice offer a specialized path.
Online and Flexible: Elton University
Nearly every program above is full-time and on campus, which makes it hard to study heterodox economics if you're working, raising a family, or live far from these universities.
Elton University's heterodox economics master's was built to fill that gap. Here's how it compares:
| Traditional heterodox programs | Elton University | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Full-time, on campus | 100% online, keep your job |
| Schools of thought | Depends on the department's faculty | Any school, heterodox or mainstream |
| Instruction | Lectures and seminars | 1-on-1 tutorials with expert professors |
| Start date | Once a year | Start immediately |
| Tuition | Varies widely | $18,000 master's; $8,000 certificate |
| Accreditation | Accredited | Not yet accredited (like any new university, on track in 4–8 years) |
At Elton, you can specialize in one school of thought, such as Post-Keynesian, MMT, Austrian, Marxian, ecological, feminist, institutional, Sraffian, or Georgist economics, compare several, or build your own synthesis, in any field from macro to health economics. You work 1-on-1 with professors who know each tradition from the inside, and graduate with a portfolio of research and policy work.
How to Choose
- Want an academic research career? A funded PhD at a department strong in your school of thought is the traditional route. Elton's master's also prepares you for our PhD by Publication.
- Want to study a specific school in depth? Look at where its leading scholars teach, or choose a program that lets you specialize.
- Working or can't relocate? An online, flexible program like Elton's lets you study heterodox economics without putting your life on hold.
- Not sure yet? Start by reading widely. Our guide to the major schools of heterodox economics is a good place to begin.
Want help choosing the right path? Talk to an admissions officer or explore Elton's heterodox economics program. Elton University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit university — EIN 86-2426898.
Sources
- Heterodox Economics Directory (7th ed.). heterodoxnews.com.
- University program pages as of September 2026: UMKC, UMass Amherst, University of Utah, The New School, University of Leeds, University of Greenwich, SOAS University of London, EPOG-JM.