Applying for Assistant Economist jobs

Last updated - 30th March 2011

What qualifications do I need?

To join as an Assistant Economist you need to have, or expect to obtain in 2012, a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics. At least 50% of the course modules must be in economics. If your first degree was not economics or was a 2:2, your masters will need to be in straight economics. You must have studied both macro and microeconomics to qualify. If you graduated more than 5 years ago, you must give examples in the competency section of the application form, of economic articles and books you have read in depth to demonstrate that you have maintained competency in economics.

Nationality requirements

Government Economic Service

Posts are open to UK nationals but most departments also have posts open to Commonwealth citizens, EEA nationals and Swiss nationals who have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Diplomatic Service Economist

You must be a British citizen. There is also a residency requirement. For more information click here

Candidates with disabilities

The Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and we have designed the Fast Stream online application form to be accessible. The selection process does contain electronic tests, some of which are also on-line, and we strongly recommend that you use the on-line application process unless you are unable or will be disadvantaged by doing so. Candidates with disabilities (as defined in the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act) can choose to declare that they require adjustments and can opt to by-pass the online tests. We can make a range of provisions, including modified PCs, special chairs, trained readers and adjustment of time in the invigilated exercise (e-Tray). The degree requirement can be waived if you can provide evidence that a disability has prevented you from obtaining a degree, together with alternative evidence of your suitability for the Fast Stream.

2011 Economist Fast Stream

Round 1 of the 2011 Fast Stream for Economists closed on 18 October 2010.

Economist Fast Stream Appointments 2011: Round 2
Due to a significant decrease in the number of fast stream economist vacancies this year, we will not be running a second round in 2011.  The next scheme for entry will be the 2012 scheme which will open in September 2011. 

If you choose an Analytical Fast Stream (Economist, Statistician or Social Researcher), you will not be able to apply for GFS, TIB, NI, EFS, and the HR Fast Streams in the same year, and vice versa. You can apply for more than one scheme in the Analytical Fast Stream, but these must be in the same recruitment round.

You cannot apply for the GES Economist or Statistician or Social Researcher schemes on more than one occasion between September 2011 and April 2012. If you apply for Round 2 of any of the Analytical schemes, having already applied to Round 1 of any of the Analytical schemes, it will constitute a second application and will receive an automatic fail.

Dates for the Economic Assessment Centres (EAC) are detailed below. If you want an early EAC date, you must complete each stage of the application process promptly.

2011 Scheme Timetable (NOW CLOSED)

2012 Scheme timetable will be available in the summer.

*Only candidates invited to EAC can register for the EAC Open Days

**Some EAC and FSAC dates may be subject to change