Course summary
Our Economics MSc programme allows you to develop high-level knowledge and skills around the monetary rationale of economic interactions. It is designed to increase your confidence in applied economic theory and applied research techniques so you can advance as a talented economist who is capable of succeeding in a fluctuating global environment.
As an economist you will be presented with diverse economic quandaries and must respond to the different economic drivers and behaviours of everyone from individuals and households to international organisations and governments to achieve positive economic outcomes.
Employability is embedded into our programme with opportunities to engage with local employers through our consultancy and placement projects and develop relationships with professional bodies such as the Government Economic Service via guest lectures and research projects.
As a graduate of this programme your quantitative skills and scenario analysis will be coveted by government departments, devolved administrations, local authorities and private businesses. You will graduate as a highly employable individual who has developed skills including advanced econometric modelling and quantitative cost benefit analysis. Plus, these skills are further enriched through the programme's optional modules and the choice of dissertation, consultancy and placement project modules which deliver high quality employability skills.
What you’ll learn
Research-led teaching informs our innovative programme which is designed to fulfil your academic needs and support your future employability. You will extend your understanding of econometric theory and practice so you can confidently apply this to the analysis of empirical questions. This will consist of studying areas such as basic regression theory, panel data, limited dependent variable models and time series methods, as well as using STATA statistical software to analyse real-world datasets.
Established and contemporary microeconomic and macroeconomic theory is studied through a blend of analytics and intuitive reasoning with a strong emphasis on policy application. Microeconomics concentrates on advanced decision making by individuals and firms, the role of information and regulation. Macroeconomics considers the role of of key institutions such as governments and central banks, technological innovation and automation/AI, monetary economics, supply-side economics and adjustment to international shocks.
How will you scope out a research problem and design an appropriate approach for a solution? How do you conduct research? You will develop essential research techniques on this programme so you can confidently undertake either your dissertation, company project or work-based placement opportunity.
How can economic tools be used to address the most pressing environmental, climate and sustainability challenges of our time? Learn to apply economic approaches and tools, grounded on sound theory and concepts. You will use factual and empirical evidence, to solve real world problems through case studies related to themes such as environmental pollution, food and ecosystem services, recycling, energy production and consumption or reduction of carbon footprints.
Public sector economics and policy is examined in-depth to develop a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and established theory in this context. Again, our approach is both analytical and intuitive with specific attention concentrating on policy and real-world applications. We focus on taxation, analyse government expenditure in areas such as defence and education, and assess policy tools such as cost benefit analysis and the mechanisms of social choice. You will evaluate current debates around the quality of goods and services provided by the private and public sector so you can really get to the heart of these issues.
A range of optional modules enable you to coordinate your studies with areas of interest from within economics or business. Current options include advancing your knowledge of modern portfolio management and investment theory and practice, enhancing your understanding of consumer behaviour and exploring leadership theory and concepts.
Other choices include exploring the multi-trillion derivative markets and how derivative instruments can be used to manage complex market positions, or you could choose to gain an in-depth insight into aspects of the fixed income market, exploring the latest methodologies and credit risks involved giving you the potential to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) professional exam.
You could also choose to enhance your creativity and personal development by learning to use creativity techniques, or examine how the financial sector is moving to a more sustainable future. You will also have the choice of undertaking an economics dissertation, consultancy project or a work placement.
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