M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip. Economics
Course DescriptionThis course in Economics leads to the award of a Master in Science (Economics) (M.Sc. (Econ)). The objective of the course is to provide well-qualified graduates in economics and related disciplines with the training required to work as economists in the public, private and non-profit sectors or to enter Ph.D. programmes in economics. The course focuses on the technical skills needed to undertake economic research and emphasises active and problem-based learning to ensure mastery of the required skills.The course has two strands. The first is a general entry strand and the second is a strand that focuses on International Development. While the required mix of modules varies across the two, the structure and timing of both is the same and both lead to an M.Sc. (Econ) qualification.Both strands are available on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time course takes one year, while the part-time course runs over two academic years. All students on all strands must take an intensive preliminary course in mathematics and statistics at the start of the first semester, while the second semester starts with a Research Methods course.The MSc programme is structured around the following components: 1. An intensive mathematics and statistics module at the start of Semester 1, which is compulsory for all students.2. Six taught four-week modules in Semester 1: Econometrics modules are required for all students.3. A Research Topics module at the start of Semester 2, which is compulsory for all students.4. Six taught four-week modules in Semester 2: Econometrics modules are required for all students.5. The research-based dissertation, due in late June, allows students to showcase the knowledge they have gained by identifying and answering a research question.In addition to mandatory Econometrics modules, students on the International Development strand will have other required modules.Assessment on the M.Sc. register will be based on coursework and the dissertation. The pass mark is 50%.To qualify for the award of the M.Sc. (Econ.), students must have an overall average mark of at least 50% and achieve a pass mark in the dissertation and in each module. Students who fail the dissertation will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, provided they complete 60 ECTS.Further details are available on the course website. A number of scholarships may be awarded annually to highly qualified candidates, for details see the course website.