MSc - Development Economics

Why did you choose to study at Kent?

"The modules offered by the course met my interests more than those in similar courses in other universities. Also, the student fees and accommodation costs were lower than in other universities of similar ranking."

What attracted you to this course?

"I already have a master in Development Studies but I wanted to acquire quantitative skills, that are more valued on the job market. This MSc at Kent offered an opportunity to get the skills I wanted, while still being accessible to somebody without a background in Economics."

What are you particularly enjoying about your studies/time here?

"Aside from the high quality of the teaching, the mixed and diverse environment is very stimulating from a personal point of view. I suggest new students should apply for a room on campus, since that makes attending class easier and allows you to experience living with people from all over the world."

Which modules have you enjoyed the most?

"I would say the quantitative modules. They have been very clear and informative, giving valuable practical skills while remaining accessible to somebody with no prior knowledge of statistics and econometrics, like me."

How have you found the teaching?

"The quality of teaching has been very high: every professor is passionate about their job, and there are presentations and assignments that stimulate discussion."

What is the level of support like?

"The support is inclusive and constant. The heads of the school regularly ask for the students’ feedback, and they act upon it. To give an example, they created additional optional classes for students that felt the need to become more familiar with Stata, software that is used often in the modules."

Why did you choose to study at Kent?

"Firstly, it offers the specific course I wanted to specialise in after my undergraduate studies and my experience in development finance in Sierra Leone. The other attraction to Kent for me was the part-time option for the MSc programme. This was a big relief since I wanted to combine work, study and family care. Importantly, its proximity to Ashford where I live is a big advantage. Before submitting my final application I made two visits on the open days where I had the opportunity to speak to staff and take a tour of the campus, which is situated on the hills overlooking the City of Canterbury with lots of lovely green landscape around the campus. After ticking all the boxes, Kent emerged as my ultimate choice."

What are you particularly enjoying about your studies/time here?

"I enjoy the cosmopolitan setting at Kent where you interact with students from across the globe. You don't only interact with people from different nationalities in your class but also during general workshops, lectures and congressional prayers if, for example, you participate in Christian worship or Muslim prayers."

How have you found the teaching?
"The teaching is brilliant; the lecturers are quite knowledgeable, experienced and highly professional in their approach. The teaching atmosphere gives you the opportunity to be at your best and as teaching materials are delivered before lectures, you have the chance to do some preliminary reading before your classes. I think the combination of lectures and seminars for every topic enhances your understanding because you see more empirical results and different opinions."

How does postgraduate study differ from undergraduate?

"At this stage there is a high level of independence in your work, particularly projects and seminars, which help to improve your communication and team building skills. It's not only retrospective but also gives deeper understanding of concepts and allows you to appreciate the subject matter and its applicability in the wider world phenomena. What is pretty clear and interesting for me at this level is the use and application of concepts from various subjects you have learnt at the undergraduate level. One gets the feeling that all you have learnt from undergraduate study was a preparation to embark on the Master's programme, because all the bits and pieces fall in to place."