MSc Economics and Econometrics

The Economics and Econometrics MSc programme offers a thorough training in advanced economic and econometric theory and quantitative methods, while allowing students to specialise or take options in a range of subjects reflecting the School’s main areas of research expertise.

Building on a sound general training in econometric methods, the project-oriented compulsory modules in time series econometrics and applied microeconometrics introduce you to the theory and practice of econometric modelling. The programme is one of the few courses in the UK to offer specialist training in advanced econometric methods and their application. Economists with quantitative skills and experience in empirical research are in high demand in both the private and public sector.

All of our MSc degrees equip you with a range of quantitative and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex economic concepts in a clear and concise style. Our programmes not only offer a stimulating education in economic theory, but also develop your ability to apply economic knowledge, analytical tools and skills to a range of national and international problems in the areas of finance, development, agriculture and the environment. 

Course structure

The Economics and Econometrics MSc is studied over one year full-time or two years part-time and is divided into two stages: eight taught modules (six of which are compulsory) and a dissertation.

There are compulsory modules in Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Microeconomics of Consumers, Markets and Welfare, Econometric Methods and Research Skills. There are a further three core econometrics modules: Financial Econometrics, Microeconomics, and Time-Series Econometrics. The core modules build upon students’ existing knowledge, understanding and skills. Students develop a deeper understanding of economic and econometric theory, quantitative and research methods, and policy applications. The teaching and learning of skills are carefully integrated into the structure of the modules and degree programme. The final two modules are chosen from a range of options based upon the research interests of members of staff.

All of our MSc programmes require some mathematical analysis, and we recognise that students have widely differing backgrounds in mathematics. The first week of all our MSc programmes includes compulsory intensive teaching in mathematics, refreshing and improving your skills in order to equip you with the techniques you will need for the rest of the programme.

Students who successfully pass the taught element of the programme, proceed to the dissertation stage, where you undertake a supervised project of your choice on an Economics/Economics topic. Advice on choice of dissertation topic and management is given during the taught stage of the programme. The dissertation stage develops students’ research skills and follows on from the Research Skills module. Student dissertations are supervised by academic staff.

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take modules from other programmes so that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas that interest you.

Advanced Macroeconomics

Advanced Microeconomics of Consumers, Markets and Welfare

Econometric Methods

Financial Econometrics

Microeconometrics

Time-Series Econometrics

Two from: Development Economics; International Economics; Labour Economics; Money and Credit.

Research Skills for the Economics Dissertation

Dissertation of 12,000 words

Assessment

Assessment is through a wide variety of methods including seminar presentations, extended essays, short projects, in-class tests, examinations, and the dissertation.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

• To provide a stimulating education in the principles of Economics and Econometrics and their application, in which high quality teaching motivates students to achieve their full potential. The teaching is informed by the research and scholarship of teaching staff.
• To build on the existing knowledge, abilities and skills of all students, and to develop a deeper understanding of economic theory, econometric and quantitative techniques and policy applications to specific areas.
• To provide options to enable students to study selected areas of Economics and Econometrics in depth.
• To develop in students the ability to apply economic knowledge, analytical tools and skills in a range of theoretical, applied and policy problems.
• To develop the skills necessary for independent research and to prepare students for work as professional economists in the area related to Economics and/or Econometrics.
• To provide information and advice on future employment and further postgraduate study.

Careers

Kent has an excellent record for postgraduate employment: 95% of MSc students who graduated in 2017 and responded to a national survey (DLHE) were in work or further study within six months.

A postgraduate degree in the area of economics is a particularly valuable and flexible qualification that can open the door to exciting careers in many professions. Our graduates have gone on to work as economists in international organisations, the financial sector, business, UK and overseas governments, and to further postgraduate training and academic careers at Kent, UK and overseas universities. Recent MSc graduates have gone on to work for companies in the UK such as BNP Paribas, AXA, FactSet and PwC.

The School's employability officers and the University's Careers and Employability Service are available throughout the year to offer one-to-one advice and help on all aspects of employability at any stage in your postgraduate studies. We also offer online advice on employability skills, career choices, applications and interview skills.

Find out how to apply here - https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

Visit the MSc Economics and Econometrics page on the University of Kent website for more details!