About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: L11012
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Bristol Business School
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: MSc - 12-15 months full-time, PGDip - 10 months full-time. It may also be possible to study on a part-time basis.
- Delivery: Part-time, full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Dr Derek Braddon (acting)
Introduction
Relevant economists, relevant economics
At UWE, Bristol we strive to be relevant economists, doing relevant economics: we deliver economics which is relevant to the real world. A UWE economist understands business and the wider world, is used to dealing with complex issues, and can turn these into clear ideas that colleagues can understand and act on.
Become an applied economist
This one year Masters programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a practising professional economist or go on to further research in Economics and related subjects. You will develop a potent combination of academic knowledge, data analysis, policy evaluation and other key skills of the practising economist. Our applied approach helps you develop into a rounded thinker able to solve real-world problems. You will hone your practical skills via applied projects and day to day contact with real-world problems, current debates and cutting edge research.
Find out more about studying Economics at UWE.
Structure
Content
The Economics course at UWE can be studied on a full and part-time basis to postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or Masters level. Throughout the course, students will take a number of core and optional modules, as listed below.
Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma
Core modules:
Microeconomic Theory and Applications - this module explores core theory in microeconomics, such as consumer behaviour and general equilibrium, and applies these to real world scenarios. You will explore current debates in microeconomics, such as on behavioural economics and happiness. The exact content of the module will differ each year, to reflect contemporary developments.
Macroeconomic Analysis - This module provides students with core tools and concepts of analysis in economics. It introduces students to key concepts and bodies of thought in Macroeconomics and complements the material provided in Microeconomic Theory and Applications. The competencies developed in the module are crucial to the development of a professional economist.
Finance - Finance and money are central to the workings of modern economies. Through this module you will master fundamental concepts in finance and financial markets, and appreciate the role of finance, money and banking in the economy. Your learning will be enhanced by the facilities offered by the Reuters trading room.
Econometrics - Through this module you will appreciate the use of econometrics as a tool for studying economics, and become familiar with the main tools of econometrics at an advanced level. You will learn in weekly workshops via computer-based methods of econometric investigation.
Contemporary Policy Analysis - In this module you will engage in current debates in microeconomic and macroeconomic policy analysis, such as study health service reform and sovereign debt crises. The module is designed to change every year to reflect changing events and staff research. You will develop skills of policy analysis via a project of your choice.
Monetary Economics - This module examines theory, policy and evidence in monetary economics. You will engage in recent debates on the design of monetary policy and you will gain command of techniques crucial to working in this area.
Applied Econometrics - Through this module you will develop a command of economic data collection and analysis. The module introduces the advanced tools required for applied econometric analysis and prepares the student for research work as an economist in industry, government and possible academia. You will hone your research skills through your chosen applied project using STATA. The exact content of the module will differ each year, to reflect contemporary developments.
In addition, you will choose either
Principles of Financial Intermediation - In this module you will learn to analyse banks, financial markets and other financial intermediaries and their role in the economy.
or
Development Economics - This module discusses theories and evidence on economic development via current research and real examples.
Prior to the start of the taught modules, you will do a Pre-sessional course on mathematics, statistics and core economics. This module will allow you the opportunity to refresh your existing skills in these core areas. Though our approach is applied and not excessively technical, it is essential you are comfortable with the language and skills of quantitative economics.
Masters
Dissertation - In addition to these modules, your dissertation gives you the chance to research an area of economics of particular interest to you and of relevance to your career or organisation. Students must complete the dissertation in order to achieve the full Masters qualification.
Previous dissertation topics include:
- The Effect of Monetary Policy on Stock Market Returns- An ARDL Cointegration analysis of the UK
- An Analysis of the Performance of Hungarian Firms in the Post-Socialist Era Based on Their Ownership Structure
- UK Tourism Demand in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus
Teaching and learning
You'll learn though formal classes and seminar sessions, as well as through group work and independent study. The work will include assignments, exercises, case studies and presentations with an emphasis on independent learning to develop your problem solving skills. Many workshops involve state of the art technology in the Reuters trading room or using leading computer software such as STATA.
Assessment
Assessment is through supervised mini-projects, presentations, time-constrained assignments and examinations.
Special Features
Study facilities
Your learning will take place in our dedicated postgraduate teaching rooms, and in computer labs equipped with cutting edge software. You will also have special access to the Reuters trading room, a state of the art facility which provides a magnificent data source and the opportunity to engage in delayed real time simulated trading.
Meet leaders of industry
As a student at Bristol Business School, you will have the unique opportunity to hear about the challenges, issues and decisions being made at the highest level of strategic leadership. Our inspirational line up of speakers has included Lady Susan Rice who spoke on "Reconnecting Banking and Values". For more information, visit the Business School website.
Careers/further study
Economics is at the heart of business and society. Employers love UWE economists because they're problem solving, team-playing communicators with real-world knowledge, practical experience and invaluable expertise. Graduates from our programmes have found employment the EU, the UK Government, The UK Office for National Statistics, the American Cancer Society and BDO Stoy Hayward. Many more have subsequently completed PhDs.
Entry
Entry requirements
This is a demanding course and you'll normally need:
- An honours degree (minimum 2:2) usually in an Economics or related discipline from a recognised Higher Education institution (or equivalent from a recognised overseas institution)
Alternatively, you'll need comparable qualifications, knowledge and experience.
If English is not your first language, you will be required to meet the UK Border Agency and Universities minimum English Language requirements, such as:
- the International English Language Test (IELTS) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
Further details of our English Language requirements can be found here.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
How to apply
You can apply for this course online or download an application by clicking on the link in the 'next steps' red box which is on the top right hand corner of this page.
The deadline for applying for this course is three weeks before the start date.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011