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Queen's University Belfast

Economics

Overview
Do you have an interest in the world economy and in how economics can help us understand the world around us? Well trained economists are highly sought after in the labour market and are employed by consultancy firms, the government economic service, financial institutions, and other international organizations and businesses (even the tech giants). Do you want to combine an advanced understanding of core economics and the latest developments in economics with the opportunity to specialise in economic theory, applied economics, or economic history?

Economics is about how people make choices in conditions of resource scarcity and the results of these choices for society. It's about understanding the world around us and our place in it.

If you are interested in advanced study in economics that is 'post-crisis' in both structure and content, delivered at one of the UK's leading universities, then this degree is for you. The core modules develop your understanding of key economic concepts, ideas, tools and techniques, including the latest developments in micro, macro, applied econometrics, behavioural economics, the economics of labour markets and social policy and economic history. You can then specialise further in economic theory, applied economics (policy and institutions), or economic history. You will spend the summer combining your knowledge and skills to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice under personal supervision of a member of the Queen's faculty. On successful completion of this Masters you will have a deep understanding of the world economy past and present and the advanced analytical and quantitative skills that are so highly sought after by employers.

Entry requirements

Normally a 1st or 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Economics or a closely related subject (e.g. Business Economics, Finance, joint degrees with substantial economics component).

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

English language requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
• Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
• Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Duration

1 year full-time.

Time of day
Morning and afternoon.

Careers or further progression

Careers Prospects
Introduction
Well-trained economists are highly sought after in the labour market and are employed by consultancy firms, financial institutions and other international businesses, as well as in the public sector and by international NGOs. Some students will wish to go on to PhD study in Economics in preparation for a career as an academic or research economist.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/QueensManagementSchool/

Further enquiries

Dr Matthias Blum
Lecturer
Centre for Economic History
Email: Matthias.blum@qub.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Semester 1
• Applied Econometrics
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomic Theory

Semester 2
• Economic Behaviour
• Labour Economics and Social Policy
• The Global Economy in Historical Perspective

Plus choose one from:
• Topics in Economic History
• Topics in Economic Theory
• Topics in Policy and Institutions

Semester 3
• Dissertation

Modules are subject to change.

Comment

Economics highlights
Economics is ranked 16th in the UK (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016)

World Class Facilities
• Weekly training sessions in our state of the art computer lab will help you to develop your data analytical skills using market-leading econometrics software such as STATA.

Internationally Renowned Experts
• In addition to working with Queen's own expert faculty, students have the opportunity to learn from external international experts in their fields who come to Queen's to give seminars and master classes. You will also hear guest lectures from industry professionals, with opportunities to network afterwards.

Student Experience
• Economics, and the way economics is taught, is changing. This new programme, with its emphasis on using cutting-edge economic analysis to understand the world today and our behaviour within it, places you at the forefront of this advance.
• You will cover all the core elements (compulsory modules) you need for an advanced understanding of economics and to develop you analytical and quantitative skill set, but you will also have the flexibility to tailor the course to your personal interests and career aspirations.

Assessment method

Two thirds by written examination and continuous assessment. One third by dissertation (14,000-17,000 words or equivalent).

Application date

Postgraduate Taught
Closing dates do apply for some of our courses, and details of these are available on our Course Finder. We advise you to apply as early as possible, particularly for those courses where there is a high demand for places. Early application is also important for international applicants to allow sufficient time to obtain a student entry visa.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply. See application weblink below.