Economics (MRes)

This two-year Masters in Economics provides rigorous mathematical training in modern economics. It will equip you with a thorough understanding of the research tools and techniques, both theoretical and empirical, required for the analysis of economics.

Why this programme

• This MRes is distinctive in its two-year programme structure and will provide you with comprehensive foundational training in economics. It is modelled on the established tradition of US universities providing thorough PhD preparation.
• It is ideally suited if you have a quantitative background, but limited exposure to economic ideas, or if you have a background in economics and are interested in developing this knowledge in line with the current standards of economics research.
• It includes extensive training in qualitative research methods of mathematics, statistics and econometrics, as well as the mathematical treatment of the core areas of economics.
• Our staff members are research-active economists, who publish regularly in leading professional journals such as Econometrica, Theoretical Economics, the Economic Journal, and the Review of Economic Dynamics.
• You will have the opportunity to join the Economics Group, which is a vibrant postgraduate research community that runs a series of seminars dedicated to different subjects within economics. The group also hosts workshops and conferences, and attracts international research visitors of world-leading quality. 
• Take advantage of our individualised skills development programme, which will ensure you balance academic theory with crucial employability skills to help you maximise your potential and achieve your career goals.

Programme structure

• During the first two weeks you will take a pre-sessional mathematics course. This ensures that you all begin the programme on the same mathematical footing. In year one you will receive comprehensive research-oriented training in research methods and the core areas of economics. You will also receive advanced training in research design and complete an independent summer research project under academic supervision.
• After year one of this programme you will have the option to graduate with an MSc Quantitative Economics, or continue to year two which will focus on the specialised fields of applied economics; preparing you for your PhD.
• In year two you will take optional courses in your chosen subfield of specialisation, as well as work on a dissertation that will lead to your PhD proposal (should you decide to proceed further onto a PhD in Economics). Teaching will be in the format of lectures, tutorials and seminars, with work on research projects. 

Core courses

• Econometrics
• Macroeconomics 1
• Macroeconomics 2
• Microeconomics 1
• Microeconomics 2
• Quantitative methods. 

Optional courses may include

• Behavioural economics
• Contract theory
• Decision theory
• Economic growth: Theory and numerical solution methods
• Game theory
• Industrial organisation
• International macroeconomics
• Market microstructure
• Methods of economic dynamics
• Microfoundations of macroeconomics
• Networks and games
• Time series analysis
• Welfare and mechanism design.

Career prospects

• This programme provides you with thorough preparation for PhD research, and completion at a sufficiently high level guarantees admission into the Glasgow Economics PhD programme. You will also be extremely well-positioned to be accepted for PhD study in other universities. Upon completion of the programme you will be equipped to pursue careers in academia, government, industry or consulting. We have a dedicated careers and employability team who provide 1-2-1 support and advice, group workshops, employer events on campus and networking opportunities throughout the year to help you with your career prospects.