ObjectivesIn particular, at the end of the programme study fellows will be able to: -Read and understand the leading applied economics and development economics journals. -Understand the main economic models and key indicators from which development policies are derived and offer a critique of underlying theories. -Through the preparation of a dissertation and/or the applied development economics project explore the relationship between theory and practice, test theories through the use of actual data sets, and demonstrate familiarity with standard econometric techniques and appropriate econometric software packages. -Demonstrate the skills demanded of an academic researcher in development economics or a staff advisor in a government department, non-government organisation or commercial organisation. -Undertake independent research, as evidenced by the completion of a dissertation.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements: Applicants should hold a good first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) or an equivalent qualification (e.g. a Postgraduate Diploma) in a relevant discipline from an approved university. Admission of candidates who do not meet this criterion may be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or professional experience can be provided.
Academic titleDevelopment Economics and Policy MSc
Course descriptionModule details
The programme consists of four compulsory course units, including an applied development economics project using developing country data sets, three optional course units to be chosen on offer, and a dissertation to be completed over the summer. On successful completion of the programme, graduates will possess a broad spectrum of development-related skills, particularly the quantitative skills that are increasingly demanded by development organisations.
Core course units typically include:
-Macroeconomic Policy for Development
-Microeconomics for Development
-Introduction to Econometrics
-Applied Development Economics Project
The remaining four optional course units are chosen from an extensive range available from IDPM and Economics. This may include:
-Poverty, Government Policy and Inequality in LDCs
-Economic Analysis of the Public Sector
-Issues in Development Finance
-Micro Finance
-Public Sector Reform and Management
-Trade Policy and Development
-Growth, Development and Economic Transformation
-Microeconomic Theory
-Monetary Economics
-International Monetary Economics
-International Trade Theory
-Project Appraisal and Cost Benefit Analysis
-Stablisation and Development
Career opportunities
The programme attracts individuals intending to take up specialist positions in development-related public and private sector organisations both in the UK and overseas, and in NGOs and international bodies. It also provides the first year of basic training for those wishing to pursue a research degree (PhD/MPhil) in this subject area.