ObjectivesThis degree is designed to equip you with tools and techniques for investigating important economic issues. It provides a grounding in mathematical and econometric techniques, and goes on to discuss the foundations of microeconomics and macroeconomics and their application to new economic problems. As a student on this degree, you will learn to express original ideas in academic papers and to test them with the use of econometrics. The study of econometrics covers linear and dynamic linear regression models, a wide variety of hypothesis tests and techniques for estimating systems of equations. Techniques are illustrated with economic examples such as models with rational expectations, as well as consumption, production and money demand functions. This degree provides a solid basis for a wide variety of careers in business, government and academia – the underlying thrust is to enable you to work effectively when tackling economic problems of the sort faced by industry, banking, the civil service and researchers. Economics and finance at Birkbeck has acquired an excellent reputation, not only for the quality of its research but also for the quality of its training. The Treasury, the Bank of England and many other employers hire us to train their staff. Employers recognise the quality of Birkbeck graduates in economics and finance. We take students who are determined to succeed and are prepared to undergo the rigours of a first-class training, whether they are studying full-time or part-time. We aim to produce world-class graduates who have a proven record of success in a tough learning environment.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements First- or second-class honours degree, or its equivalent, in either a directly relevant or a highly quantitative subject, or the Birkbeck Graduate Diploma in Economics (formerly Advanced Certificate in Economics). Non-EU students are encouraged to submit GRE or GMAT results, although these are not required. Relevant practical work experience also taken into consideration. Demonstrable qualities, such as good time management and the ability to cope under pressure, are vital.
Course descriptionCore courses reinforce economic theory with practical application. Options provide specialised modules with current themes.
Core courses
-Preliminary courses in mathematical and quantitative techniques
-Microeconomic Theory (consumer and producer theory, general equilibrium, game theory, imperfect information and imperfect competition, market -failures, public choice, and taxation)
-Macroeconomic Theory (neo-classical and New Keynesian economics, economic growth, the government budget – constraint, inflation and unemployment)
-Quantitative Methods of Economic Inquiry, including an applied project in which you construct an empirical econometric model on a subject of your choice, which can be on a work-related topic.
Options
-Industrial Economics
-Corporate Finance
-International Macroeconomics
-Advanced Econometrics
-Game Theory
-Monetary Economics and Policy
-Labour Economics.
Teaching
Through lectures. For most subjects there are also classes where problem sets, based on material presented in the lectures, are solved. For the applied project you receive tutorial guidance from a faculty member.
Assessment
Through June examination and coursework, including an econometrics project. Students who obtain pass marks or better on at least two of the four taught-course modules on the MSc Economics but do not satisfy the requirement to obtain the MSc may obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics.