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Programme Specification
Economics (2020-21)
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Awarding Institution University of Southampton Teaching Institution University of Southampton Mode of Study Duration in years
Full-time 1 Accreditation details None Final award Master of Research (MRes) Name of Award Economics Interim Exit awards Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education
FHEQ level of final award Level 7 UCAS code Programme Code
N/A
QAA Subject Benchmark or other external reference
Economics 2015, Master's Degree Characteristics 2016
Programme Lead Antonella Ianni Pathway Lead
Programme Overview
Brief outline of the programme
The MRes in Economics provides advanced training in economic and econometric analysis. It offers students the opportunity to study particular areas of economics in greater depth, from both a theoretical and an empirical perspective. The programme is designed to: (1) equip students to undertake independent research in economics, (2) give an opportunity to formulate and conduct own independent research, (3) provide training necessary for a career as an economist in the public and the private sector. The programme is full time and lasts for 12 months, with nine months of taught modules between October and June of the academic year, paralleled by an amount of research in preparation for a dissertation to be completed by the end of September. The topic for the dissertation is chosen with the advice and guidance of members of the academic staff. The taught component of the programme aims at broadening your skills in the field of economics. The exact portfolio of courses is selected with the advice of the academic supervisor of the dissertation and will also prepare you for higher degrees. The intensive research component takes the form of an MRes Dissertation, consisting of an original and independent piece of research.
Your contact hours will vary depending on your module/option choices. Full information about contact hours is provided in individual module profiles.
Learning and teaching To develop your knowledge and understanding of Economics a range of teaching methods will be used. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and coursework to help develop your core knowledge and understanding. You will undertake an extended research project in a specific area and will be supervised
throughout by a supervisor with leading research experience in that area. Taught modules, chosen with the help of your supervisor, will provide solid foundation to your knowledge. Throughout the programme you will undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate taught material and to broaden your knowledge and understanding. Students on the programme will also be expected to attend all weekly Departmental seminars and all Departmental Workshops.
Assessment The taught component will be assessed by a combination of coursework (problem sets, tests or essays) and examination at the end of each semester. The MRes dissertation will be assessed on the academic quality of the work, by the supervisor and by an independent internal examiner, and the ability to present parts of the research work in a workshop.
Special Features of the programme
N/A
Please note: As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this programme may be revised during a student's period of registration; however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student's programme.
Programmes and major changes to programmes are approved through the University's programme validation process which is described in the University's Quality handbook.
Educational Aims of the Programme
(1) equip students to undertake independent research in economics, (2) give an opportunity to formulate and conduct own independent research, (3) provide training necessary for a career as an economist in the public and the private sector, or to undertake higher education degrees. The programme is designed both to equip students to undertake independent research in economics, and to provide the training necessary to undertake a career as an economist in the public or private sector.
The objectives of the programme are to provide students with:
- a rigorous understanding of the theoretical foundations of economics and/or econometrics
- the ability to formulate, manipulate and draw conclusions from an economic model;
- the ability to apply economic analysis to a range of policy areas;
- the ability to interpret and critically evaluate economic ideas and research findings;
- the ability to test and evaluate economic models using a variety of research methodologies, data and techniques of analysis;
- the in-depth knowledge of specific areas of economics and/or econometrics necessary to undertake independent research;
- the ability to design, implement and manage independent research in economics;
- the ability to present ideas, arguments and research findings effectively.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
B5. formulate research questions in economics and/or econometrics and translate these into appropriate research designs.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching and learning methods will include:
- staff-led lectures and classes;
- carrying out of written assignments or problem sets associated with the coursework component of each module;
- attendance of weekly Departmental seminars and Workshops;
- independent research work on a research topic that could lead to results publishable in the peer reviewed literature;
- presentation of research work;
- regular meetings about research work with the supervisory team.
Note: B5 is not fully developed in students who exit with a PGCert
Assessment Methods
Taught component
The taught component will be assessed by a mixture of coursework (e.g., essays, problem sets, tests in class) and examination. All economics and econometrics skills centred learning is taken at FHEQ Level 7 (which will map to ECON6XXX modules). The exam and coursework are designed to ensure that the learning outcomes have been achieved. The proportion of coursework and exam is that which is judged to most suit student engagement with the content of the course, as well as judging the level of understanding. Past examination papers will be made available through the standard channels.
Research component
The research component will be assessed on the academic quality of the work, by the supervisor and by an independent internal examiner, and the ability to present parts of the research work in a workshop.
Transferable and Generic Skills
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:
C1. communicate complex economic arguments in both written and oral form; C2. make effective use of a range of ICT including the Internet, word-processing, databases and spreadsheets; C3. identify, select and access a range of sources of printed, electronic and other material as a means to the development and presentation of arguments and evidence; C4. demonstrate awareness and understanding of the ethical and legal issues associated with the conduct of research in the social sciences; C5. design, implement and manage a piece of research; C6. the ability to make informed judgements on the design and effective implementation of policies to address a range of economic problems; C7. an extensive knowledge of the principal sources of economic information and data; C8. mastery of a range of statistical software for the organisation, presentation and analysis of economic data.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching and learning methods will include:
- staff-led lectures and classes;
- carrying out of written assignments or problem sets associated with the coursework component of each module;
- attendance to weekly Departmental seminars and Workshops;
- independent research work on a research topic that could lead to results publishable in the peer reviewed literature;
- presentation of research work;
- regular meetings about research work with the supervisory team.
Note: C5 is not fully developed in students who exit with a PGCert
Assessment Methods
Taught component
The taught component will be assessed by a mixture of coursework (e.g., essays, problem sets, tests in class) and examination. All economics and econometrics skills centred learning is taken at FHEQ Level 7 (which will map to ECON6XXX modules). The exam and coursework are designed to ensure that the learning outcomes have been achieved. The proportion of coursework and exam is that which is judged to most suit student engagement with the content of the course, as well as judging the level of understanding. Past examination papers will be made available through the standard channels.
Research component
The research component will be assessed on the academic quality of the work, by the supervisor and by an independent internal examiner, and the ability to present parts of the research work in a workshop.
Programme Structure
The programme structure table is below:
Information about pre and co-requisites is included in individual module profiles.
Where optional modules have been specified, the following is an indicative list of available optional modules, which are subject to change each academic year. Please note in some instances modules have limited spaces available.
Pathway
Part 1 (Year 1) The MRes in Economics provides advanced training in economic and econometric analysis. It offers students the opportunity to study particular areas of economics in greater depth, from both a theoretical and an empirical perspective.
The taught component of the programme aims at broadening skills in the field of economics. The exact portfolio of courses is selected with the advice of the academic supervisor of the research project and will also prepare for higher degrees. The intensive research component takes the form of an MRes Dissertation, consisting of an original and independent piece of research.
Code Module Title ECTS Type ECON6029 Financial Economics and Asset Pricing 2020-
10 Optional
ECON6023 Macroeconomics 2020-21 10 Optional
Part 1 (Year 1) R3 Optional Semester 2 You must choose 15 ECTS/ 30 CATS from the following:-
Code Module Title ECTS Type ECON6017 Economic Policy in Development 2020- 21
5 Optional
ECON6037 Experimental Economics 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6015 Finance 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6042 Financial Derivatives 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6043 Financial Econometrics 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6038 Health Policy and Economics 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6008 Industrial Economics 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6016 International Trade 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6007 Labour Economics 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6040 Panel Data and Microeconometrics 2020-
5 Optional
ECON6044 Principles of Corporate Finance 2020- 21
5 Optional
ECON6041 Time Series Econometrics 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6009 Topics in Econometrics 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6025 Topics in Economic Theory 2020-21 5 Optional ECON6032 Topics in Macroeconomics 2020-21 5 Optional
Part II (Year 2)
Part II (Year 2) Core You must take and pass the following:-
Code Module Title ECTS Type ECON6046 MRes Economics Dissertation 2021-22 30 Core
Progression Requirements The programme follows the University's regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results : Undergraduate and Integrated Masters Programmes or Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Postgraduate Master's Programmes. Any exemptions or variations to the University regulations, approved by AQSC are located in section VI of the University Calendar.
Support for student learning
There are facilities and services to support your learning some of which are accessible to students across the University and some of which will be geared more particularly to students in your particular Faculty or discipline area.
The University provides:
- library resources, including e-books, on-line journals and databases, which are comprehensive and up-to- date; together with assistance from Library staff to enable you to make the best use of these resources
- high speed access to online electronic learning resources on the Internet from dedicated PC Workstations onsite and from your own devices; laptops, smartphones and tablet PCs via the Eduroam wireless network. There is a wide range of application software available from the Student Public Workstations.
- computer accounts which will connect you to a number of learning technologies for example, the Blackboard virtual learning environment (which facilitates online learning and access to specific learning resources)
- standard ICT tools such as Email, secure filestore and calendars.
- access to key information through the MySouthampton Student Mobile Portal which delivers timetables, Module information, Locations, Tutor details, Library account, bus timetables etc. while you are on the move.
- IT support through a comprehensive website, telephone and online ticketed support and a dedicated helpdesk in the Hartley Library.
- Enabling Services offering support services and resources via a triage model to access crisis management, mental health support and counselling. Support includes daily Drop In at Highfield campus at 13.00 – 15.00 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday out of term-time) or via on-line chat on weekdays from 14.00 – 16.00. Arrangements can also be made for meetings via Skype.
- assessment and support (including specialist IT support) facilities if you have a disability, long term health problem or Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia)
- the Student Services Centre (SSC) to assist you with a range of general enquiries including financial matters, accommodation, exams, graduation, student visas, ID cards
- Career and Employability services, advising on job search, applications, interviews, paid work, volunteering and internship opportunities and getting the most out of your extra-curricular activities alongside your degree programme when writing your CV.
- Other support that includes health services (GPs), chaplaincy (for all faiths) and 'out of hours' support for students in Halls and in the local community (18.00-08.00).
- A Centre for Language Study, providing assistance in the development of English language and study skills for non-native speakers.
The Students' Union provides
- an academic student representation system, consisting of Course Representatives, Academic Presidents, Faculty Officers and the Vice-President Education; SUSU provides training and support for all these representatives, whose role is to represent students' views to the University.
- opportunities for extracurricular activities and volunteering
- an Advice Centre offering free and confidential advice including support if you need to make an academic appeal
- Support for student peer-to-peer groups, such as Nightline.
Associated with your programme you will be able to access:
- Bloomberg suite
- Economics Experimental Lab
- Module co-ordinators support. Module co-ordinators will be available at designated times during the week to discuss issues related to the particular modules you are studying at the time. This will be in addition to class contact time.
- Academic/personal tutor. As soon as you register on this programme, you will be allocated a personal tutor. S/he is a member of the academic team and will be available to discuss general academic issues related to the programme as well as offer advice and support on any personal issues which may affect your studies.
- Module handbooks/outlines. These will be available at the start of each module (often in online format). The Handbook includes the aims and learning outcomes of the module, the methods of assessment, relevant background material to the module and typically a session-by-session breakdown of the module together with appropriate reading lists.
- Within the Faculty, administrative support is provided by your Student Office which deals with student records and related issues and with queries related to your specific degree programme.
Methods for evaluating the quality of teaching and learning
You will have the opportunity to have your say on the quality of the programme in the following ways:
Completing student evaluation questionnaires for each module of the programme. Acting as a student representative on various committees, e.g. Staff/Student Liaison Committees, School Programmes Committee OR providing comments to your student representative to feedback on your behalf. Serving as a student representative on Faculty Scrutiny Groups for programme validation. Taking part in programme validation meetings by joining a panel of students to meet with the Faculty Scrutiny Group.
Further details on the University's quality assurance processes are given in the Quality handbook.
Career Opportunities
Appendix 1:
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study. In addition to this, students registered for this programme also have to pay for:
Additional Costs Type Details Books and Stationery equipment
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Details of such costs will be listed in the Module Profile. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University's Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
