Economics (MSc)

How will I be taught?

You’ll be taught by internationally recognised academics who are at the forefront of their subject knowledge. 

Lectures will provide a structured overview of the key concepts, theories, and models, allowing you to understand the relevance and foundations of new topics, as well as to reflect on models and theories in action. Lectures are engaging and will facilitate an interactive learning environment.

These will be complemented by interactive tutorials that will allow you to reflect on the practical aspects of what you are taught and to harness relevant professional skills.

In the more quantitative-oriented modules, you’ll have the opportunity to use specialised software and financial and economic databases.

 You’ll be expected to engage in significant independent study - reading academic papers, textbooks, and other relevant materials – to deepen your understanding of the topics covered in lectures and tutorials.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods vary from module to module but include coursework, essays, individual projects, and exams. This variety of tasks provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate concepts and skills in multiple ways.

You’ll have opportunities to reflect on your learning throughout; short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress, build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.

How will I be supported?

Learning

Course materials will be provided on Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll also have access to libraries across our campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books, supplemented by online books, journals, resources and databases. 

If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills.

Wellbeing

You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.

Careers and Employability

The Student Futures team can enhance your career prospects by offering tailored support throughout your studies. You’ll benefit from expert advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and job applications. The team can support you with internships, placements, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable real-world experience. If you are an international student, Student Futures offers tailored support to explore part-time jobs, placements, and graduate roles in the UK and globally.

Community

You’ll become a member of the Cardiff Business School community, making friends and connections that will last beyond your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programme and school level events and activities that enhance your learning and broaden your experiences.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:   

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of economic theory and its applications.
• Critically evaluate economic theories and their real-world applications through independent study, discussion and written analysis. 
• Critically assess policy interventions and examine economic consequences of policies.
• Critically review and evaluate leading economic models including financial data using estimation, inference, and forecasting, where appropriate.                           

Intellectual Skills:

• Analyse behaviour of economic agents using advanced mathematical and econometric techniques. 
• Work with complex economic models to conduct research that engages with and contributes to ongoing debates. 
• Critically evaluate model structures in economic policies and interventions, applying theoretical concepts to real-world issues.
• Interpret and critically assess empirical findings from economic studies, recognizing the limitations of different estimation techniques.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate and solve complex economic problems.
• Conduct independent research and apply critical thinking to address complex economic issues in professional and academic contexts.
• Develop and refine computer programming and numerical analytical skills essential for empirical research.
• Evaluate the suitability and rigor of econometric methods in empirical research, identifying potential data or methodological issues.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Construct clear, logical, and evidence-based arguments.
• Analyse and use results from economic literature to evaluate policies critically. 
• Present complex economic models clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Manage time effectively, conduct independent research, and interpret complex economic models.