International Economics

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(MA) Master of Arts
International Economics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Economics
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Economics
MA L16112
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

A 2:2 degree in any discipline. Your degree must include at least one module in one of these subjects:

  • Economics
  • Maths
  • Statistics
  • Accounting
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Management

We will also consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above where there is one year's relevant work experience after graduating.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code


If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Additional Notes

The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Domenico Moro

Lecturer

university of Birmingham

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 EC981-7-FY-CO Dissertation Compulsory 40 Optional
02 EC401-7-AU-CO Introductory Macroeconomics Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
03 EC402-7-AU-CO Introductory Microeconomics Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
04 EC452-7-AU-CO Introductory Econometrics Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
05 EC368-7-AU-CO International Money and Finance Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
06 EC932-7-SP-CO The Geography of Employment and the Environment Compulsory 20 Optional Optional
07 Choose 2 from following: EC907-7-SP or EC930-7-SP or EC963-7-SP Compulsory with Options 40 Optional Optional

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

This course aims to provide an advanced level of understanding in core economic principles, applied to issues of the global economy. This course is aimed at students who want a rigorous training in the core theories of economics but also want to study more policy-oriented material on international finance and economic geography and trade. There is emphasis in this course on critical thinking and developing written economic arguments.

Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A101: Knowledge of core principles of economics used in contemporary economics

A102: Knowledge of core methods of analysis in economics, including theoretical frameworks and use of quantitative data.

A103: Understanding of the relationships between principles and real world applications of those principles in the global economy.

A104: Awareness of the significance of alternative approaches

A105: Awareness of key current and ongoing economic policy problems such as increasing inequality, population aging and central issues in international economics such as trade wars.

Learning methods

Outcomes A1-A5 are acquired through lectures, classes, and related coursework.
The development of the dissertation in consultation with a supervisor provides an additional opportunity for the acquisition of outcomes
Lectures are used to present material - ideas, data and arguments - in a clear and structured manner.
Lectures are also used to stimulate students' interest in learning.
Classes and preparation for lectures and classes, provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the content of the modules.
Preparation for assignments and for examinations aids students in developing this knowledge and understanding.
Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library materials relating to the course.

Assessment methods

Outcomes A1-A5 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.
The MA dissertation (with a maximum length of 10000 words) provides a further opportunity to assess outcomes A1-A5.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B101: Logically assess particular economic problems and choose appropriate methods for their solution among basic tools of analysis.

B102: Exercise critical judgement in assessing different and competing theories and methods and appraising their merits

B103: Formulate a coherent argument

B104: Construct reasoned, informed and concise descriptions and assessments of ideas

Learning methods

Skills B1-B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples and applications.
Student preparation involves the reading, interpretation and evaluation of the relevant material including the relevant literature.
Teachers provide feedback on student work through comment and discussion.
In addition, teachers engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments, and email.


Assessment methods

Skills B1-B4 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework.
The MA dissertation provides a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.


C: Practical skills

C101: Identify, select and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches

C102: Organise ideas in a systematic way.

C103: Present and critically assess ideas and arguments coherently in writing

C104: Use and apply the right terminology and concepts

C105: Plan and undertake an independent though supervised piece of extended economic analysis

Learning methods

Skills C1-C4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their modules.
Lectures also provide a means of teachers demonstrating these skills through examples and applications.
Skill C5 is acquired through the work that students do for their Dissertation.

Assessment methods

Skills C1-C4 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of written examinations and coursework, including the MA dissertation.
Skills C1 and C2 are also informally assessed by student's preparation for each module.
Skill C5 is particularly assessed through the dissertation, but is also assessed in certain courses through written assignments.

D: Key skills

D101: Communication in writing, using appropriate terminology and technical language: (a) the articulation of economic theories, (b) the description of economic evidence, (c) the critical assessment of economic arguments and policies

D102: Production of word-processed coursework. Development of web-skills through online research.

D103: Use of mathematical techniques to manipulate economic and financial models.

D104: Application of logical reasoning to address issues in international economics

D105: Class material can involve group working in particular subjects

D106: Capacity to: (a) organise and implement a plan of independent study; (b) reflect on his or her own learning experience and adapt in response to feedback; and (c) recognise when he or she needs to learn more and appreciate the role of additional research

Learning methods

Students are guided in acquiring skills D1-D6 through lectures, classes and individual advice from teachers.
These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their modules and in the MA dissertation.
Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in working in groups through their participation in classes for modules.

Assessment methods

Skills D1-D6 are assessed throughout the modules comprising the degree by means of examinations and coursework, including the MA dissertation.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.