MSc Economics and Finance for Development

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry and is subject to change.

First-year

Core

• Economic Growth and Development
• Applied Econometrics
• International Economics
• Finance for Development
• Dissertation

Option

• Project Finance and Appraisal
• Policy Analysis for Governance and Development
• Issues in Development Theory
• Security and Development in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Areas
• Critical Perspectives on Sustainable Development
• University Semester 1 Elective
• Sustainable Cities
• Africa Study Visit
• Assessing Development Practices Needs and Outcomes
• Project Implementation Management
• University Semester 2 Elective

Learning and Assessment

Most teaching is lecture or group-based for modules, while individual supervisors provide specialist guidance during dissertation writing (starting in Semester 2). Hence, as the program progresses, the main learning method gradually becomes more individualized and student-centered.

The program starts with an intensive induction week to develop your learning and personal development planning skills and to provide an introduction to IT and library resources. Additional group and one-to-one support is provided for you if you require it. You are introduced to academic writing, research, and analytical skills as part of the preparation for writing your dissertation.

To ensure the systematic development of knowledge of key subjects, modules are assessed by a variety of assessments in addition to essays and formal examinations. Group work, where the assessment may be based on a report or a presentation, provides you with both teamwork experience and practice in different ways of expressing arguments and information. Some modules may also use problem-solving exercises or ask you to develop a portfolio of your work. Please see the appendix for further details.

Career Support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programs. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work, and graduate vacancies.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programs, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career Prospects

On completion of this qualification, you may go on to work in an economics or finance policy capacity in government, the private sector, in development agencies (e.g. regional or national development banks), or the third sector in a capacity relating to economics and finance (e.g. microfinance or enterprise support and development).

Full-time

• Sept - 12 months (15 with placement)
• Jan - 14 months (17 with placement)

Part-time

• 27 months January start
• 24 months September start