MPhil in Economics

The minimum period of registration for the MPhil degree is six terms (two years). Comprising both a programme of coursework and research, the degree is awarded on the basis of a thesis with a maximum length of 50,000 words. Each successful MPhil thesis makes an original contribution to Economics, though of a less substantial nature than required for the award of a PhD.

First year

Students are encouraged to identify a suitable research topic and a supervisor in consultation with faculty members. This should be completed by the end of the first (autumn) term. Note: the Department does not assign supervisors to students prior to their registration at the University.

In the autumn term students also take two doctoral modules, chosen from among:

• EC992 Advanced Microeconomics;
• EC994 Advanced Macroeconomics;
• EC996 Advanced Econometrics.

These modules are examined in January (shortly before the beginning of the second term), with the possibility of a resit in the following May/June. Also, students are also required submit a Research Proposal (EC990) by the end of the first week of the Summer term (late April).

In order to progress to the second year, students must obtain a mark of at least 50% (the pass mark) in both of the two modules as well as the research proposal.

Second year

Students complete their theses with the guidance of their supervisors. They are required to participate in the Research Strategy Seminar, at which students present their research. The progress of each student is monitored by a Supervisory Board, which meets at least twice per year and reports to the Department's Research Students' Progress Committee.

Additional activities

MPhil students are encouraged to attend the Department's seminar programme at which academics from outside Essex are invited to present their research. Research students may also be interested in other seminar programmes such as those organised by the Institute of Social and Economic Research, the Essex Finance Centre, and the Centre for Computational Finance and Economic Agents.  In addition, Research students may wish to attend other postgraduate or graduate modules in the Department of Economics or elsewhere in the University.