MRes Economics

At Essex we push the frontiers of accepted wisdom, critically examining the decisions of individuals, the strategies of firms, and the policies of governments to understand and challenge the standard paradigms of economics. Our popular Masters in Research course (MRes) provides you with a stimulating route into PhD studies, and develops the expert research mind-set required for a high-profile job in finance or business, if you want to work in the private sector after your degree.

The MRes course is designed for you to master research methods and tools, and to acquire a solid foundation to pursue a more research focused career. MRes students are expected to commit full time to their studies and with a high level of independence to start developing a research mindset. You learn through a combination of lectures, classes and independent work which allow you to appreciate and understand the deeper connections between topics. This includes making connections during classes and lectures and also work independently. You also gain a deepened understanding of how to apply techniques to new problems and see beyond the surface to identify when concepts and tools from one area could be applied to another. Due to this style of learning you develop the ability to tackle economic problems with a unified approach and identify a suitable research topic for your dissertation.

You receive lectures, classes and advanced training in the two-term sequence of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. You have the opportunity to attend specialized classes which aim at developing a research mindset and a deeper understanding of the subjects; whilst also learning complementary tools and techniques independently. So a willingness to work with mathematical and statistical concepts, and understand rigorous mathematical reasoning, is vital.

You are strongly encouraged to work in groups, to discuss and challenge themselves beyond the material learnt from lectures or classes. Specially designed sets of exercises will help you in achieving these goals. During the MRes course you explore a variety of topics including:

• The competitive economy and imperfections in markets
• General equilibrium theory and Public Choice
• Key paradigms of macroeconomics and macroeconomic policy
• Econometric methods and mathematical methods
• Strategic behaviour and bargaining

We are 4th in UK for research power in economics and econometrics (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and we have particular strengths in many areas of economics. See the full list here.

With this course you also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner institutions and achieve a dual award, which means you'll receive two Masters degrees in two years. Find out more on our dual award webpage.

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists of our time.

Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs, with students coming from across the globe to study, research or work with us.

Many of our researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future.

The quality of our work is reflected in our stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, Journal of Political Economy, and Review of Economic Studies.

For a full list of research interests, see our Department's staff pages.

Specialist facilities

Take advantage of our wide range of learning resources to assist you in your studies:

• Extensive software for quantitative analysis is available in all computer labs across the university
• Access a variety of economics databases and multiple copies of textbooks and e-books in the Albert Sloman Library

Your future

After completing your masters, you may wish to extend your knowledge with a research degree – many Essex graduates decide to stay here for further study.

Alternatively, our course also prepares you for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level.

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a range of high-profile organisations:

• The Ministry of Finance
• HM Treasury
• The Work Foundation
• Fitch Ratings
• Schroders Investment Management

More generally, our graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organisations.

We work with the University's Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

UK entry requirements

A 1st class degree, or international equivalent, in any discipline which includes three relevant modules in:

• Econometrics
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics

We will also consider applicants with any other 1st class degree or above where there is one year's relevant work experience after graduating.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 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 structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Teaching

• Postgraduate students in the Department of Economics typically attend a two-hour lecture and a one-hour class or lab for each module per week.
• Core components can be combined with optional modules to enable you to gain either in-depth specialisation or a breadth of understanding across several topics
• Our postgraduates are encouraged to attend conferences and seminars

Assessment

• Each module is assessed with a final examination and a coursework component
• Coursework is taken in the form of a term paper or a midterm test

Assessment in all the modules in the MRes course reflects the deeper research-oriented learning that MRes students are expected to achieve.

Dissertation

• You undertake an individually supervised research project that involves the in-depth study of a specific economic problem or issue