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School of Economics Postgraduate Brochure (PDF)
MA Economics and International Relations
Duration
1 years
Attendance
Full Time
Award
Degree of Master of Arts
School of Study
The MA Economics and International Relations degree provides a platform for students who seek to develop their understanding of international economics and politics from an interdisciplinary perspective.
This Masters programme is taught in collaboration with the University's School of Political, Social and International Studies, which, together with the School of Economics, promotes a strong tradition in interdisciplinary research and teaching. Students are enabled considerable flexibility in the choosing of areas for geographical specialisation which has proven to be particularly attractive to employers who want to recruit graduates with an understanding of international institutions and geopolitics, as well as the analytical skills of economics.
The MA Economics and International Relations is offered over one year full-time.
Is the MA Programme right for you?
Postgraduate Options: Graduate Diploma, MA or MSc
The School of Economics offers a diverse range of taught postgraduate study opportunities:
The Graduate Diploma provides core training in Economics for graduates (or those with an equivalent qualification) who do not already have an extensive recent economics background - acting as a progression route to further postgraduate study, particularly for our MSc Programme.
The Applied Training Programme (Master of Arts) is designed to provide training in new and vocationally attractive skills in Economics. It is appropriate for graduates in Economics who wish to develop specialist expertise without committing to the full research-led training Academic and Professional (MSc) programme. It is also appropriate for those with a limited Economics background but with an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in the applied area. These courses should appeal to students who wish to pursue a career in the areas of finance, management, international business, international relations and the mass media.
The Academic and Professional Programme (Master of Science) is designed to provide intensive research-led training in advanced economic theory, econometrics and research methods. This route is suitable for those who aim to gain employment as professional economists in government, financial institutions, business, commerce, industry, international agencies and other similar organisations. The MSc Programme is also suitable for those seeking eventual PhD enrolment and/or an academic career as a lecturer in Economics. Many of our former PhD students now hold academic posts as lecturers in University departments both in the UK and overseas. The School has full "1+3" ESRC recognition for each of the MSc courses, enabling ESRC-funded students to train at both Masters and PhD level.
School of Economics Postgraduate Brochure (PDF)
The Applied Training Programme (Master of Arts)
The MA Programme is designed to provide training in new and vocationally attractive skills in Economics. It is appropriate for graduates in Economics who wish to develop specialist expertise without committing to the full research training Academic and Professional (MSc) programme. It is also appropriate for those with a limited Economics background but with an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in the applied area. These courses provide a training that places specialist areas in their wider economic context and shows how the insights from economics can improve performance. The MA programme should appeal to those who wish to pursue a career in the areas of finance, management, international business, international relations and the mass media.
Teaching Methods and Assessment
Teaching is provided by members of academic staff, often in a relatively informal learning environment, and programmes may incorporate lectures, seminars, and practical work. Students are normally required to complete a combination of core and specialist modules. All our modules are year-long so we can develop an integrated in-depth approach. Assessment is by written assignments, examination, and a dissertation.
Thank you for your interest in Economics at UEA. We are a research-inspired School known for its friendly and stimulating environment. We are committed to providing a first-rate academic experience where excellence in teaching goes hand in hand with internationally renowned research.
Economics at UEA has been ranked joint 4th for teaching and 3rd for support in the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
Success Indicators
International Reputation
- Our students have consistently ranked their student experience among the highest of Economics departments in the UK, and we are always in the top 10.
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University has again in 2012 ranked us in 8th position among UK universities for economics/business.
- In the rankings of economics departments published at econphd.econwiki.com, UEA is ranked fifth in the world and first in the UK for ‘decision theory/experiments’.
Student Satisfaction
- In our BSc Economics scheme 100% of students were satisfied with the quality of the course, 97% say staff have made the subject interesting, 100% say staff are good at explaining things, 97% students say the course is well organized and is running smoothly and, 97% say that resources are good enough for their needs (KIS, 2012)
- "So far my university experience has been phenomenal...", 1st Place in What Uni? Student Choice Awards.
Research
- The Centre for Competition Policy is at the forefront of policy debates in competition economics at the international level, with advisory links with the European Commission, the UK Office of Fair Trading and the UK Competition Commission
- The most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008 found 65% of our research output was world leading or internationally excellent, with 95% in total being deemed of international standing.
How we do it
- Excellence in Teaching: We augment traditional teaching methods with learner-centred strategies such as interactive workshops and classroom experiments. To enhance the student experience, we integrate these methods with a variety of innovative assessment approaches.
- Research-Inspired: We have internationally renowned researchers who have the experience to provide a practical angle to the academic rigour of Economics.
- Collegiate Environment: Economics at UEA provides for a lively close knit community with friendly, approachable academic staff.
- Tailored Support: The School prioritises pastoral care with all students allocated a Personal Adviser. Learning enhancement support is embedded within the delivery of our courses, ensuring that students receive as much support as they need.
- Quality Control: Course quality is continuously monitored by obtaining written feedback from our students on each module they take. Each June there is a thorough review of our teaching.
- Module Choice: Economics at UEA provides a wide range of integrated contemporary modules, enabling students to explore the diverse analysis offered by economics.
- Quality Resources: The University Library offers an excellent range of legal materials and electronic resources with a dedicated Social Sciences Faculty Librarian available to help you find the information you need.
- Career Prospects: As well as the University careers service, Economics at UEA has a dedicated careers adviser. Engineered for employability, our programmes offer excellent opportunities.
- Norwich- A Fine City: Voted one of the best small cities in the world (The Times Good University Guide). UEA was voted joint 3rd for 'Good Security' out of 113 Universities in the 'Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey' in 2011 and the University of East Anglia has been voted the safest University in England three years in a row.
Year
If a student has a substantial background in Economics, we may require them to take ECO-M005 and ECO-M006 in place of ECO-M019 and ECO-M014 respectively. For such students, a wider range of Economics options would then be available.
Compulsory Study (140 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 140 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECONOMETRIC METHODS This is a unit of two halves. The first half introduces some basic econometric techniques, and the problems which arise in their use. The second half applies the skills acquired in the first half, to particular problems in economics such as exchange rate models and the estimation of dynamic economic models. An emphasis is placed on the practical side of the subject. With the aid of the computer package SPSS, theoretical models are estimated and tested using real data. | ECO-M001 | 20 |
| ECONOMIC CONCEPTS This module is designed to introduce students to micro and macro economics analysis, and to familiarise students with a wide range of economic tools which can be applied to issues relating to their Applied Training Programme. | ECO-M019 | 20 |
| ECONOMICS DISSERTATION (60 CREDITS) For all students taking the MA in Economics, Environmental Economics, Experimental Economics, Industrial Economics, Political Economy, Economics and Finance, Economics and International Business, Economics and the Mass Media, Economics and International Relations, Economics and Health Economics, Competition and Regulation Policy. Students are required to write a dissertation of a length as specified in their MA Course Guide on a topic approved by the Course Director or other authorised person. | ECO-M10X | 60 |
| INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY This unit is concerned with world political economy, international macroeconomics, trans-boundary environmental problems such as global warming, growth and the institutions of the international economy. It combines techniques of economics, such as game theory, with a concern to understand global and international developments in political and economic affairs. Students should have some basic knowledge of economics prior to taking the unit. | ECO-M014 | 20 |
| INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY This introductory module will give students an essential grounding in International Relations theory, that is, the different ways we understand and predict international politics. The module is structured around the positivist/post-positivist divide and starts with classical realism and neo-realism, and liberalism and neo-liberalism. It then explores constructivism before turning to more critical theories like post-colonialism, feminism and gender studies, and Marxism. By the end of the module you will design your own IR theory. The module will be taught predominantly using lectures and seminars but will make use, where appropriate, of film and documentaries in order to explore different theoretical schools, both thematically and empirically. YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU HAVE TAKEN PSI-2A47 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORY AS AN UNDERGRADUATE IN PSI. | PSIIM011 | 20 |
Option A Study (40 credits)
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS This is a technical finance unit aimed at students wishing to pursue careers in the financial sector. The focus will be on valuation and risk analysis of financial products and positions. The unit will be highly analytical, with weekly exercises and assessment balancing mathematical problems and practical exercises involving Excel. Topics covered will include: present value calculation; bond analysis; futures markets; interest rate futures and yield curve analysis; option pricing and hedging; exotic options; "Value at Risk" analysis and Monte-Carlo methods. | ECO-M022 | 20 |
| MULTINATIONAL FIRMS This unit is structured around three main questions: why do multi-nationals exist? What are their beneficial effects? Why might they sometimes be a cause for concern? In answering these questions we confront a variety of theoretical and empirical methodologies (eg, oligopoly theory, transactions costs, econometric, case studies in corporate strategy) and draw upon various branches of Economics (international, industrial, labour, financial and political economy). | ECO-M018 | 20 |
| NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS Have you ever wondered why human economic activity seems to be so bad for the environment? Does it have to be like that? Is it possible for human beings to enjoy high standards of living and a high quality environment? Through the study of the principles of Environmental Economics this course sets out to answer those questions. Addressing a wide-range of economy-environment problems including car pollution, over-fishing, climate change and declining oil stocks, the course shows that most environmental problems can be solved through the adoption of policies crafted with the careful application of economic reasoning. Co-taught with ENV-3A44. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A44 OR EQUIVALENT | ENV-MA44 | 20 |
| THE FOREIGN RELATIONS OF CHINA AND JAPAN IN THE MODERN WORLD The module looks at the history of China and Japan from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. The attempts at modernisation, conflict between the two nations, their relationships with the Asian region and the United States are covered. Their contrasting attempts to develop in the postwar period are investigated. We also assess their current policies and the issues of importance to China and Japan in the twenty first century, and assess whether they can move beyond the legacy of this difficult history. | PSIIM026 | 20 |
| TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL FINANCE This unit looks at recent developments in research on the efficiency of financial markets. The starting point will be outlining the rational valuation formula, the random walk hypothesis and efficient market theory in their current guises as representative of orthodoxy. Then the contrast between orthodoxy and 'dissenting' views will be discussed with reference to equity markets, bond markets, foreign exchange markets and options and futures markets. | ECO-M024 | 20 |
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Subject:
- Economics or other relevant subject
- Degree Classification:
- 2.2 or equivalent
Entry Requirement
Applicants should normally have a good first degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
It is normal for undergraduate students to apply for entry to postgraduate programmes in their final year of study. Applicants who have not yet been awarded a degree may be offered a place conditional on their attaining a particular class of degree.
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:
- IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
- TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 (minimum 19 listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)
- PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.
INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).
Special Entry Requirements
September Pre-Sessional Courses
The School of Economics runs intensive courses in Mathematics and Statistics for Economists in the fortnight preceding the Masters programme in September. This course is compulsory and incorporates the techniques of calculus and matrix algebra.
Fees and Funding
Fees for the academic year 2013/2014 will be:
- UK/EU Students: £5,215
- International Students: £13,615
NB: Fees listed are inclusive of the 2-week pre-sessional Mathematics and Statistics for Economists course.
International applicants from outside the EU may need to pay a deposit.
Living Expenses
Approximately £7,500 living expenses will be needed to adequately support yourself.
Scholarships and Funding
A variety of Scholarships may be offered to UK/EU and International students. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Please click here for more detailed information about funding for prospective Economics students.
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
You can apply online, or by downloading the application form.
Further Information
To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.