Development and International Economics

The Development and International Economics MA will:

• help you to develop knowledge and the ability to do research into key issues and long term historical trends concerning the development process and international economics;

• develop your mastery of fundamental principles of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory;

• enable you to develop an understanding of the use of applied tools in econometrics and economic policy; and

• provide you with an opportunity to develop a deep familiarity with major issues in economic history and economic thought since the early modern period.

During the course you will develop the ability to critically evaluate economic policies and the theories and research that underpin them and to write and communicate on economic topics in your specialist area at an advanced level.

The range of economics masters that we offer specifically address the typical requirements for those employed as economists in business or government – clear, lucid communication rather than highly technical analysis.

Students share modules with other courses in the portfolio which deal with core aspects of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory, applied econometrics and economic policy. Comprehension and evaluation of a range of contrasting economic models will form an important part of your course of study, but you will also develop skills in using economic models and in applying economic analysis to formulating, implementing and criticising policy. As part of your course you will be encouraged to develop theoretical and applied economic knowledge and understanding within your specific sphere of interest.

The Department of Economics of Kingston University is focused on high-quality teaching and is well established for its research on applied economics and economic policy. Publications from the department deal with a range of topics concerning finance, economic development, international economics, globalisation and political economy, with a special emphasis on the implications of developments in these areas for economic policy. This research informs both classroom teaching and the supervisory role of members of the Department in students' research.

What will you study?

The course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes in the core areas of economic analysis, analytical skills and empirical background, which are necessary to pursue advanced level research into the economics of development in the present day international economic environment.

You will receive thorough grounding in macroeconomic and microeconomic analysis, applied econometrics, a range of approaches for dealing with economic policy issues, and the long term historical and conceptual context of the contemporary issues and debates taking place in economics as a general discipline.

The module dedicated to problems of economic development in the context of the international economy will provide you with an in depth knowledge of the theory and contemporary issues surrounding international trade and their relationship to the particular problems that developing countries confront in dealing with the international economic environment, including international trade and foreign direct investment.

The dissertation is the culmination of the degree, in which you will have the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate full mastery of your specialisation in development and international economics; you will produce in depth research into a contemporary issue dealing with developing countries, international trade and foreign direct investment and work with a member of the Department of Economics specialising in, and pursuing research in, this area.

Assessment

Class test, essays, examinations, graded exercises, practical coursework, presentations, take-home tests, dissertation, literature review and economic reports.

Core modules

• Applied Econometrics and Economic Policy
• Development and International Economics
• Economic Change and Ideas
• Macro- and Microeconomic Theory
• Economics Dissertation

What you need to apply for this courseSecond-class degree or above, in an appropriate subject. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Discount for Kingston University alumniAll alumni of Kingston University, who have been awarded a bachelors degree are entitled to a 10% discount on their tuition fees.The alumni discount of 10% applies to home, EU and overseas fee payers.Annual Fund postgraduate scholarshipsThe Development Office offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for UK and EU students.They are available for all courses (except teacher training/PGCE courses) and will pay 50% of the fees (up to £3,000 for the 2013/14 academic year) for a one-year full-time or two year part-time masters programme.International scholarshipsThe International Office offers awards totalling £200,000 every year, with each international scholarship worth £3,500. These are open to prospective full-time postgraduates in any subject area on a one-year taught masters degree based at Kingston University.You might also be eligible for an international loyalty bursary if you are an overseas Kingston University alumnus or have a family connection with the University.