Postgraduate Economics
Introduction
The Scottish Graduate Programme combines the research and teaching expertise of the eight established Scottish Universities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Herriot-Watt, St. Andrews, Stirling, Dundee, Aberdeen and Strathclyde) to provide graduate students with a high quality and thorough training in economics and to furnish them with all the skills of the modern professional economist. The Scottish Graduate Programme comprises a MSc (Masters) course taken at the University of Edinburgh and optionally three years further study towards a PhD (Doctorate) at any of the participating universities.
The Economics Masters course, which lasts for one year if taken full-time but two years if taken part time, leads to the award of MSc Economics or MSc Economics (Finance). Physically located within the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, the course provides students with a thorough grounding in modern economic analysis. At the end of this first year, students sit nine examinations and write a long essay in order to obtain the MSc degree. The Masters course also forms the compulsory year of coursework and research training for the doctoral component. All students intending to study for the PhD are required to take the Masters course in their first year, and be examined on the same basis as those studying for the MSc. In order to proceed to doctoral component, students must obtain a good pass in the MSc examinations.
The Benefits of the Scottish Graduate Programme
As a cohesive group, with common lectures and seminars, students on the MSc year of the Programme develop together and make lasting friendships, enhancing effective social and life skills and learning to work with and help each other. The MSc year at Edinburgh University also introduces the students to the Scottish economic community, encouraging attendance at academic seminars, lectures given by Scottish Government Economists and the Weekend Methodology Conference in Peebles. This opportunity to meet and talk with professional economists and academics provides the students with lasting links, enables them to develop a feel for the profession and helps them form their likely career preferences. By drawing on teaching expertise from eight Universities, students are guaranteed to be lectured by experts in each respective field. An additional advantage of such a large pool of teaching talent is the broad range of electives that MSc students are able to choose from.
Students continuing to the PhD phase of the Programme may select a supervisor (and study location) from any one of the participating Departments. The pooling of resources across all of the participating Scottish Universities in this way, means that a wide range of doctoral research interests can be accommodated.
Life on the MSc Economics at the University of Edinburgh
For the duration of the MSc course, students are registered at the University of Edinburgh and so become members of the Scottish academic community. The University of Edinburgh, which was founded in 1583 and is now one of the largest academic institutions in Britain has over 1000 students on taught post-graduate courses in Social Sciences, and about 300 studying for research degrees. Discover what it's like to live, work and study at the University of Edinburgh by visiting the University's YouTube channelore Info
As well as being Scotland's capital, Edinburgh is also its greatest tourist attraction (2nd in the UK after London). Edinburgh has easy access to the rest of Scotland, including the spectacular scenery of the Highlands to the north. It is an extremely lively and stimulating city and has the world's largest annual arts festival and most spectacular New Year celebrations. The main campus is situated on the south side of the city centre, in the Old Town, surrounded by parks and superb cafes and restaurants. The liberal Scottish licensing laws make it possible to unwind, relax and socialise with people from across the world. The many historical sites, museums and Edinburgh Castle are within easy walking distance. The city centre is compact, offering theatres, great cinemas and galleries close by.