Residential Weekend

MSc

During the year students attend a Weekend Research And Methodology Conference. This introduces methodological issues such as refutation and confirmation of scientific theories, realism and economics, and alternative approaches to econometric methodology and research practice. Students also learn about survey and interviewing techniques. At the weekend conference, MSc Economics students will also have the opportunity to attend presentations by current PhD students on the Scottish Graduate Programme. This gives students studying for a Masters in Economics and intending to move onto a PhD exposure to some of the issues and challenges involved in actual economic research. The conference is usually held in the Scottish Highlands, or the Scottish Borders in a hotel set in some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland. For example in January 2009 the venue was the Peebles Hotel Hydro (pictured) which boasts stunning views of mountain scenery and which has first class social and sports facilities.

PhD

Throughout their period of study, PhD students on the programme and the academic staff come together at a series of seminars and reading parties. Each year in early January all PhD students on the programme attend the Weekend Research and Methodology Conference (see "MSc" above) and give a brief presentation about their research. The conference is also attended by the MSc students on the programme and by supervisors and academic staff from the eight participating universities. This gives PhD students the chance to discuss their work with academic staff beyond the University at which they are enrolled. The atmosphere of the conference is lively and informal, and its social side is just as important as its academic side.