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.
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