WESTMINSTER BUSINESS SCHOOL POSTGRADUATE COURSES ...

economicsAppliedEconomics MScPhilip HedgesCourse Leader forApplied Economics MScLength of courseOne-year, full-time or two-year, part-timestarting in September or JanuaryLocationCentral London (Marylebone)Course feesSee westminster.ac.uk/feesThe University of Westminster is the onlyEnglish university to secure GovernmentEconomic Service (ges) recommendation ofits MSc programme in Applied Economics.The course aims to provide you with anin-depth knowledge and understandingof the latest developments in the areaof economics, with a focus on practicalapplication and development of the skillsneeded by a working economist. The courseis specifically designed for those witha genuine interest in the application ofeconomics to real world situations. We arelooking for people with either substantialwork experience in the area or a goodfirst degree in Economics (or a quantitativediscipline with a minor in Economics).As well as enhancing your ability to applyrelevant economic principles in the support ofpolicy and strategy development, the courseaims to develop your ability to communicatecomplex issues to wide audiences; awarenessof significant sources of economic andfinancial data; the problems that are facedwhen Economists attempt to carry outpolicy evaluation and your capabilityfor self-awareness and group working.Course contentYou will gain an understanding of the keyconcepts in economics, including the variousscenarios where we apply the concept ofdecision-making at the margin, opportunitycost, equilibrium and disequilibrium, strategicinteraction, market failure and the relatedconcept of externalities.You will develop your skills throughpractice in the application of these variousconcepts to current challenges that face theprofession, at both macro and micro levels.This will provide you with the latest insights inboth the academic and practitioner arenas.Core modulesApplication andAppraisal in EconomicsThis module applies the theoretical tools,concepts and methodology of economicsto private and public sector scenarios,with an emphasis on communicating andappraising policy and strategy options.Applied MicroeconomicsThe module employs formal analysis ofgenerally imperfect markets, and Pareto andutility/welfare concepts, to shed light onbusiness decision-making regulatory policyand the public sector in the mixed economy.Data AnalysisThe module covers a range of data analysismethods and concepts.International MacroeconomicsThe module focuses on internationaltrade theories and the sources ofcomparative advantage.Research MethodsThis module aims to develop yourknowledge and competence of the researchprocess, and the application of researchmethods in the area of Applied Economics.Economic Evaluation ProjectThis module provides you with theframework within which to develop yourfull project (dissertation) from the ProjectProposal submitted as part of the ResearchMethods module. It must be a clearapplication of economic principles andconcepts to a question of your choosing.The majority of projects on this courseinvolve an empirical component.Option modulesChoose two of the following:Behavioural EconomicsThis module explores the theory ofbehavioural economics and its applicationsto public policy using a theoreticalframework which combines both socialand private perspectives to supportdecision making and understand thepolicy implications of the behaviouralaspects of economic choices.Labour Market EconomicsThis module provides you with thetechniques and critical insights neededto effectively analyse topics in laboureconomics and to use practical applicationsto explore the value and limitations oftheory and empirics in the field.Policy and Programme EvaluationThe module offers a practical frameworkfor the estimation and evaluation of theeffects of public policy on individuals andregional or national aggregates.economics28westminster.ac.uk/wbswestminster.ac.uk/wbs29