Programme Specification for the 2022/3 academic year
MRes Economics (PhD Pathway)
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MRes Economics (PhD Pathway) | Programme code | PTR2SBESBE02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MRes Economics (Pathway to PhD) is a two-year programme which allows you to specialise in economics at the post-graduate level in preparation for progression to the PhD in Economics. In year 1 you will receive advanced training in the core subjects of microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and research methods. In year 2 you will choose among specialisation subjects which will expose you to frontier research in economics to develop your MRes dissertation. At the end of the programme, subject to qualification requirements, progression will be to the +3 PhD Programme, with initial registration to MPhil.
The analytical and quantitative skills learnt will be highly transferrable, and will be useful in academia, business, government and international organisations. The programme content is highly analytical, the teaching will be research driven, and you will start developing research independence through the preparation of the MRes dissertation.
The programme is designed in line with top PhD programmes in Economics across the world. Students progressing to the +3 PhD Programme will be able to apply for ESRC funding assistance in the third year, after being registered to MPhil, subject to meeting the residential eligibility criteria (https://www.swdtp.ac.uk/prospectivestudents). Students can also apply for funding for fees and maintenance support for this programme from the University of Exeter Business School through the MRes Scholarship fund.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The Programme will:
1. provide you with advanced training in economic and econometric theory.
2. provide you with advanced training in research methods used in economics.
3. develop your analytical and critical thinking skills through specialist economics options.
4. enable you to implement research techniques to evaluate economic problems and critically assess research debates.
5. provide you with training in subject-specific skills in preparation for further study or employment.
6. equip you with the required skills to conduct a research project, manage self-driven enquiry and write up a piece of research in the format of a dissertation.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The MRes Economics programme is a two-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). It consists of two years or stages, with 240 credits across the 2 years. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
A PG Diploma Advanced Economics will be awarded (as an exit qualification) to those students who have taken 120 credits and passed at least 90 credits at 50% or more (and have no mark below 40%). An MSc Advanced Economics will be awarded (as an exit qualification) to those students who achieve a mark of at least 50% in the taught modules but fail the dissertation.
This programme is available for 2-year full-time over six terms and is University-based throughout this time. The taught components of the programme are delivered in the first two terms of each of the two years, leaving the third term to prepare for the exams in year 1, and in year 2 to prepare for the exams and work on the MRes dissertation. The programme in its entirety runs from September in year 1 to September in year 2. During the programme you will study modules (including the dissertation) totalling 240 credits.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRes Economics S1 term 1 modules | |||
| BEEM136 | Research Methods I | 15 | No |
| BEEM137 | Microeconomic Theory I | 15 | No |
| BEEM138 | Macroeconomic Theory I | 15 | No |
| BEEM139 | Econometric Theory I | 15 | No |
| MRes Economics S1 term 2 modules | |||
| BEEM140 | Microeconomic Theory II | 15 | No |
| BEEM141 | Macroeconomic Theory II | 15 | No |
| BEEM142 | Econometric Theory II | 15 | No |
| BEEM143 | Research Methods II | 15 | No |
Stage 2
60 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEEM150 | Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRes Economics S2 term 1 modules | |||
| BEEM144 | Topics in Microeconomic Theory I | 15 | No |
| BEEM145 | Topics in Macroeconomic Theory I | 15 | No |
| BEEM146 | Topics in Empirical Economics I | 15 | No |
| MRes Economics S2 term 2 modules | |||
| BEEM147 | Topics in Microeconomic Theory II | 15 | No |
| BEEM148 | Topics in Macroeconomic Theory II | 15 | No |
| BEEM149 | Topics in Empirical Economics II | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. apply core knowledge in econometrics, microeconomics and macroeconomics. | 1. via all compulsory modules. | 1-3. Core modules are assessed through a combination of final examinations, coursework assignments, problem sheets, presentations and essays. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. synthesise data from a range of sources. | 6. via Econometric Theory I, Econometric Theory II, Topics in Empirical Economics I and Topics in Empirical Economics II. | 6. Coursework assignments and/or MRes dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. use a full range of learning resources. | 11. via all modules. | 11. Coursework assignments and MRes dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
University of Exeter Business School (UEBS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MRes Economics (PhD Pathway)
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 240 |
ECTS credits | 120 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision |
|---|


