MA Development and International Economics

The Development and International Economics MA is one of a suite of masters degrees in economics at Kingston University that are focused on giving you the ability and confidence to analyse and offer solutions to real-world problems.

The Development and International Economics MA will:

• help you to develop knowledge and the ability to do research into key issues and long term historical trends concerning the development process and international economics;
• develop your mastery of fundamental principles of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory;
• enable you to develop an understanding of the use of applied tools in econometrics and economic policy; and
• provide you with an opportunity to develop a deep familiarity with major issues in economic history and economic thought since the early modern period.

During the course you will develop the ability to critically evaluate economic policies and the theories and research that underpin them and to write and communicate on economic topics in your specialist area at an advanced level.

The range of economics masters that we offer specifically address the typical requirements for those employed as economists in business or government – clear, lucid communication rather than highly technical analysis.

Students share modules with other courses in the portfolio which deal with core aspects of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory, applied econometrics and economic policy. Comprehension and evaluation of a range of contrasting economic models will form an important part of your course of study, but you will also develop skills in using economic models and in applying economic analysis to formulating, implementing and criticising policy. As part of your course you will be encouraged to develop theoretical and applied economic knowledge and understanding within your specific sphere of interest.

The Department of Economics of Kingston University is focused on high-quality teaching and is well established for its research on applied economics and economic policy. Publications from the department deal with a range of topics concerning finance, economic development, international economics, globalisation and political economy, with a special emphasis on the implications of developments in these areas for economic policy. This research informs both classroom teaching and the supervisory role of members of the Department in students’ research.

What will you study?

The course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes in the core areas of economic analysis, analytical skills and empirical background, which are necessary to pursue advanced level research into the economics of development in the present day international economic environment.

You will receive thorough grounding in macroeconomic and microeconomic analysis, applied econometrics, a range of approaches for dealing with economic policy issues, and the long term historical and conceptual context of the contemporary issues and debates taking place in economics as a general discipline.

The module dedicated to problems of economic development in the context of the international economy will provide you with an in depth knowledge of the theory and contemporary issues surrounding international trade and their relationship to the particular problems that developing countries confront in dealing with the international economic environment, including international trade and foreign direct investment.

The dissertation is the culmination of the degree, in which you will have the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate full mastery of your specialisation in development and international economics; you will produce in depth research into a contemporary issue dealing with developing countries, international trade and foreign direct investment and work with a member of the Department of Economics specialising in, and pursuing research in, this area.