The programme is studied over one year (full-time). The academic year consists of two fifteen week semesters, each containing twelve weeks of teaching. The revision and assessment takes place at the end of each semester. While most summative assessment takes place at the end of the semester, some takes place during the teaching period along with a range of formatively assessed exercises, essays and projects. In addition, after successful completion of exams in Semester Two, students proceed to undertake a dissertation.

Students take 180 credits worth of modules. In Semester One, all students take four core compulsory modules in the analysis of economics theory and policy and quantitative methods, totalling 60 credits. In Semester Two, all students take two required 15 credit modules relating to monetary and financial policy. In addition, two further 15 credit modules are chosen from those offered by the School. After completion of the taught stage of the course, students proceed to take a 60 credit Dissertation that consists of two parts. First, Economic Research Methods (15 credits) provides an introduction to research methods including alternative approaches which are assessed via a critical literature review. Second, the Dissertation itself (45 credits).

On successful completion of the programme, students will obtain:

• Advanced level knowledge of core areas of economics, monetary and financial policy;
• Advanced level knowledge of core quantitative skills and research methods;
• The knowledge and skills to undertake postgraduate research;
• The knowledge and skills to conduct research and write reports;
• The knowledge and skills to gain employment as professional economists or in other careers;