Overview
The Master of Research (MRes) in the School of Economics and Finance (SEF) is a two year research-oriented postgraduate programme for students who hold an BSc or MSc in economics with a very strong quantitative background or related disciplines and who may wish to progress to doctoral study. The MRes is considered a pre-requisite to our PhD programme.
In the first year students will take advanced core courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics. This year will equip students with a range of theories, tools and methodologies necessary for research.
In the second year, students will select field courses to familiarise with the research frontier in their chosen area(s) of specialisation and develop independent research interests. During this year, students write a research paper in their major field, which can form the basis of later doctoral work.
The MRes can be pursued as a stand-alone degree, although it constitutes for most students the necessary training for a planned PhD. Generous studentship funding is available for candidates with demonstrated potential for a successful research career for both the MRes and PhD programmes.
The School of Economics and Finance offers the following MRes pathways:
Structure
MRes Economics
Year 1: 120 credits
Semester A: Microeconomics I, Macroeconomics I, Econometrics I (all 20 credits each)
Semester B: Microeconomics II, Macroeconomics II, Econometrics II (all 20 credits each)
Year 2: 120 credits
Semester A: Two from a choice of elective modules (15 credits each)
Advanced Econometrics
Advanced Microeconomics
Advanced Macroeconomics
Foundations in Asset Pricing
Foundations in Corporate Finance
Semester B: Two from a choice of elective modules (15 credits each)
International Economics
Development Economics
Labour & Public Economics
Advanced Finance I
Advanced Finance II
Semester B and C: Dissertation (60 credits)
MRes Finance
Year 1: 120 credits
Semester A: Microeconomics I, Macroeconomics I, Econometrics I (all 20 credits each)
Semester B: Microeconomics II, Macroeconomics II, Econometrics II (all 20 credits each)
Year 2: 120 credits
Semester A: Foundations in Asset Pricing, Foundations in Corporate Finance (15 credits each)
Semester B: 1 of either Advanced Finance I, Advanced Finance II (15 credits each) and 1 from a choice of elective module (15 credits each)
International Economics
Development Economics
Labour & Public Economics
Semester B and C: Dissertation (60 credits)
MRes Economics and MRes Finance (ESRC LISS DTP Pathway)
The MRes Economics and MRes Finance ESRC LISS DTP Pathway programmes are for students with ESRC funding only. Students are required to take an additional research skills module: (POLM082 Introduction to Social Science 1: Epistemology, Research Design, and Qualitative Methods- 30 credits). In order to accommodate this module within the programme diet, ESRC-funded students will undertake a reduced dissertation element (MRes Dissertation (LISS DTP Pathway)- 30 credits instead of the 60 credit MRes Dissertation).
Entry & Funding
Entry requirements
Students admitted to the MRes programmes will normally have achieved a minimum of a UK Bachelor Degree with First Class Honours (or overseas equivalent) in Economics or Finance or a related subject. Applicants are expected to have a strong quantitative background. Subjects such as Mathematics, Physics and Engineering may also be considered. Students with MSc degrees in Economics and related disciplines are also welcome to apply.
Applicants already enrolled on a comparable advanced postgraduate degree at other institutions will be able to request to be considered through the Queen Mary Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy to enter part-way through the MRes programme.
In addition to a completed online application form, all applications should include:
- Full transcripts (showing marks for individual courses) from all undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- An official reference letter (or contact details) from a referee who can assess your academic potential
- A research proposal (1500 word limit).
Please also see the School’s English language requirements (please note you do not need to have met our English Language requirements before applying as this can be a condition of any offer made).
MRes applicants are not required to contact potential supervisors prior to applying. The admissions panel will consider an applicant's suitability, and supervisors who will best fit their research interests. However, you can view the School’s research active staff through our website and suggest a potential supervisor who you believe fits your research area on your application.
Funding
The School offers generous financial support to accepted candidates on a competitive basis, in addition, there are a number of other funding streams available to MRes/PhD applicants. For further information on scholarships and available funding please see our MRes/ PhD Scholarships page.
Please note there is no separate application process for applying for our studentships. All applications will be considered for funding unless you specify that you are a self-funded applicant.
Deadline
17th January 2025: Applications for all funding stream applicants, including Queen Mary studentships. Applicants will not get a response until up to 6 weeks after the deadline.
Admissions will be made on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. However, all applications made before the deadline will be given full consideration.
