Introductory description

This is a final year research project which requires students to apply their knowledge of economics to a chosen area.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module will typically cover the following topics: research methods; guidance on choosing a topic, developing a research question, searching the literature, guide to economic data sources, overview of useful techniques for applied economic analysis.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Subject knowledge and understanding: (i) understand how economists approach questions, in particular, how they construct hypotheses and use data to discriminate between alternate explanations for events or patterns.
• Independent research skills: students will develop organisation and time management skills required to produce their own research analysis
• Written communication skills: students will develop skills in writing on a specialised economics subject, clearly communicating technical economics material succinctly
• Oral communication skills: students will have an opportunity to present their research to a tutor and other students

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

(i) Apply critical analysis to a topic, formulate concepts and hypotheses, and show how they are tested in relevant literature.

Transferable skills

Communicate their knowledge and understanding to others
(ii) gain skills in the use of computer software including statistical and/or mathematical modelling software;
(iii) describe data and present it in a meaningful manner.
(iv) conduct individual research and investigate topics under their own initiative;
(v) present their research to an audience;
(vi) present their research conclusions in a written form.