Develop in-depth knowledge and skills of research methods. Prepare yourself for an academic or professional career with a focus on economics and econometrics.

This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students. Studying for an MRes-type qualification before starting your PhD will give you experience of a broad range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and enable you to develop a more in-depth research proposal.

It's also suitable if you need research skills in your planned or current profession. We've increasingly seen a greater need to collect, collate and analyse performance data in a variety of public and private sector organisations and, as a stand-alone qualification, our course will provide social science research training.

Specifically the course provides:

• a combination of the academic study of key theoretical and quantitative economics with the development of research and writing skills
• a critical evaluation of current and applied economics research
• an ability to evaluate and contribute to economic debates
• an ideal preparation for would-be researchers in economics in general and for those wishing to proceed to a PhD in economics
• the opportunity to mix with social science researchers from other disciplines (taking associated MRes courses) – recognising the increasing importance of interdisciplinary research

Course intake is limited to foster a friendly and supportive learning environment.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.

If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply and funding guidelines.

For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.