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Economics MRes

2 years part-time, starting in September 2025

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Gain in-depth knowledge and research skills in economics. Learn about the advanced techniques needed to analyse complex data and draw actionable insights.

Through in-depth training in quantitative research methods, this course will help you gain the essential skills to progress your studies or become a working economics researcher.

Specifically, the course offers you:

  • 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
  • the opportunity to mix with social science researchers from other disciplines (taking associated MRes courses)

You’ll enhance your understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of large-scale economics data and how to effectively present key insights and findings.

This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students, as well as essential research skills that are desirable in a number of private and public sector roles.

Why choose a Master of Research (MRes) degree?

An MRes is a master’s degree with a focus on research. The knowledge and expertise you’ll gain will prepare you for doctoral study and a range of non-academic careers that require strong research skills.

Find out more about why an MRes might be right for you.

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 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.

Read more about other funding that you may be eligible for.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in economics research. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study.

This includes advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, and bibliographic skills; and the use of appropriate technology to undertake tasks that use these skills.

Graduate prospects

There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative research skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters.

Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data.

This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computing and analytical skills with an understanding of economics research and enquiry.

This MRes also equips you to go into further study at PhD level.

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Dissertation

    40 credits

  • Macroeconomics

    10 credits

  • Microeconomics

    10 credits

Semester 2

You’ll choose 10 credits of optional units.

Compulsory units

  • Dissertation

    Continued

Optional units

  • Advanced economic theory

    10 credits

  • Behavioural economics

    5 credits

  • Economics of banking and financial institutions

    5 credits

  • Economics of politics

    5 credits

  • Environmental and natural resource economics

    5 credits

  • Financial econometrics

    5 credits

  • Introduction to programming and machine learning applications in economics and finance

    10 credits

  • Investment banking

    5 credits

  • Macroeconomic policy and institutions

    10 credits

  • Public policy analysis

    10 credits

Year 2

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Dissertation

    40 credits

  • Econometrics

    10 credits

Semester 2

Y2 - You’ll choose 10 credits of optional units. These cannot be the same units you selected in Year 1.

Compulsory units

  • Dissertation

    Continued

Optional units

  • Advanced economic theory

    10 credits

  • Behavioural economics

    5 credits

  • Economics of banking and financial institutions

    5 credits

  • Economics of politics

    5 credits

  • Environmental and natural resource economics

    5 credits

  • Financial econometrics

    5 credits

  • Introduction to programming and machine learning applications in economics and finance

    10 credits

  • Investment banking

    5 credits

  • Macroeconomic policy and institutions

    10 credits

  • Public policy analysis

    10 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

  • Lectures
  • Seminars

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Project output (other than dissertation or report)

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Students studying the full-time variant of this course are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 8-10 of those hours being structured classes. This will be made up of a combination of lectures and seminars.

In each semester, part-time students typically study for approximately 40%-60% of the full-time equivalent. This usually involves taking 2 or 3 taught units per semester, alongside completing a research project that is submitted at the end of the course. Structured classes will take place in-person on our Bath campus.

Assessment breakdown

You will experience a range of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, project work, examinations, and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

A young man (Andy Lee) wearing a graduation cap and gown.
‘Studying at Bath was a transformative experience, providing me with the academic foundation, research skills and practical opportunities to kickstart my career.’
— Andy Lee MRes Economics (Graduating year, 2019)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s Honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in either economics, business or an appropriate quantitative subject such as engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics.

You are also expected to have obtained good marks in at least five core economics units comprising macroeconomics, microeconomics and econometrics (or statistics). These may be complemented by quantitative units such as calculus, probability, data analysis, game theory, operational research or financial engineering. The units should preferably have been taken in your final two years of study.

In your application you will need to provide a max. 500 word personal statement in your own words which should explain:

(a) Why you wish to undertake a Master of Research and the interests and skills you particularly hope to develop on the course.

(b) Your research interests - please be specific.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Economics MRes part-time

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    Economics
  • Final award
    MRes
  • Mode of study
    Part-time
  • Course code
    TDUXX-MR17
  • Department
    Department of Economics
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

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