Preparing for success: MSc Economic Policy and Data Analytics

Professor Ian Burn, Director of Studies, shares advice as you prepare for the start of your master's programme.

Ian BurnCongratulations on securing a place in the MSc Economic Policy and Data Analytics programme! We are looking forward to welcoming you to our thriving learning and research community at the University of Liverpool Management School.

Our MSc Economic Policy and Data Analytics programme offers you rigorous training in economic theory and the analytical methods needed to answer the pressing policy questions facing public institutions, international organisations, consulting firms, research institutions, and think tanks.

Through a wide range of teaching and learning activities, you will acquire the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills to succeed in a wide range of careers, regardless of whether you decide to use your skills in industry or continue your studies by pursuing a PhD.

To give you a taste of the programme content, in your first semester, you will gain a strong theoretical foundation in economics during your modules. You will take four core modules in Econometrics and Statistics (ECON814), Macroeconomics (ECON905), and Microeconomics (ECON915) and Data Management and Visualisation for Economics (ECON705) which will introduce you to key skills used by data scientists in industry and government to handle data in a professional setting.

In semester two, you will study modules on Labour Economics (ECON702), Machine Learning and Big Data Econometrics (ECON701), or Public Economics (ECON703) to teach you applied topics you can use in all your future endeavours. You will also learn cutting-edge techniques that allow you to answer pressing real-world questions in our Applied Microeconometrics (ECON826) module, which I teach in semester two so I will see many of you then!

A few things you can look forward to taking part in, alongside your programme, are the ULMS ExECS award and the ‘We can work it out’ Master's Consultancy Challenge.

Through the ULMS Extracurricular Engagement, Careers, and Skills Award (ExECS) you can develop skills in the areas of careers and employability, personal development, networking practice, and take part in social and cultural activities. These are areas that ULMS believes will provide you with the skillset and knowledge needed to enhance your student experience.

The Master's Consultancy Challenge is open to all MSc Management School students across all disciplines. It is a fantastic opportunity to work with employers and gain experience of solving a real-world business strategic challenge. Companies that have taken part in previous years include PwC, Santander, Decathlon, Mando, Sysdoc and Chester Zoo. You can watch a short video about the consultancy challenge here.

It is very important that you familiarise yourselves with the following online facilities:

Canvas

This is the Virtual Learning Environment we are going to use throughout the year, so it is important to get the hang of it early in the semester. It is going to include a website for each of the modules you are enrolled on, but also an MSc Economic Policy and Data Analytics programme website. Find out more on the student Canvas pages.

Timetable website

Timetables will be released one week before your programme starts, you will be able to access your timetable online.

Lastly, numerous occasions for socialising and group work will be provided throughout the year, let’s not forget that University is a precious time to make meaningful and life-lasting friendships and work connections.

As your Director of Studies, I am always available for a “virtual” chat, and, with all of the staff at the Management School, we are here to offer our full support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if there is anything you would like to discuss.

I look forward to welcoming you soon!

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