The External Partner Project provides the opportunity to obtain practical experience of planning and implementing a economics-related academic research project with an external partner. Students apply the knowledge gained in their MSc programme to investigate a cutting-edge economics-related topic, while developing their professional networks, communication skills and industry/institutional knowledge. Students are supported by an academic supervisor and an industry/policy expert, which will be identified with the support of the ASBS Connections with Practice team based on an initial proposal developed by the student.

The course operates for 13 weeks from May to August incorporating one induction session, six weeks for project implementation, and six weeks for assignment preparation and completion

There is also a pre-course briefing session to support students with information about the project, project identification and application process (1x2-hour lecture in January/February), and a Research Methods and Dissertation Training course (20 hours of lectures and in-class lab during Semester One and 16 hours of lectures and in-class lab in Semester Two). In semester 2 there are also 2hr lab sessions with the software Stata; students are required to attend one x 2hr lab session.

ECON5102P (CEFS dissertation) / ECON5004P (CDS dissertation)

None.

MSc candidates write a maximum 9,000 word dissertation on a topic provided by industry and policy experts based on real world issues.

On completion of the course, students will have practical experience of planning, implementing and communicating a self-directed, economics-based academic research project. The course provides training and support that will enable students to conduct research and write a project, which fulfils the requirements of the relevant PGT programme.

The project allows students to explore a topic of practical interest in some depth under the expert guidance of an academic supervisor as well as external expert from industry or other institutions.

It also aims to develop students' oral presentational skills by facilitating group presentations and discussions, students' IT skills including manipulation and presentation of statistical data.

The project helps students analyse actual economics data through various statistical techniques and check the validity of the statistical assumptions underlying the model, using the sample data and revising the model specification as needed.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Undertake a substantial, focused piece of research using research methods and analytical techniques that are appropriate to their programme of study.

2. Research the literature relating to a specific topic or issue relevant to their programme of study, and present a synthesis and critical review of that literature.

3. Identify and formulate hypotheses to be tested or problems to be addressed deriving from their analysis of the literature.

4. Confront these hypotheses or problems by mobilising relevant evidence and analysing it using statistical or other appropriate methods.

5. Evaluate findings and draw out their implications.

6. Present a substantial piece of written work that is clearly motivated and structured and conforms to the requirements specified in the course documentation with regard to the quality of written work and to presentational features such as length, layout, citations and bibliography.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.