The Graduate Diploma programme is designed for students who have studied little or no Economics. It is a freestanding postgraduate qualification which prepares students to study a specialist MSc in Economics and possibly a PhD thereafter.
The Graduate Diploma is a fast-track programme, which provides rigorous training in core skills in analytical economics and econometrics, as well as allowing some specialisation in chosen areas of the subject.
It is a demanding course, since it involves reaching the level of a good degree in economics (with a strong quantitative emphasis) in one year instead of the usual three. To join this programme you must have a First or good Upper second-class degree from a UK university, or the international equivalent. An aptitude for mathematics and statistics, and a reasonable background in these subjects, is essential.
The course is full time from October to the following June.
Use the following link to view the most recent Graduate Diploma Handbook.
It consists of the following mandatory units taken from the department's undergraduate programmes:
Plus two further more specialised units, chosen from a list that is announced each year. This list includes both 2nd and 3rd year undergraduate units, and students must choose at least one 3rd year unit. A typical list might include:Students follow the same programme of study as second year undergraduates taking Intermediate Macroeconomics and Intermediate Microeconomics. They take both of the same three hour exams, but in addition will complete an extended essay (5,000 word maximum) on a set topic in each of these units. This is to give an opportunity for more extended study and the writing of a critical survey of more recent research, and will provide a useful basis for any future work at the post-graduate level. Final assessment in these units will be split half and half between the exam and the extended essay. These units will be 30 credit points each.
The remaining three units, which are the mandatory unit in undergraduate second-year Econometrics (QM3) (20 credit points) and a choice of two further more specialised units (both 20 credit points), are assessed by 3 hour unseen exam. Examinations are held in May or June.
Read what former Graduate Diploma students say about the course. Student Profiles
A First or good Upper second-class degree (or international equivalent). Entrance qualifications must include a significant mathematical/statistical component, either at degree level or a minimum of grade A at A level mathematics (or equivalent). Please provide evidence of Maths qualifications, i.e. A Level Maths certificate or equivalent (High School Certificate etc). Please access this link to our Postgraduate Prospectus
Please use the following link to access qualifications equivalent to the UK upper second class degree required for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Economics - Are my undergraduate qualifications good enough?
English language proficiency shown by a minimum score of IELTS = 6.5 in each element or TOEFL = 600. Further details can be found at our frequently asked questions page - What English language skills do I need?
Further details can be found at our frequently asked questions page - FAQ
Graduate Diploma Co-ordinator
Amy Baker
Tel: 0117 331 0514
Fax: 0117 928 8577
Email: Amy.Baker@bristol.ac.uk
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