This course provides MSc Economics students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in research design, methodology, and academic writing in economics. The course introduces students to the philosophical foundations of economic inquiry, quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, literature review techniques, theoretical and conceptual framework development, economic modelling, econometric methods, policy analysis, and scientific reporting. Students will develop a complete research proposal and gain competencies required for master’s dissertation research, policy analysis, consultancy studies, and publication in academic journals.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Explain the philosophical foundations of economic research.
2. Formulate researchable economic problems and objectives.
3. Conduct systematic literature reviews.
4. Develop theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
5. Formulate and test economic hypotheses.
6. Design quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.
7. Apply appropriate sampling and data collection techniques.
8. Select and justify econometric and statistical methods.
9. Interpret empirical economic evidence.
10. Prepare high-quality research proposals and reports.
11. Apply ethical principles in economic research.
12. Produce publishable academic papers and dissertations.