The Economics Master's Apprenticeship programme (EMAP) is uniquely placed to support future economist leaders. Aimed at economists who are looking to upskill, candidates must already be employed in an economist role and have support from their employer to enrol onto the programme. Whilst on programme, apprentices will continue to work in their existing roles, but will dedicate one day per week to their studies, usually Fridays. As our world continues to change, we have every expectation that participants will be better informed of the wider context of economics and set themselves up for future success.
The Economics Master's Apprenticeship Programme has been designed with input from Departmental Chief and Deputy Chief Economists in the Civil Service, such as the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero, HM Treasury, The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Department for Business and Trade, as well as economists from other organisations such as the Bank of England, and therefore focuses on equipping learners with the soft skills and technical capabilities required to address many of the current economic policy challenges faced by the UK.
EMAP is based on a core with options model where learners must undertake some compulsory elements (Macro, Micro, Quantitative Skills, Economic Appraisal & one of three econometric electives) but have significant choice over specialisms in latter stages of the programme. Intakes take place in September and February of each year and apprentices/employers have the option of two modes of study; Standard Mode (30 months) or Fast-Track Mode (24 months).
This approach allows learners to have more say over their learning and to tailor the programme to their own particular occupational role/ interests. We have also designed the programme such that learners have some say over how many electives they undertake per semester, which gives them more flexibility to fit the course around work and other commitments.
Candidates will attain an MSc in Economics from Queen Mary University of London and a Level 7 Senior Professional Economist Apprenticeship Certificate on successful completion of both.
Individual employers will have their own internal selection process, after which candidates will be put forward to Queen Mary for the programme, however, applicants must meet one of the following entry criteria routes:
Route 1: A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in an Economics degree, a mixed degree with at least 50% in economics, or a degree in a more quantitative subject (maths, statistics etc.). Must also be in a role where they are undertaking a substantial amount of economic work day-to-day.
Marginal candidates (e.g., those with a joint honours economics undergraduate degree) may also be required to pass a pre-sessional maths and stats course. This course is taken at the end of the application cycle.
OR
Route 2: A 2: 1 or above at undergraduate level in any other subject will be considered ONLY if applicants are undertaking a substantial amount of economic work in their day-to-day role (at least 3 years' experience in relevant role).
Although professional experience in economics may be considered in lieu of academic qualifications, the candidate must have acquired significant knowledge and background in technical economic issues (i.e., maths and econometrics) in their work. Candidates applying through this route must attend and pass a suitability interview before the formal admissions process begins as well as passing the pre-sessional maths and stats course described above. Applicants with a (free-standing) master's degree in economics or a related subject are not eligible for EMAP.
The final decision for entry onto the programme lies with Queen Mary's academic and admissions teams.
Apprentices will also need to provide evidence of GCSE (or equivalent/higher) in maths and English (either language or literature) at grade C/4 or above in order to be accepted onto the course.
Overseas qualifications will be acceptable where there is clear evidence that they meet the UK ENIC (The UK national agency for international qualifications and skills) equivalent level and grade. A statement of comparability can be obtained via the UK ENIC website.
A simple, virtual application process is used at Queen Mary University from when you submit your application to the time that you receive an offer. As you go through each stage, the school's Degree Apprenticeship team will provide you with assistance.
STEP 1 - EMAP Eligibility Check (Job Description Review and Skills Scan to determine existing competencies.) | You will be sent an online survey once you and your employer have agreed to proceed formally. The application process usually begins around 3-4 months beofre the programme starts (the programme starts twice a year, in February and September) and can begin as soon as it is confirmed you meet apprenticehsip funding requirements.
STEP 2 - Queen Mary Admissions Process | A link will then be issued for you to complete the university's application form and upload any documentary evidence required. You must accept an offer (if made) in order to enrol.
STEP 3 - Enrolment & Induction | You will receive your Virtual Learning Environment credentials and further information about all the services Queen Mary has to offer.
Standard Mode (5 semesters) apprentices take 2 modules a semester, meaning they have 4 semesters to complete 8 taught modules before the EPA (End Point Assessment) stage in the 5th semester.
Fast Track Mode: (4 semesters) apprentices have 3 semesters to complete 8 taught modules before the EPA stage in the 4th semester.
Please note that once an apprentice begins the programme, they are not able to change modes.
Programme Outline: 15 credits per module → 8 modules
Standard Mode:
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Fast Track Mode:
Whilst apprentices have full discretion over which elective modules they take, they are strongly encouraged to discuss module options and module loadings per semester with their Senior Tutor in advance of any decisions being taken. See a list of current modules: EMAP module outlines [PDF 68KB].
(This list is not exhaustive and is subject to alterations).
Apprentices on Fast-Track Mode can adjust their elective workload across semesters to manage anticipated outside commitments.
Apprentices must choose at least one econometrics elective (current econometrics electives include Applied Micro, Time Series and Forecasting, and Machine Learning).
Each module on EMAP is delivered online (a combination of synchronous an asynchronous learning to allow for flexibility) over a standard 20-week semester, aside from one 'Campus Week' every 6 months.
Campus Week will include:
Apprentices will also meet with a Senior Tutor every 12 weeks to discuss their progress on the programme and the evidence they have uploaded to their e-portfolio.
Each module will include a mixture of short formative assessments to monitor progress and a larger (group) project toward the end of each semester. There will also be an end point assessment (EPA) in semester 4 (or semester 5 for Standard Mode), comprising of a mixture of a professional interview, an individual project, and an exam.