A brief overview of the programme, electives, and module design.
The programme is uniquely placed to support future economist leaders. 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.
This Economics Master's Apprenticeship Programme has been designed with input from Departmental Chief and Deputy Chief Economists in BEIS, HMT, FCDO, DIT, DWP, DHSC, MHCLG, DfE, DEFRA & NIC 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 the 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.
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, this gives them more flexibility to fit the course around work and other commitments.
Candidates will attain an MSc in Economics from Queen Mary University London and a Level 7 Senior Professional Economist Apprenticeship Certificate on successful completion of both.
Entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers. But typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved an undergraduate economics degree or a level 6 Professional Economist apprenticeship with a degree classification of at least 2(i). Where apprentices do not have a previous level 6 economics qualification employers might take into account previous undergraduate degree and relevant experience or fund additional training to develop basic economics and maths skills to allow apprentices to participate effectively in the course. (taken from the Senior Professional Economist (Integrated Degree) standard).
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 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.) | A member of the school's degree apprenticeship team will send you an online survey once you and your employer have agreed to proceed formally. The application process will begin as soon as it is confirmed you meet apprenticeship funding requirements.
STEP 2 - Queen Mary Admissions Process | A hyperlink 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) slower pace students take 2 modules a semester-meaning they have 4 semesters to complete 8 taught modules before the EPA stage in the 5th semester.
Fast route: (4 semesters) students have 3 semesters to complete the 8 modules before the EPA stage in the 4th semester.
Programme Outline: 15 credits per module → 8 modules
Semester 1 (September 2022 to February 2023)
Semester 2 (February to July 2023)
Semester 3 (September 2023 to February 2024)
Semester 4 (February 2024 to August 2024)
Whilst learners have full discretion over which elective modules they take, you are strongly encouraged to discuss module options and module loadings per semester with your learner in advance of any decisions being taken.
1. The list is not exhaustive and is subject to alterations
2. Students can adjust their elective workload across semesters to manage anticipated outside commitments
3. Students must choose at least one econometrics elective (from likely choice of Applied Micro, Time Series and Forecasting, Machine Learning)
Each module on EMAP will follow a fortnightly delivery pattern over a standard 20 week semester. In practice, for each module, a fortnight will include the following:
In addition, at the end of each semester there will be a one-week (5 working day) ‘residential’ which will include:
Learners will also receive a visit twice a Semester from a Senior Tutor to discuss your progress on the programme and the evidence you have uploaded to your e-portfolio (See guidance on Tri-partite Review Meetings).
These will differ across modules but are generally 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 endpoint assessment in semester 4, comprising of a mixture of a professional interview, an individual project, and an exam.
End Point Assessment for the Senior Professional Economist Degree Apprenticeship consists of three assessment components (see above). All assessment methods will be weighted equally, i.e. 33.3 % and you must secure at least a pass in each component in order to pass the overall EPA. End Point Assessment will be delivered by an Independent Assessor who has had no prior engagement with apprentices on-programme but who has occupational expertise as a Senior Professional Economist.