MA (Hons) Economics and History

Economists examine how societies attempt to make the best use of their scarce resources, so that they can advise governments, individuals and companies on how to improve decisions and outcomes. Traditionally, economists advise on investment, inflation, interest rates, and production. Increasingly however, economics takes a wider focus with many economists examining climate change, inequality, and improving healthcare. For Economics we focus specifically on the macroeconomic challenges of national, regional and global economies together with the microeconomic behaviour of people and businesses. For History we teach social, cultural, and political history from the early modern to the contemporary period, focusing on the British Isles, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and India. You’ll use primary sources from the beginning of your studies, and analyse various kinds of historical evidence, including written and oral materials, maps, visual images, feature films, art and music. You’ll consider how the use of sources and the media informs our reconstructions of the past. You will reflect on key debates in history, looking at how they have developed over time and shaped our understanding of the world.