Universiti Putra Malaysia

What you'll study

The Master by Research in Economics is driven by an individual thesis, supported by a programme of research training. You will design and execute an original research project under the guidance of academic supervisors, culminating in a written thesis and an oral defence.

Typical research preparation includes coursework or short modules in:

• Research methods and design — qualitative and quantitative research design, literature review techniques, research ethics and project management.
• Econometrics and applied statistics — time series, panel data, microeconometrics, programme evaluation methods and use of statistical software (e.g. Stata, R).
• Microeconomic and macroeconomic theory — advanced topics to support theoretical framing of research questions.
• Applied fields — options frequently chosen by students include development economics, agricultural and resource economics, environmental and natural resource economics, public economics, health economics and financial/international economics.

Students undertake regular supervisory meetings, present work-in-progress in seminars and are expected to produce a thesis that makes a clear contribution to knowledge. Opportunities exist to collaborate with research centres and access discipline-specific datasets and laboratory facilities where relevant.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant Bachelor's degree with honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. A strong academic record in economics, econometrics or related social science fields is advantageous. Where undergraduate training is not specialised in economics, applicants should demonstrate quantitative competence and relevant background through prior study or work experience.

Admissions typically require:

• A research proposal outlining the intended topic, objectives and methodology.
• Evidence of the ability to undertake independent research, such as academic references, relevant publications or professional experience.
• English language proficiency for applicants whose prior education was not in English.
• Selection may include assessment by potential supervisors and an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master by Research in Economics pursue a range of careers that value strong analytical and research skills. Common destinations include academic progression to PhD study and university teaching; research and analyst roles in government ministries, central banks and statistical agencies; positions in international organisations and think tanks; and economic or policy consulting in the private sector.

Other pathways include specialist roles in financial institutions, development agencies, environmental and agricultural policy units, and non-governmental organisations where evidence-based policy analysis and programme evaluation are required.

Why study at Universiti Putra Malaysia

Universiti Putra Malaysia has a strong research culture and facilities that support postgraduate work, including access to specialised libraries, statistical databases and interdisciplinary research centres. The university's strengths in agricultural, environmental and development-related fields create collaborative opportunities for economists working on applied and policy-oriented topics.

Students benefit from supervision by academic staff with expertise across theoretical and applied areas of economics, regular research seminars, and a campus environment geared to postgraduate study. The Master by Research pathway at UPM is well suited to those seeking rigorous training in research methodology and a clear route to doctoral study or research-intensive careers.