Hear from our previous students:

Jennifer Uchendu - MSc Economics 2025-2026

"What drew me to Durham University was its strong reputation and high teaching standards. I sought a challenging environment to expand my knowledge and skills before entering the workforce. Having completed my undergraduate studies in Newcastle, I was excited to experience a quieter, more scenic town. Additionally, I was awarded a scholarship and once I received the offer, the decision was easy: access to top-tier education at a lower cost than other Master's programmes. I also appreciated that my efforts during my undergraduate degree were recognised and rewarded. The scholarship eased my financial burden, allowing me to work less and focus more on my studies. 

The MSc Economics programme has significantly strengthened my skills in time management, prioritisation, collaboration, and proficiency with analytical programming tools like Stata, R, and Python. As a cohort, I believe we were eased in and supported as we settled into our postgraduate studies. The provision of academic advisors ensures there is always someone to seek advice and help with any issues. Moreover, the lecturers are very generous with their time and always willing to assist, offering clarification or guidance when necessary. I have enjoyed integrating and bonding with students from all over the world who have previously studied different subjects to Economics, as it offers different perspectives. A highlight of Semester 1 would be the London Trip, where myself and other students visited a few businesses, networked, and gained industry insights. The trip also provided another opportunity to bond with my course mates, which I enjoyed most.  

I enjoyed my optional modules, and having the choice of what to study meant I could study topics I am passionate about, which inspires and motivates me. Prior to joining Durham University, I already had a vision for my future: to become an economic consultant, but since starting my studies, my eyes have been opened to other avenues. I am seriously considering a career in Development Economics, my current favourite module.  

Due to working part-time and living off campus, I was not able to join as many societies as I would have liked. I would advise any student joining to seriously try some of the amazing societies the university offers. However, I would like to stress the importance of knowing what you can handle, given the extra requirements of postgraduate studies. There are many ways to remain social while studying a Master's, such as through your college or department events. As my older sister always reminds me, balance is key.  

Finally, some friendly advice for you (and me) - do the readings, then read more! It is unavoidable at postgraduate level; being able to refer to theories and real-world examples helps you to stand out amongst your talented peers."