David Clark

How did you hear about the Business School?

Before enrolling on the MSc Economics programme, I was an undergraduate student of the same subject at Leeds University Business School. During my final year, I attended an open day which presented all the postgraduate courses available.

Why did you choose the Business School?

Having previously spent three years as an undergraduate on the BSc Economics programme, I had become accustomed to the ways of the Business School and felt some comfort in returning to start a new course in familiar surroundings. Aside from this, Leeds is a highly ranked university within the UK, a member of the prestigious Russell Group and in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, the university was ranked 14th in the UK.

What appealed to you about the course? What elements of the course inspired you?

Primarily, the continuity from the BSc to the MSc was an incredibly important factor for me when choosing to enrol on the course. When moving to other universities to embark on further study, there is always a fear that there may be a significant overlap or gap in the content of both degrees, however the MSc programme presented enough variety in modules offered for the former not to be a problem. Secondly, the course is very reasonably priced in comparison to other universities offering the same course.

What is the best part of your studies here – what are you enjoying the most?

I particularly enjoyed the quantitative elements of the course - namely the courses in econometric theory and microeconomics, although as this course is offered by the Business School, the option to be able to take courses offered by other departments within the School is particularly attractive attribute of the course.

What are your career aspirations? 

I plan to stay in academia as a lecturer or perhaps move into other public institutions contributing to economic policy. I think I can say that the course offered by the Business School has unequivocally prepared me with the skill set necessary to confidently progress forward to carry out high quality research during my PhD and beyond. More generally, the varied choice of modules available as well as the high quality of content in compulsory modules will provide students with the knowledge required to progress to their desired career.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the Business School that you can tell us about – eg prizes, highest scores etc?

During the MSc course, I was awarded the Economics Studentship by the Business School which provides funding for me to pursue a PhD here at Leeds.

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the region itself?

Whilst at Leeds, the staff have been excellent. Their availability to answer any question you may have about course content or otherwise has been outstanding. Moreover, the staff are very active within their field with the most cutting-edge research, which is evident in the material we are being taught.

Were there any other aspects of your time at the Business School that are noteworthy? 

Leeds is a very lively city with a lot of things to do regardless of your interests. However, before you even venture into the city, the student's union has a wide collection of societies that anyone can join, ranging from sports and debating to sewing and baking, which provide a great way to meet people outside your course that share similar interests.

What would you say your defining memory of studying here was? 

During my time at the Business School, I have made a great group of friends from all parts of the world that have made my time at Leeds very memorable and definitely made getting through exam periods a lot more easier to endure! During the year we organised social events for the whole course where students and staff together were able to wind down after a stressful semester with a nice meal and a few drinks.

Would you recommend the Business School to others?

The Business School is not only a very good institution for education but provides the opportunity to meet individuals from all over the world, to form long-lasting relationships and to leave with memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. For those reasons alone, I couldn't recommend the Business School highly enough.