If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by students' English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If their course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Master of Science - Economics and Econometrics This popular University of Essex course emphasises the foundations of econometrics and its application to a wide range of topics in economics. Students explore topics including: • the statistical foundations for a variety of estimating methods; • ways of testing economic hypotheses; • the classic linear regression model; • the use of asymptotic methods in econometrics; • the analysis of stock markets and other financial data.

Essex is top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% of their research rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and they have particular strengths in the areas of: game theory and strategic interactions, theoretical and applied econometrics, and labour economics. The quality of Essex's work is reflected in their stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.

Essex's researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs, with students coming from across the globe to study, research or work with them.

After completing the masters, students may wish to extend their knowledge with a research degree – many Essex graduates decide to stay for further study. Alternatively, the course also prepares students for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level.

Previous students of this course have gone on to work in roles such as a Mortgage and Protection Manager for HSBC, more generally graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organisations.