1. What advice do you have on how to make a successful Master’s application to UCL?
It may be obvious, but really focus in on exactly which doors you feel the Master's will open for you and why you feel this particular course is the right one. This means picking out specific features of the course that interest you, linking your past experience & future goals with key themes of the course and reading up on recent research from programme leads.

2. What were the most important aspects of your application to UCL?
In the statement you should tell a compelling story of how the Master’s fits into a career-long journey. Your time at Warwick will have set you up nicely for this, but also link this to relevant work experience and relevant extra-curricular interests where you can. Also, start and end with short sentences which summarise your reason for applying, competence and aspirations to guide the reader.

3. Did you get a good academic reference from Warwick?
I chose to use my Research in Applied Economics tutor rather than my personal tutor as I felt they had a better understanding of my research interests and ability to meet the academic demands.

4. What knowledge and skills did you highlight in your application to UCL?
One thing that attracted me to UCL’s Urban Economic Development course was how inter-disciplinary and internationally facing it was. So, I focused first on how Economics gave me a good grounding to build on (e.g., economic theory, role of institutions, labour economics, econometric analysis, policy design) but also made sure to demonstrate how my time at Warwick had helped me develop softer skills that would help me make the most of the course.

5. Is there any specific advice you would give to Warwick students applying for a Master’s at UCL?
I’m so glad I took all the econometrics modules I did whilst at Warwick. Although it felt a little rough at the time, they give you an understanding of data that has really benefited me through the Master’s and beyond. In general, I recommend choosing modules you are genuinely interested in (rather than because you feel you should or for ease) as you’ll gain so much more from these modules.
I do recommend thinking through and asking the questions you might have asked at the end of an interview to someone on the course or a past student. This gives you a chance to check if the course is a good fit for you and will meet your expectations.

6. Why did you choose this MSc in Urban Economic Development?
During my 3rd year dissertation I realised there was a lot more I needed to learn about urban economics and development studies. I needed to complete the Master's before I could start a career combining the things I loved about economics at Warwick (metrics, labour economics, public economics) with my interest in how development projects and policies impact people's day-to-day life. I’d strongly recommend only going into a Master’s if you feel it will benefit future career plans.

7. Do you feel your BSc in Economics at Warwick prepared you well for this postgraduate degree?
Absolutely. I still use my EC226 notes today! The Master's also gave me a chance to build on the applied research I had started during my time at Warwick. Last year I was given the chance to present this at the European Transport Conference which was a real career highlight.