Thomas Singh

What motivated you to apply for the MSc programme in the Department of Economics at Warwick?

The reputation of the university and the department made the Warwick MSc Economics programme extremely attractive. The possibility of funding and the variety of optional modules further influenced this decision.

Was the scholarship important in enabling your studies?

The Warwick scholarship was essential in allowing me to overcome financial barriers to postgraduate education – and I would not be here without it.

What sparked your interest in the themes and issues you’re exploring during your MSc?

I have had a longstanding interest in economic development and its colonial roots, which is the larger area my dissertation fits into. Beyond that, the modules at Warwick allowed me the opportunity to explore other areas I was interested in and felt would be beneficial to my academic growth, such as Environmental, Labour and Behavioural Economics. I can confidently say that these choices have pushed my boundaries and opened new intellectual and career avenues.

Which core or optional modules have had the biggest impact on your academic or professional development?

The econometrics module provided the practical research exposure that allowed me to better engage with both current research and the job market.

How has the MSc helped you build analytical skills relevant to your future career?

Beyond knowledge of economics itself, the MSc has allowed me to develop strong econometrics skills that are applicable to a variety of careers in research and policy. Furthermore, the mathematical and problem-solving exposure from other modules, such as microeconomics, contribute to an array of useful transferrable skills.

What are your favourite modules and why?

I enjoyed Labour and Behavioural Economics, which were both areas I was interested in but didn’t explore as an undergraduate. Having taken Environmental Economics at the undergraduate level, the MSc module was a great addition that added an applied policy dimension to this foundation. Across these modules, I was impressed by the recency and relevance of research discussed.

What topic are you planning for your dissertation, and why is it important for you (or your country)?

My dissertation examines the impact of colonial legal origin on the gender employment gap in Sub Saharan Africa. Specifically, following ideas of colonial persistence, differences in the employment protection legislation of British common law and French civil law may have led to variations in female employment in former British and French colonies. Beyond simply being an interesting area to explore, research of this nature is important to developing countries – like my home country Guyana – as they attempt to entangle their colonial history from efforts to improve economic and social institutions.

What has it meant to you to be part of a diverse and inclusive cohort at Warwick?

I have been blown away by how welcoming life at Warwick has been. Within my course and through university societies, such as the postgraduate and squash societies, there has been a never-ending stream of activities that contributes to a warm and diversified social life.

What has been the most inspiring moment of your scholarship/student journey so far?

The initial moment when I received the email notifying me of the scholarship was quite emotional. There have been further gradual gratifying points where I was aware of growth and improvement because of the programme – such as fully grasping the empirical strategy of a paper that would have previously baffled me.

How do you plan to apply your MSc training after you graduate?

These skills give me a platform to personally contribute to positive societal change through either relevant research or public policy roles.

What long-term goals do you have for your career or research?

I’d like to complete a PhD in economics and go on to a career in either academia or public policy.

How has the scholarship shaped your vision for your future?

I feel a sense of empowerment in my own abilities, and I am much more confident in the impermanence of financial barriers.

How did you navigate the application process, and what would you recommend others do?

For others who may have be in my position, where seemingly improbable funding opportunities are essential to accessing a postgraduate programme, I’d simply advise not to count yourself out and give it your best effort while cultivating feasible back-up plans.