Accreditation

For several years, the MSc Economic Management and Policy degree programme, offered by the Economics Department at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, has attracted economists who work in the Government Economic Service in Scotland to further their professional development by part time study for a higher degree in economics.

Since September 2005, the MSc Economic Management and Policy degree has also been available for study by Open Learning, a mode that offers entirely online web-based teaching and learning, and which as a result means that attendance at the University is not required. The Open Learning mode of study is particularly aimed at individuals in full time employment, in the public or private sectors, who wish to study a top class and vocationally-oriented masters degree programme in economics, need to study in an environment that develops extensive interaction with both tutors and fellow participants, and wish to do so in a flexible way that fits with their job requirements. This mode of study has proved very successful, and is highly regarded by participants on the programme.

The Economics Department recently approached the UK Government Economic Service (GES) with a view to making the Open Learning MSc EMP degree programme available to its staff for professional development purposes.

Following an audit of the programme by GES staff and external advisers, we are pleased to announce that the GES has decided to Recommend the MSc EMP Open Learning programme.

As a result, we look forward to playing a wider role in the training of government economists, and are confident that this will also make the programme more attractive to our existing and potential participants from around the world.

In addition, the recent review of Economics teaching at Strathclyde by the Quality Assurance Agency has given us the highest possible rating in each category. The Strathclyde University Business School has achieved EQUIS and AACSB International accreditation, making it one of only 27 business schools world-wide to have achieved recognition from the two leading accreditation bodies for business schools.