Spotlight on: Economics and Finance Postgraduate Study

Text: MSc Economics and Finance - an interview with Programme Director, Rabeya KhatoonAn interview with Dr Rabeya Khatoon, MSc Economics and Finance Programme Director


Can you tell us about your journey into academia? 

I have always had a desire to work in the academia from the start of my undergraduate studies at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Maybe this is because I got influenced by the very best lecturers there and to the subject matter of Economics from the very beginning. With my hard work and love for the subject, I topped the class and eventually joined the University of Dhaka as a lecturer after completing my master’s in economics.

To know more about the subject and with a desire to specialise in econometrics, I applied for and was selected at the University of Manchester for MSc in Economics and Econometrics, funded by the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship. Based on my performance, I was able to gain full funding for my doctoral studies straightaway and completed my studies there with success.

For me, it was the love for the subject that helped me the most, this is the reason why I did not fall behind even after having three of my children during PhD studies. Upon completion, I returned to the University of Dhaka, and after one year, I was able to join to the University College London, and then to the University of Bristol as an academic.

My place in academia is neither by chance, nor by luck; I believe it is my love for economics and my passion to teach that brought me where I am at present.

What area of research do you specialise in? 

I am an econometrician, with research in both theoretical and applied econometrics. I also do economics education research and some labour and health economics research.

Why do you think Bristol is the best choice if you’re looking to progress your career in Economics or Finance?

Bristol has a sound reputation for providing advanced training to students. We work together as a team to make sure our students achieve the base skills of reading, writing, and dealing with numbers and develop a sound communication skill using numbers.

What do you enjoy most about teaching Economics and Finance to your postgraduate students? 

I teach a compulsory unit, Applied Financial Econometrics, for the MSc Economics and Finance programme. The unit uses real-life data-based analysis to test economic and finance theories that help us understand real-world problems using reliable tools. Students are generally from economics and/or finance backgrounds with good technical knowledge. It’s fun to share and explore knowledge together.

How does your research expertise benefit our students? 

I always prefer to use easy vocabulary to convey econometrics concepts, thereby try to make learning econometrics accessible. I use simulations and data-based applications to engage students. I love coding and try eagerly to make coding interesting to my students. In addition, my interest in pedagogy and the reflection exercises that I do helps me improve my teaching style.

What tips do you have for prospective postgraduate students? 

Postgraduate study is a must if you want to join academia. If you have a different career goal, it’s still worth exploring, as the return to one more year of education is measured to be significantly positive. MSc Economics and Finance at Bristol is a specialist programme that can equip you with cutting-edge economics knowledge with a focus on finance.

Find out more about our Economics Postgraduate Programmes, how to apply, and hear from some of our recent students about their experience and why they chose to study economics at Bristol on the School of Economics website