Global Economy

Student Testimonials

‌Godsway Korku Gbortsu, MSc Global Economy 2012-13

The University of Glasgow was one of the few universities in the UK I considered for my post graduate education, partly because of its world ranking and also because of its publicity in the media. The desire to have a global perspective of issues is what drove me to choose the MSc Global Economy as my programme of study. It is worth testifying that my expectations have been met and I have no regret for making this choice.

One thing that stands out at theUniversityofGlasgowis the support system for personal skills development; from academic skills to employability skills. I think I have already acquired most of these skills and will like to recommend Glasgow University to prospective students as a place of academic excellence and skills development.

Ewan Gibbs, MSc Global Economy 2012-13

I chose to study at the Universityof Glasgow because I was aware of the expertise in the School of Social Sciences, and in Economic and Social History in particular. Global Economy allows for an understanding of globalisation which is both historically informed and wide-ranging in its consideration. There is a large breadth of perspectives present in a course which this year has had students from China and South East Asia, various parts of Europe and America. The core courses and the optional courses allow students to explore various aspects of globalisation from its impact on businesses both big and small, to macro-economic developments and considerations to how it has affected labour relations and had differing impacts on societies around the world. In this sense this masters is highly flexible and teaching staff allow students to structure course-work and their dissertation topic around their own interests and needs. 

JingJing Shen, MSc Global Economy 2012-13

I decided to come to the University of Glasgow because of the academic reputation and historical heritage of Glasgow University, the beautiful landscape of Glasgow and Scotland and the lower living cost compared with England. I chose Global Economy because it gives me a comprehensive view of the economy on the bases of history, politics, theory, practice and so on.

The best things about my course were the close connection with the current world, not only theoretical but also practical, and the most professional and nicest professors and lecturers. I enjoyed most at the School the academic atmosphere and the colourful social events and, in Glasgow, the friendly people, the combination of classic and modern of this city and the beautiful views.

I would recommend Glasgow University because of its:

• Good reputation
• Good academic atmosphere
• Good teachers
• Plenty of choices

Li-chun Yen, Global Economy 2012-13

I chose the University of Glasgow because I like the culture and historical background of Glasgow and the University has a long history and good reputation. I chose my course as I’m interested in the shift of global market and economic development.

All the lecturers are very knowledgeable and friendly, the design of lectures is diversified and our fellow students are quite international. (I particularly enjoyed) studying with international students and learning from knowledgeable and friendly professors.

Katherine Phillips, USA, MSc Global Economy 2011-12

Why did you choose to study at the University of Glasgow?
I wanted the opportunity to study abroad, and had a strong interest and background in economics. I had first learned of the University some time ago after reading Adam Smith’s work and thought that there could be no better place to further my studies in economics than the University of Glasgow.

Why did you choose your programme?
With the ever-increasing interconnectedness of the world today, I felt there would be a rising importance in global politics and global economics. The MSc Global Economy seemed to me to combine the best of both worlds, allowing me to further my studies in a subject I love while providing me with an education in one of the most relevant subject-areas to be studied today.

What do you like about your programme of study?
First, the programme allows students in it to be flexible in the focus they would like to take within the programme. Students coming from all varieties of backgrounds, not just economics, are easily accommodated. Second, the teaching staff are open, friendly, and very knowledgeable in the subject areas they are teaching. Thirdly, the classes within the programme are often open to students of other disciplines to take as options, and so each class offers a variety of opinions and perspectives on the subject being studied.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at the University?
I came from a very small undergraduate college, so getting to experience being a part of a large, international university has been great. Also, there is so much rich history surrounding the University, and it has been great to have opportunities to attend seminars exploring and discussing the past. I’ve also enjoyed very much the amount of student involvement there is at the University - the administration truly cares about what students think and take their ideas into account when considering ways to improve University life.

What have you enjoyed most about your time in Glasgow?
Glasgow is by far the friendliest city I have ever been to. I love the people here; everyone is willing to stop and chat! Travel is also quite easy from Glasgow; around Scotland, the UK and continental Europe. I’ve also very much enjoyed how easy it is to learn from other people and about different cultures in such a cosmopolitan area-there is such a rich artistic and cultural centre in the city!

Any advice for potential applicants?
I would highly recommend coming to the University to Glasgow to study. Regardless of the programme you enter, the University provides a top notch education to prepare you for the world beyond University life and the experiences and friendships you gain while living in such a fantastic city will last a lifetime.

Phanurat Koonlarp, Thailand, MSc Global Economy 2011-12

Why did you choose your programme?
The interdisciplinary teaching suited my professional experience and goals and allowed me to broaden my frontier of knowledge. Moreover, Glasgow - the largest city in Scotland - was a significant factor in my decision. 

What were the best things about your programme?
The small class sizes led to beneficial and pleasant discussion. Also, the supportive professors and multicultural friends are the best features of student life.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at the University?
Working out at the sport and recreation centre; the library services and opening times, until 2am; the design of the main building and the university environment.

What have you enjoyed most about studying in the city of Glasgow?
Urban life (shopping, dinning and night life); transportation, especially when traveling around Scotland and the UK is needed. It’s truly a centre of transportation in Scotland; friendly locals.

Isabel Arnold, Germany, MSc Global Economy

Why did you choose to study at Glasgow?
I wanted to study in the UK (I am from Germany) and the tuition fees in Scotland are in general lower than in England. But I chose Glasgow mainly because of the programme. It was exactly what I was looking for: Economics in an international context. And I couldn’t find this programme anywhere else.

What do you like best about your course?
Topics are put into a broader context, it always challenges my thinking and there is a lot of room for your own ideas that you can elaborate in your course work.

Tell us about studying at Glasgow University.
I like being able to work much on my own instead of having a strict schedule with spending many hours in university. I also like the big campus and the old university building and making new friends and meeting new people from all around the world. I enjoy living in the West End, close to the university, shops, parks and pubs’ and said that ’living in a big city is, for me, offering a high quality of life.’

What would you say to someone coming to Glasgow University? 
Be prepared for a large, sometimes confusing, campus. But you’ll get used to that very quickly. I didn’t visit Glasgow or go to a University Open Day before I started studying. It is certainly nice to have had that experience, but it is not necessary. Everybody at Glasgow University is very open and helpful, the same is true for the Glaswegians.