Fernanda Goncalves da Silva

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Economic Policy and Analysis MSc- 2022

Studying at the University of Westminster has been a life-changing experience, both personally and professionally.

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

After completing my undergraduate degree in Economics, I worked as a financial planning analyst in Brazil for 13 years before pursuing a Master’s degree.            

I chose the University of Westminster Economic Policy and Analysis MSc because it has the qualifications that I need to move my career to an economic position. The core modules are well-formed, allowing me to draw economic policies in different countries and communicate economics effectively to different audiences. Moreover, the course is structured to provide the proper specialisation for both the public and private sectors. Besides that, the University has an incredible reputation with international students, which has attracted people worldwide, including me.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London is a privilege because there are so many things going on. There are lots of institutions, companies, and academies here, besides the opportunity to attend an important economic conference.

Furthermore, the cultural life in London is impressive. There are a variety of museums and galleries to get involved in.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

The course has provided me with a far more sophisticated understanding of macroeconomic policy and valuable technical econometrics skills. It also has a practical application in appraising and evaluating an economic policy. Being a Master's student has spurred me to seek further opportunities for research and carry on to academia as a PhD candidate.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

The University has provided on-campus talks with highly qualified professional economists in many areas, which is quite helpful for knowledge and access to career choices for economists. I attended one of these talks related to financial regulations in practice, which inspired me to apply for a role at the Bank of England, resulting in a recent offer to join the bank.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

Westminster is a reputable and modern university that provides high-quality teaching and courses. As part of the economics course, we have been training using modern econometric software called EViews. With this experience, we can manage most of the other econometric software available in the market.

The online library provides an incredible variety of scientific journals, which are fundamental to any assessment and to build and extend our knowledge. Moreover, as a part of the course, we are eligible to have free subscriptions to The Economist, Financial Times, and Statista, which are quite helpful for our updated technical content.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

The international dimension is important at the University of Westminster, so you will find this environment and support for you in every aspect of your student journey.

A full-time MSc would go quickly, and you will learn more in one semester than you thought was possible, So, concentrate on what you are interested in, and do not waste time.

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

Studying at the University of Westminster has been a life-changing experience, both personally and professionally. I have a chance to develop academic skills while being part of a friendly and international environment.