Economic History: Research Design
What makes research truly scientific? This course helps you design your own study—from formulating questions to choosing methods—so you can turn ideas into structured, evidence-based analysis.
Start
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Level
Master's
Language
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Place of study
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Course code
EKHM73
Research Design gives you the tools to understand how academic research is built. You’ll learn how to move from a broad idea to a focused research question, and how to choose methods that fit your topic.
The course explores what separates scientific research from journalism or everyday reporting. You’ll study how researchers engage with debates, use theory to frame problems, and ensure transparency so others can follow and repeat their work.
You’ll also learn how to identify suitable sources, evaluate their reliability and understand the strengths and limitations of different research methods.
Whether you’re preparing for a thesis or simply want to understand how knowledge is created, this course helps you think clearly and critically about research—and gives you the confidence to start your own.
The course includes lectures, exercises and seminars. You’ll work both individually and in groups to develop your own research ideas and present them in writing and discussion.
You’ll be assessed through written assignments, oral presentations and active participation. You’ll learn to formulate aims and hypotheses, choose appropriate methods and assess the quality of your sources.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design a research project that is both theoretically grounded and methodologically sound. You’ll understand how to connect ideas, data and analysis in a way that meets academic standards.
This is a course for those who want to understand the logic behind research—and how to apply it. You’ll gain the skills to ask better questions, build stronger arguments, and contribute meaningfully to academic conversations.
Entry requirements
Students accepted for the following master?s programmes: EAETU Economic Growth, Population, and Development, EAEUT Economic Growth and Development, EAISD Innovation and Spatial Dynamics EAGCH International Economics with a Focus on China. Other students applying for this course should have at least 60 credit points in either economic history, economics, history, economic and social geography, sociology or the equivalent knowledge. English 6.