60 Seconds with Ann Marsden, Head of Department for Economics.
“I joined GSM London because I was interested in teaching in a HE institution with a widening participation focus. I also joined to teach on the BSc Economics programme which was launched in October 2011. I enjoy being here, I find the work very rewarding. I have enjoyed (and am still enjoying) building the Economics Department and GSM’s research capability over the last three years.” - Ann Marsden BA Honours (Geography), Durham University; MSc Economics, University of London; PhD Economics, University of Tasmania.
What is your academic background (qualifications etc)?
BA Honours (Geography) 1976, Durham University; MSc Economics 1989, University of London; PhD Economics 2012, University of Tasmania.
How long have you been working here?
Since mid 2012.
What attracted you about working here?
I was interested in teaching in a HE institution with a widening participation focus. I also joined to teach on the BSc Economics programme which was launched in October 2011
What were you doing before you decided to teach at GSM London?
I was studying for my PhD and working as a full time lecturer with the School of Economics and Finance at the University of Tasmania, Australia.
Do you enjoy being here?
Yes – I find the work very rewarding. I have enjoyed (and am still enjoying) building the Economics Department and GSM London’s research capability over the last three years.
Tell us something unique about you (something quirky)
For 5 years between 1990 and 1995 I was an economist for London Underground (now Tfl)
What subject are you currently teaching?
Microeconomic theory on the BSc (Hons) Economics degree
Tell us about your experience in the field you teach and any interesting projects you have worked on.
In Tasmania I was the Setting Examiner for the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (like AS/A levels) for four years – this work involved liaising with the economics teachers in the high schools, the academics in the School of Economics and Finance at the University of Tasmania and the high school and undergraduate students in Tasmania.
Do you have any other experience in any other field?
Yes – in the early years of my career, I worked in the geography/geology field spending 3 years working as a scientific officer with the Geological Museum (now part of the Science Museum) in South Kensington.
What research projects have you conducted?
PhD project – an investigation of pricing in the tourism accommodation industry in Tasmania.
GSM research – investigating the relationship between attendance in class and student marks
Have you published any books/papers/thesis or journals?
Chapter in Book - Baguley, M, Marsden, A. and Pullen, D. (2009). Back to basics: “Electronic collaboration in the education sector”. Handbook of Research on Electronic Collaboration and Organizational Synergy, Salmons, J. and Wilson, L. (ed.), Information Science Reference, New York. Refereed
Journal Article - Marsden, A. and Sibly, H. (2011). “An integrated approach to teaching price discrimination.” International Review of Economics Education, 10, (2): 75-90. Refereed
How does your work experience, incorporated with your academic experience help support your students? (Do students get involved with anything?) (Is your course content up-to-date with industry advancements?)
I use my research to inform my teaching – taking examples from my PhD study and using them in my microeconomic theory classes.
For more information, call 020 8003 1154 or get in touch with our Course Advisors via our contact form.
