Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree comprising 120 points/180 credits, at least 60 points/90 credits of which in economics, including an independent degree project worth at least 10 points/15 credits or the equivalent. Moreover, 10 points/15 credits are required in statistics. Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test with the following minimum scores:

• IELTS: an overall mark of 6.5 and no section below 5.5
• TOEFL: Paper-based: Score of 4.5 (scale 1-6) in written test and a total score of 575. Internet-based: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test and a total score of 90
• Cambridge: CAE, CPE

Aims

During the Master's programme in economics, students become familiar with economic theory and obtain a good knowledge of statistics and econometrics. After the education, the students should be able to use economic theory and quantitative methods to independently analyse economic issues. This is a good preparation for skilled analytical and investigative work in both the public and private sectors. The programme also provides eligibility to apply to the Ph D program in economics.

Learning outcomes

A graduating student should

• Demonstrate broad knowledge in economics, substantially deeper knowledge of some parts of the subject as well as insight into current research and development.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of economic methodology.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even with limited information.
• Demonstrate an ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate research questions and to plan and carry out advanced tasks within specified time frames, thereby contributing to the development of knowledge.
• Demonstrate ability in both national and international contexts to present and discuss, orally and in writing, their conclusions and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different groups.
• Demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development or to work independently in other advanced contexts.
• Demonstrate ability to, in their economic analysis, make judgments with respect to scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development.
• Demonstrate insight into the subject’s possibilities and limitations, its role in society and the responsibility for its use.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify their own need of further knowledge and to take responsibility for their learning.

Layout of the programme

The standard outline of the programme is as follows:

Semester 1: Micro and macro theory and analytical methods.

Semester 2: Statistics and Econometrics

Semester 3: Optional advanced courses

Semester 4: Master's thesis

The Standard outline can be customized to suit students with different prior knowledge and needs.

Instruction

The specific teaching formats vary between the different courses. The standard formats include lectures, laboratory exercises, tutorials and seminars. The language of instruction is English.

Degree

The programme leads to a two-year Master's degree comprising 120 higher education credits in the major field of economics (Degree of Master of Social Science, 120 credits). The two-year Master's degree requires 60 higher education credits in the major field, at least 30 higher education credits of which comprise an independent degree project.

The programme may be concluded with a one-year Master's degree comprising 60 higher education credits in the major field of economics (Degree of Master of Social Science, 60 credits). The one-year Master's degree requires 30 higher education credits in the major field, at least 15 higher education credits of which comprise an independent degree project.