Master of Science in Economics
Masterprogram i nationalekonomi
About the Syllabus
Specialisations
Purpose
The programme prepares students for qualified professional work in economics, both in the private and public sectors. Students gain a thorough grounding in economic theory and develop strong quantitative skills through courses in econometrics and programming. Upon completion of the programme, students should be able to independently apply economic theory and quantitative methods to analyse complex economic issues. The programme also provides preparation for doctoral studies.
The programme aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. It is based on the principle that advanced higher education should be research-based and characterised by academic rigor, with a strong emphasis on the effective use of quantitative methods, economic theory, and empirical analysis.
Students are introduced to central research areas and modern quantitative methods. They are trained to combine theory and data in the analysis and evaluation of different policies. Issues related to various aspects of sustainability are naturally integrated into several courses, with the objective of preparing students to contribute professionally and responsibly to positive societal development.
Degree and main field of study
General profile
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Economics (Ekonomie masterexamen med huvudområde nationalekonomi).
Finance profile
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Economics (Ekonomie masterexamen med huvudområde nationalekonomi).
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Economics, specialization in finance (Ekonomie masterexamen med huvudområde nationalekonomi, specialisering i finans).
Content
Programme structure and courses
The programme has two specialisations: one in Economics (general profile) and one in Finance (finance profile). In addition to economic theory and methodology, the Finance profile also provides an understanding of financial markets and corporate valuation.
Language of instruction is English.
General profile
The specialisation comprises four academic semesters of full-time study (120 credits), including three semesters of coursework consisting of compulsory courses (60 credits) and elective courses (30 credits), for a total of 90 credits, followed by one semester devoted to the Master's thesis (30 credits).
The Graduate School offers a range of elective courses in Economics, Business Administration, Law, Economic History, and Economic Geography. The selection of elective courses offered may vary from year to year.
Courses offered outside the Graduate School may be included in the programme subject to approval by the Graduate School.
Semester 1
Period 1: Mathematics, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 2: Advanced Microeconomic Theory, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 3: Advanced Macroeconomics, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 4: Data Science with Python, 7.5 credits (core)
Semester 2
Period 1: Graduate Econometrics, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 2: Information and Strategies, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 3: Economic Research Methods, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 4: Applied Econometrics 7.5 credits (core)
Semester 3
Elective courses comprising 30 credits
Semester 4
Period 1-4: Master Degree Project, 30 credits (core)
Finance profile
The specialisation comprises four academic semesters of full-time study (120 credits), including three semesters of coursework consisting of compulsory courses (75 credits) and elective courses (15 credits), for a total of 90 credits, followed by one semester devoted to the Master's thesis (30 credits).
The Graduate School offers a range of elective courses in Economics, Business Administration, Law, Economic History, and Economic Geography. The selection of elective courses offered may vary from year to year.
Courses offered outside the Graduate School may be included in the programme subject to approval by the Graduate School.
Semester 1
Period 1: Mathematics, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 2: Advanced Microeconomic Theory, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 3: Financial Markets: Portfolio Decisions and Pricing, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 4: Programming in Finance, 7.5 credits (core)
Semester 2
Period 1: Graduate Econometrics, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 2: Information and Strategies, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 3: Economic Research Methods, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 4: Applied Econometrics 7.5 credits (core)
Semester 3
Period 1: Elective course, 7.5 credits
Period 2: Financial Strategy and Value Creation, 7.5 credits (core)
Period 3: Advanced Macroeconomics 7.5 credits (core)
Period 4: Elective course, 7.5 credits
Semester 4
Period 1-4: Master Degree Project in Financial Economics, 30 credits (core)
Objectives
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
Knowledge and understanding
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demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialized knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
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demonstrate specialized methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
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demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyze, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
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demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
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demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
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demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
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demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
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demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
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demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Local outcome
- demonstrate awareness of ethical issues related to Economics and how decisions affect economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Sustainability labelling
Other regulations
The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet).
Guaranteed admission
Students admitted to the programme have guaranteed admission to all core courses within the programme according to the programme structure outlined in the programme syllabus, and given that the course requirements are fulfilled.