MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Applied Economics and Finance

Content and Structure

Economic environment
Understanding the firm in its global and economic environments is an important part of this concentration. You will learn how to analyse and influence these environments to optimise internal company structures, to identify financial opportunities for the company, or to manage problems of governance, such as modifying conflicts of interest between stakeholders. Through a deep understanding of the economic incentives that drive the company, you will know how best to position it in different markets with different levels of competition. Through this, you will learn to give recommendations on how this should influence decisions on pricing strategy, the attractiveness of a merger, or the level of aggressiveness in market competition. You will also  work on solving and preventing incentive problems created by  these decisions among  or between different stakeholders and company management.  

Financial analysis
Through knowledge of financial markets, you will be able to influence the company’s competitive situation or protect it from the risk connected with uncertainties in the market. For instance, by arranging to buy at a fixed price over several years to protect the company from the risk of future increases in the price.
You will also come to understand how theories and models in finance and financial instruments can be applied to make investment decisions. For instance, how to minimise the risk when selecting a portfolio of investments, or evaluate the influence certain investments will have on the internal financial relations of thecompany. By combining this with insight into the pricing of financial instruments, such as stocks or options, and the raising and allocation of capital, you will be able to create a solid financial foundation for the company’s endeavours.

Quantitative analytical tools
The ability  to analyse financial and economic data is important for almost any type of corporate decision.
Through the theories and models of econometrics you will learn not only how to manage data and perform a statistical analysis, but also more importantly how to interpret the outcome and be critical of the methods used and conclusions drawn by others. Acquiring these skills will for instance allow you to identify potential financial problems and suggest the proper solution. You will also be able to construct and test hypotheses, and on that background analyse likely outcomes of making an investment, entering a new market, or selling off part of the company . In doing so, you will provide the company with valuable information for decision making.

Structure

Applied Economics and Finance is a two-year master’s programme that is divided into 4 semesters. The fall semester runs from September to December, and the spring semester from February to June. There are eight mandatory courses during the first year, and elective courses followed by a Master’s thesis in the second year. The concentration will to some extent also give access to take progressive electives,  enableling you to go even further into specific areas.

Additional options

The concentration has a unique double degree programme with Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte. This will allow you to get your master’s degree from two acknowledged universities in two years.
A second option for a double degree is to apply for the CEMS programme.
You can also use part of your third semester to obtain a minor in one of the specialised minor programmes.

Course overview

You can find course descriptions in the programme regulations for Applied Economics and Finance.