Applied Economic Analysis

The Master's Degree in Applied Economic Analysis at the University of Bern offers students an in-depth understanding of economic theories and their practical applications in various real-world contexts. This interdisciplinary program is designed to equip students with advanced analytical skills, quantitative methods, and economic expertise necessary for solving complex economic and social issues. Throughout the program, students explore diverse topics such as market mechanisms, fiscal and monetary policies, economic development, and the functioning of global markets. The curriculum emphasizes empirical research, data analysis, and modeling techniques to analyze economic phenomena effectively. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas like competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development, aligning their studies with contemporary challenges faced by economies worldwide. The program also fosters critical thinking, decision-making, and policy analysis capabilities, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, consulting firms, and private enterprises. The teaching method combines lectures, seminars, and project work, encouraging active participation and practical application of concepts learned. Students benefit from the university's strong links with economic institutions and networks, providing access to internships, research projects, and expert insights. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates are capable of addressing economic issues with a comprehensive perspective, integrating insights from political, social, and environmental dimensions. Furthermore, the program emphasizes ethical considerations and the social impact of economic decisions, cultivating responsible and informed economists. With its well-rounded curriculum and focus on applied skills, the Applied Economic Analysis master's program aims to prepare students for the dynamic and evolving landscape of economics and related fields, fostering innovative thinking and effective problem-solving capabilities suited for today's global economy.

Core courses (30-31.5 ECTS)

Compulsory courses:

• Applied Data Analysis
• Econometrics II
• Applied Public Economics
• Master-Colloquium
• Microeconomics II or Macroeconomics II

Choose a selection from additional required courses:

• Growth and Development of Countries and Regions (Development Economics)
• Computational Economics
• Regional Economics and Fiscal Federalism
• Advanced Valuation
• Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation
• Corporate Strategy

Core courses can optionally also be accredited to the elective courses, if they have not
already been accredited to the core courses.

Elective Courses (32.5-40 ECTS)

Elective Courses

Choose among a given list of courses in the following fields (a maximum of 6 ECTS of these can optionally be chosen from the elective courses with specialization in Regional Economic Development or with specialization in Trade and International Development):

Applied Macro- and Microeconomics

• Monetary Policy
• Empirical Macroeconomics II
• Theorie and Empirics of International Trade
• Economics of Innovation
• Seminar: Empirical Macroeconomics II
• Seminar: Growth and Development

Quantitative Economics

• Time Series Analysis I/II
• Mathematical Methods in Economics
• Causal Analysis
• Forecasting in Economics
• Seminar: Workshop in Econometrics II

Public Economics

• Topics in Health Economics
• Income Distribution and Redistribution
• Seminar: Economic Policy II
• Seminar: Topics in Public Economics
• Seminar: Political Economy II

Applied Finance and Management

• Financing and Capital Structure
• Risk Management
• The Theory and Practice of Insurance
• Asset Management by Institutional Investors
• Seminar: Computer-aided Cases in Finance
• Project Management and Project Planning

Master’s Thesis (20 ECTS)

The master’s degree in Applied Economic Analysis is completed with a master’s thesis containing 20 ECTS points. It is recommended to students to write a thesis in an applied and empirical topic.

Internship (optional, 6 ECTS)

It is optional for students of the program to do an internship of at least 3 months. It is the aim of the program to provide students with opportunities for high-quality internships at companies, public administrations and other partner organisations. The internship is an excellent opportunity for students to apply the studied material in practical environment and to build relationship to potential future employers.

• Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university in the branch of studies Economics
• Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university with at least 60 ECTS credits in the branch of studies Economics
• Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university with at least 30 ECTS credits in the branch of studies Economics (this must include coursework in the subjects of Econometrics, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, each with a minimum grade of 5.0)
• Bachelor's degree from a recognized foreign university with an equivalent qualification entitles students to admission in accordance with the recommendation made by the Study Committee

Additional attainments of up to 60 ECTS credits may be required. These can either be admission requirements which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program or admission requirements which must be fulfilled before admission to the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

Recognition of the bachelor's degree will be individually decided upon if the degree is more than 6 years old. Additional attainments may be required.

• Curriculum vitae in table form with uninterrupted chronology of your education and academic studies up to the present incl. up-to-date passport photo (45 mm high by 35 mm wide)
• Motivation letter (incl. family name, given name, full address, e-mail address, date and signature and – if you have one – mobile phone number)
• If you are holding a bachelor degree's: Originally certified photocopies of your degree (e.g. diploma and diploma supplement). The correspondence of the photocopy to the original must be officially certified.
• Originals (stamped and signed) or originally certified photocopies of all official proofs of your achievements (transcripts) with grades/scores
• Grading system of the degree issuing university, if the grading system is different from ours. Our scale goes from 1 to 6, with 6 being excellent and grades below 4 being unsatisfactory.
• Brief description of the content/learning objectives of the different courses/lectures (annotated course catalog or module handbook)
• Originally certified translations of the original documents (e.g. diploma, diploma supplement, bachelor's or master's degree, transcripts of diploma records), if these are not written in German, English, French or Italian. These translations have to be inseparably connected with the originally certified photocopies of the original documents.
• Original or certified photocopy of a GMAT with a score of at least 575 points
• Photocopy of your valid passport or identity card
• Application fee: CHF 105

The financing of the Applied Economic Analysis program at the University of Bern is primarily supported through a combination of public funding, tuition fees, and research grants. As a Swiss public university, the University of Bern benefits from contributions made by the Swiss government and the Canton of Bern, which help subsidize the cost of education and maintain high academic standards. Tuition fees for international and Swiss students are structured in accordance with university regulations, with differences in cost depending on the student's residency status and degree level. Tuition fees are generally moderate compared to private institutions and are intended to ensure access to quality higher education while covering operational costs.

In addition to direct tuition income, the program benefits from research funding obtained through national and international research grants. Faculty members and research students frequently apply for grants from organizations such as the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), which supports innovative projects in economics and related disciplines. These grants not only support specific research initiatives but also contribute to the overall funding pool for the program, enhancing its academic resources and training capacity.

Furthermore, the University of Bern participates in various European Union research and education programs, which facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and funding opportunities. These initiatives help offset costs related to international collaboration and provide financial assistance to students through scholarships and stipends. The university also encourages industry partnerships and collaborations with economic organizations, which may offer sponsorships, internships, or funding for applied economic research and practical training components of the program.

Students enrolled in the Applied Economic Analysis program can access various financial aid options, including scholarships and student loans. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on eligibility and application procedures for these sources. Scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria related to the applicant’s background and research interests.

Overall, the financial structure of the Applied Economic Analysis program at the University of Bern is designed to ensure the sustainable delivery of high-quality education and research. The combination of public funding, tuition revenues, research grants, and external partnerships creates a diversified and robust financial foundation. This setup enables the program to maintain its academic excellence, support its students and faculty, and continue contributing to the advancement of economic analysis and policy development.

Applied Economic Analysis at the University of Bern offers students a comprehensive education in understanding and analyzing economic issues through quantitative and qualitative methods. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to evaluate economic policies, market mechanisms, and business strategies. It emphasizes the development of analytical tools such as econometrics, statistical analysis, and economic modeling, enabling graduates to interpret complex data and make informed decisions. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, public economics, and business economics, providing a well-rounded foundation for careers in consulting, public policy, finance, and international organizations. Students are encouraged to undertake practical projects and internships, facilitating the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The program typically involves coursework, seminars, and research projects, fostering critical thinking and independent inquiry. The faculty comprises experienced researchers and practitioners who contribute to a stimulating academic environment. Graduates from the Applied Economic Analysis program are well prepared to pursue careers in both the private and public sectors, or to continue their academic journey through postgraduate studies. The University of Bern’s location offers additional advantages, with proximity to economic hubs and opportunities for collaboration with industry partners. The program is designed to be accessible for students with diverse backgrounds, and it aims to promote analytical skills, economic understanding, and policy analysis capabilities, making its graduates competitive in the global job market.