Economics

About

Be equipped to address challenging economic problems and provide you with excellent tools to pursue careers in both the public and private sector.

The program puts an emphasis on problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide variety of settings and offers an invaluable start to your career. By using modern economic analysis and quantitative empirical methods we give you the tools to analyze complex real world problems in public policy making, as well as in private business and international organizations.

The specializations in Applied Economic Analysis and International Economics have a joint intake. Once accepted to the MSc in Economics, you choose your specialization after completing a common first semester.

The program is best suited for students with a strong undergraduate background in economics. It demands an excellent analytical ability and the ambition to put your work to the test with the very best people in the field. All courses are given in English by internationally renowned faculty. All courses are given in English by internationally renowned faculty.

You will be equipped to address challenging economic problems. By means of modern economic analysis and quantitative empirical methods it will give you the tools to analyze complex real world problems in public policy making as well as in private business and in international organizations. If you are looking to start your career with a deep understanding of economics, this is where to begin.

Content

Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis 

The analysis of real world problems more and more requires us using solid economic analysis combined with quantitative empirical methods.

The specialization in Applied Economic Analysis puts emphasis on theoretical and empirical problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide variety of settings. It gives you a general analytical approach and a way of thinking, rather than detailed knowledge about narrowly defined issues. This approach will serve you well throughout your career in our increasingly complex world.

Through the program, you will learn how to use economic theory and quantitative methods in solving complex problems in many areas of economics. We create a structured learning environment where you will acquire a solid theoretical understanding during the first part of the program, and then move on to improve your practically oriented problem-solving ability will in the second part.

At the micro level, it deals with the problems facing individual producers, consumers and factor owners, and the implications of their decisions for the economy as a whole. At the macro level, the focus is on the behavior of economic aggregates like the rates of inflation and unemployment, and on how public policy choices affect aggregate economic outcomes. At the international level, the focus of attention is on the implications of interactions between countries such as international trade and factor movements, as well as the reasons why some countries experience more favorable development trajectories than other countries.

• Year 1: During the first semester the focus is on the theory and empirical methods of economics. The courses are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of state-of-the-art models and techniques used in economic analysis. In the second semester, focus shifts to applications and extensions. This part builds on the skills acquired during the first semester, and broadens and deepens your knowledge of economics. You choose between two specializations; Applied Economic Analysis or International Economics.
• Year 2: The second year of the Master program is devoted to taking more courses (30 ECTS) and thesis writing (30 ECTS). You have many choices about what course to take. You can continue taking courses in economics, but can also take courses in Finance or Business Administration. You can also apply to study one semester abroad through the SSE student exchange program or to work as trainees through the SSE Trainee module.

Specialization in International Economics

The Specialization in International Economics equips you with the skills to pursue an internationally oriented career with government and non-government organizations, or with international businesses.

This specialization has a strong international approach and it aims to provide you with a critical understanding of current debates in international economics. At the same time, the specialization provides you with problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide variety of settings. It gives you a general analytical approach and a way of thinking, rather than detailed knowledge about narrowly defined issues. This approach will serve you well throughout your career in our increasingly complex world.
Through the program, you will learn how to use economic theory and quantitative methods in solving complex problems in many areas of economics. The program create a structured learning environment where you will acquire a solid theoretical understanding during the first part of the program, and then move on to improve your practically oriented problem-solving ability will in the second part.

• Year 1: During the first semester the focus is on the theory and empirical methods of economics. The courses are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of state-of-the-art models and techniques used in economic analysis. In the second semester, focus shifts to applications and extensions. This part builds on the skills acquired during the first semester, and broadens and deepens the students’ knowledge of economics. Students choose between two specializations; Applied Economic Analysis or International Economics. Students specializing in International Economics take two courses in International Economics and choose two other course in economics.
• Year 2: During the second year of the Master program is devoted to taking more courses (30 ECTS) and thesis writing (30 ECTS). Students have many choices about what course to take. They can continue taking courses in economics, but can also take courses in Finance or Business Administration.

Students need to fulfill an International Program Component, which may be done either by being accepted and successfully participating in the SSE Exchange Program, by taking two additional courses (in total 15 ECTS) in International Economics during semester 3 or by carrying out an internship abroad (8 weeks).

Bachelor degree

• Should contain at least 90 ECTS in Social Sciences (including but not limited to Economics, Business Administration and Political Science), with a minimum of 30 ECTS specifically in Economics.

GMAT or GRE

• GMAT (total score) of 600 or more.
• GRE score (quantitative) of 155 or more. 
• For both formats the recommended score for Analytical Writing part - in the range of 4.5-5.0 or higher.​

Proficiency in English

• IELTS Academic score at least 7 
• TOEFL iBT total score at least 100

English language test exemptions (ONLY THESE CASES):

• English as native language
• Bachelor’s degree from a program conducted completely in English
• Qualifications “English B” from Swedish upper secondary school (ONLY Swedish schools).

Motivation & supporting attachments

• Relevant work experience and extracurricular activities may be taken into account.

SSE has joined forces with University of St. Gallen (HSG), one of the very best European Business School, to offer a Double Degree Program in Economics at the Master level.

The Double Degree consists of two full academic years. Students study the first year at SSE (home university) and spend the second year at HSG(host university). The program is an opportunity exclusively open to students in the Master in Economics program. The combined strengths of HSG and SSE will enhance your academic experience as well as equip you with international experience and a perspective that will surely help you in your future career, whether in business, government or academia.

Graduates of the program will be awarded both the Master of Science in Economics (Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis or in International Economics), issued by SSE, and the Master of Arts in Economics or the Master of Arts in Quantitative Economics and Finance, issued by HSG. To be admitted, you must meet the course requirements of both the SSE and HSG MSc program. 

The Department of Economics selects students for the Double Degree Program during the first year of the MSc program on a competitive basis.