International Trade, Finance and Development

The MSc in International Trade, Finance and Development offered by the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that drive global economic exchange, financial systems, and sustainable development. This rigorous curriculum combines advanced coursework in international economics, trade policies, financial markets, and development economics, providing students with the analytical tools necessary to address contemporary challenges in global economic integration. Throughout the program, students will explore the theoretical foundations of international trade and finance, analyze the impact of economic policies on developing and developed countries, and examine the role of international institutions in fostering sustainable growth. The program emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, including quantitative analysis, policy evaluation, and negotiation techniques, essential for careers in international organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and consulting firms. Students benefit from the faculty's expertise, which includes leading researchers and practitioners in economics and finance, as well as from a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, collaborative projects, and real-world applications. The program offers opportunities for internships, research projects, and interaction with industry professionals, preparing graduates to become influential policy makers, economists, or analysts in the field of international trade and development. Graduates will be well-positioned to contribute to solving global economic issues such as trade disputes, financial stability, poverty reduction, and economic inequality. With a curriculum that integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, the MSc in International Trade, Finance and Development aims to develop highly skilled professionals capable of making impactful contributions in an increasingly interconnected world.

Skills Acquired

• Gain a thorough understanding of the economics of international trade, finance and development
• Build an in-depth knowledge of the analytical tools of modern economics
• Receive extensive training in econometric and statistical methods
• Acquire the ability to apply theoretical and empirical tools to address pressing policy issues

Addressed to

• Graduates with a strong quantitative background from all fields, particularly Economics, Business, Engineering, Political Science
• Junior professionals from private firms, research centers, central banks, financial institutions, the civil service, and NGOs
• Aspiring PhD students looking for a solid foundation in the theory and empirics of international trade, finance, and development

Prospective Employers

• Banking and Financial Institutions
• Research Institutions and Consulting Firms
• Non-government Organizations (NGOs)
• International Organizations
• Governmental and Regulatory Agencies

The entry criteria for applicants are:

• An Undergraduate/bachelor/grado/laurea, or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university (for Bologna degrees, a minimum of 180 ECTS are required).
• A typical applicant would hold a University Diploma in Economics, Finance, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics or Business Administration. See our Student Profile for more detailed information.
• An advanced level of English language skills: TOEFL 90 and IELTS 6.5
• GRE exam is mandatory for the Data Science Program and highly recommended for those applicants to the Economics Program who want to be considered for the UPF PhD program (GPEFM).

Note that the fulfillment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Candidates will also be evaluated on the following admission criteria:

• Outstanding academic record
• Quantitative skills
• Reference letters

The Barcelona GSE is able to offer tuition waivers and fully-funded scholarships based on academic merit.

The financial aid that is available to students includes:

• Fully funded scholarships

• Waivers for 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of tuition fees

• Teaching assistantships

Financial aid will only be awarded to candidates that have an outstanding academic record. All candidates will automatically be considered for any available financial aid when they submit a completed application for a master program. 

While applications are open every year until June 25, preference in funding will be given to candidates who apply before January 15. 

In the Class of 2016, 34% of students were awarded with scholarships or tuition waivers.

Master degree awarded

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Master Degree in Specialized Economic Analysis awarded jointly with Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF).

All Barcelona GSE master degrees have been recognized by the Catalan and Spanish Education authorities within the framework of the Bologna Process (in Spanish, “Master Universitario o Master Oficial”).