We give students a research-based view of subjects crucial to understanding today's market, designed to equip graduates with the core theoretical and analytical roots needed to solve the toughest challenges of today's globalized economies.
What can be done to avoid financial crises? How can growth in the least developed countries be accelerated? How can wealth be distributed equitably and sustainably? This program will allow students to acquire a thorough knowledge of the conceptual and empirical tools of modern Economics applied to international trade, finance, and development.
The program starts in the first term with a set of courses on economic growth and development, international trade and finance, and quantitative methods. In the second and third terms, students can choose from a wide array of courses and tailor their learning experience to their interests. Some students chose to specialize in development, others in international trade and finance, while others opt instead for a more balanced approach that combines training in both areas.
Students complete an independent study project by the end of the academic year, allowing them to specialize in a policy topic of their choice. They also attend a series of policy lessons delivered by international experts.
The master's faculty consists of internationally renowned scholars who have previously held academic positions at MIT, NYU, Chicago, Berkeley, Stanford and Cambridge. They have also worked or held consulting appointments at international organizations, including the World Bank, the IMF, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the European Central Bank.
Past ITFD graduates have found employment in international organizations, government agencies, central banks, financial institutions, research and consulting firms, and NGOs.
Several past graduates have decided to pursue further studies and have joined prestigious PhD programs in Europe and the United States, including the London School of Economics, Stanford University, and Harvard University.
Addressed to
Prospective Employers
The entry criteria for applicants are:
Note that the fulfillment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Candidates will also be evaluated on the following admission criteria:
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.
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”).