Master of Science in Economics, Major in Economic Policy (MScECON)

Program objectives

The MScECON program provides students with the opportunity to acquire an extensive knowledge in economics at the advanced level while specializing in economic policy analysis. The emphasis is put on core competencies which are directly applicable to the workplace. The program content is based on solid theoretical underpinnings and cutting-edge skills while covering a wide range of policy applications.

Acquired skills

The Master of Science in Economics, Major in Economic Policy, provides students with a unique opportunity to follow a challenging graduate program in a first-class Swiss institution with a focus on applied economics, and develop the skills required for a well-grounded economic policy analysis using appropriate theoretical and empirical tools. The originality of the program is its focus on the economic role of the State, with an appropriate mix of lecturers combining both academic rigor and real-world expertise. Economic and financial problems are heavily debated in modern media, but even if crucial, the role of State interventions in market-based economies is often difficult to identify and evaluate.

Economics is the key discipline to understand the in-depth rationale of such interventions. Students are made familiar with economic tools and reasoning so that they can identify quickly and confidently what are the main issues, the relevant orders of magnitude, and the most effective remedies. From climate change to population aging, a large array of topics are discussed and analyzed, in order to enlarge the understanding and the advisory capacity of our graduate students.

Career opportunities

The training provided by the MScECON is tailor-made for subsequent employment in public entities at all levels, international organizations, and NGOs. These competencies are also of interest to private firms, including financial institutions, which often need in-house expertise in economic analysis. Graduates willing to pursue their studies immediately after their master’s degree or after acquiring a few years of professional experience can do so by joining a doctoral program in a Swiss or foreign institution of higher education.

Course structure

In contrast to the majority of comparable programs, the MScECON is normally completed in 3 semesters only, the last semester being devoted to the thesis and therefore not requiring class attendance. Motivated students can even finish the program within a year by starting to work on the thesis during the first two semesters. Thanks to the concentration of most lectures on 3-4 days per week, the central location of Neuchâtel and its excellent railway connections, the program can be easily attended by commuters. Upon request, the curriculum can be completed on a part-time basis for those who pursue a professional activity in parallel.

Interactive teaching

Covering a wide spectrum of areas, the program ensures that students acquire the knowledge corresponding to the needs of their future employers and are therefore immediately and fully prepared for employment upon graduation. Through the realization of the master’s thesis, students are trained to become autonomous researchers. They can also choose to combine their master’s thesis with an internship in a public or private institution. Thanks to their small size which facilitates teacher-student interactions, the University of Neuchâtel and its Faculty of Economics offer exceptionally favorable conditions for a successful and timely completion of studies. Throughout the program, students enjoy the maximum support and close supervision by the teaching staff. All courses are interactive and promote active student participation. An online evaluation system allows students to express their views on the courses they attended and make suggestions for further improvement.

For further information

www.unine.ch/mscecon