Economists are social scientists equipped with a specific set of tools, which include:

• Models (or abstract simplifications) capturing salient aspects of social interactions in a given context, and
• Empirical methods to quantify the relevance of causal mechanisms based on real-world data.

The application of these tools can provide an understanding of how the economy works, and shed light on a wide range of social issues, from decisions within the firm or the family to the design of public policy interventions.

The MSc in Applied Economics (MScAPEC) provides students with a unique opportunity to learn how to use the tools of economics, and tackle real life questions such as:

• When do markets work and fail?
• What are the trade-offs involved in regulating the banking sector?
• How do we tackle climate change?
• What are the costs and benefits of globalisation?

The core objective of the programme is to teach students how to apply abstract reasoning to real-world problems, and use a data-driven approach to identify likely outcomes of market strategies or policy interventions.

Our students acquire the tools and skills required for cutting-edge economic analysis, including:

• a core set of models for micro and macro policy analyses used in the economic profession;
• state-of-the-art empirical methods, focusing on their application with the most widely used software (R and Stata); and
• the ability to read and reflect on the scientific literature, applying these tools to real-world issues.

The programme officially starts with a one-week "maths camp," taking place just before the beginning of the autumn semester.

The programme includes a set of core courses, and students can specialise (or major) in one of three areas:

• Public Finance and Regulation;
• Energy and Environmental Policy
• Trade and Migration Policy; or
• Data Science

To major in one of these, students must complete a pre-specified list of optional courses. These specialisations allow students to acquire additional skills in their area of interest, and signal their interest and skills to potential employers; however, students can also opt for an MSc in Applied Economics without specialisation.  

The programme culminates in a dissertation on an applied topic, chosen by the candidate under the supervision of a faculty member, or in an internship (30 ECTS).