Masters Degrees in Economics, Switzerland

The Master’s Programme in Quantitative Economics and Finance (MiQE/F) offers a high-quality graduate education in economic theory, finance and quantitative methods. Apart from a common set of core courses, our students are able to select from a large menu of elective courses to specialise in economics, finance, or a combination of both. The MiQE/F prepares students for ambitious careers where a solid understanding of the theoretical foundations of economics and finance and a rigorous competence in quantitative methods are required. This combination provides MiQE/F graduates with a competitive advantage on the job market and direct access to highly selective Ph.D. programmes.

Curriculum

The MiQE/F is a research-oriented programme. The objective of the programme is to educate highly-qualified economists with special skills in the area of quantitative methods. The MiQE/F uniquely combines theoretical concepts, quantitative methods and their application to practical problems. On the basis of well-understood theory and methodology, students develop the skills necessary to analyze and solve complex practical problems.

Students need to successfully complete a course load of 90 ECTS in order to graduate with an M.A. HSG in Quantitative Economics and Finance.
In the MiQE/F programme, the compulsory courses mainly focus on economic theory and quantitative methods. This allows you to choose core electives according to your interests and talents and to shape your profile.

Compulsory courses
In the compulsory courses you will acquire basic methods and a theoretical knowledge of economics, finance and econometrics, as well as mathematics and statistics:
• Econometrics I / II
• Theory of Finance
• Advanced Microeconomics II
• Advanced Macroeconomics II
• Statistics
• Mathematics
• Advanced Mathematics and Statistics

Core electives and specialisations
The core electives involve advanced application- oriented work and problem-solving and allow for various specialisations. The different areas of specialisation include optional courses in econometrics, finance and economics, which are important to prepare for quantitative applications. The three specialisation areas can be flexibly combined. You can choose core electives and will have the possibility to create your profile by specialising within a field of your interest:
• Quantitative economics
• Quantitative finance
• Corporate finance, banking and insurance

Master’s thesis
The topic of the Master’s thesis has to be chosen from the MiQE/F core studies. When writing your thesis, you will be applying the skills you have acquired to explore a special research topic. The thesis must be written in English.

Contextual Studies
Contextual Studies are an opportunity to acquire leadership skills and develop intellectually and culturally beyond the scope of core studies. You are free to choose from Contextual Studies irrespective of your particular Master’s programme.

The Master´s Programme in Quantitative Economics and Finance (MiQE/F) has been continuously renewing its structure and curriculum to meet the changing needs in today's academic and business worlds. For the updated programme content, please refer to the programme's website: http://www.miqef.unisg.ch

Double degree and exchange programmes

By choosing the MiQE/F you can benefit from obtaining a double degree from the HSG and an additional leading European university: SSE, Stockholm (exclusively for economics students); ESADE, Barcelona; HEC, Paris; RSM, Rotterdam; and Bocconi, Milan. By choosing the MiQE/F, you will also have the opportunity to apply for the CEMS Master’s in International Management (CEMS MIM). To extend your choice of courses, the University of St.Gallen and the University of Constance (Germany) have agreed to cooperate at the Master’s Level. MiQE/F students thus have the possibility to choose certain courses from the Master’s Programme in International Economic Relations at the University of Constance, and vice versa.
Furthermore, the University of St.Gallen offers exchange programmes for its students with approx. 200 partner universities worldwide.

Career perspectives - A competitive advantage

Graduates with an economics degree often lack an in-depth education and extensive training in quantitative methods, whereas mathematicians and statisticians often lack the necessary background in economics or finance. The analysis of complex real world problems in international economic policy making, financial sector developments and private industry increasingly requires the use of rigorous quantitative and theoretical methods as they are offered by the MiQE/F.
The MiQE/F programme prepares students for ambitious careers that require a sound training in economics and finance, as well as in statistical and econometric methods. Your competitive advantage on the job market – after graduating from the MiQE/F – is the combination of your expertise in quantitative methods and a profound knowledge of economics and finance.

Language

The programme is taught in English.

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The Master’s Programme in Economics offers an extensive economic education. The studies focus on the theoretical and empirical analysis of economic relationships and convey the academic knowledge required for analysing economic problems and evaluating economic policy strategies. A flexible curriculum offers a great deal of leeway to shape your studies in line with your own talents, interests and goals. A solid understanding of the fundamentals and appealing specialisations provide the basis for a wide range of professional fields and a successful start to your career.

Curriculum

You will have to acquire 90 ECTS for your MEcon degree. The course takes three semesters (1.5 years). Education in economics largely follows international standards, both in terms of subject matter and with regard to the standards that are aimed at. Compulsory subjects focus on core issues of economics, thus allowing you to select a large part of the core subjects and two thirds of the Master’s programme according to your own interests and skills.

Compulsory subjects:
• Advanced Microeconomics I / II / III
• Advanced Macroeconomics I / II / III
• Econometrics I
• Mathematics

Core elective and elective courses are enriched by the various research interests of the faculty members involved. Depending on individual interests, students can attend courses from other Master’s programmes, primarily from Banking and Finance, International Affairs and Governance, and Law and Economics, and thus create their own optional specialisations:
• International Economy
• Government and the Economy
• Work, Population and Health
• Finance and Capital Markets
• Enterprises and Markets

During your studies, you will have to write a Master’s thesis, which deals with an economic topic and is thus related to your core studies. In Contextual Studies, you will have to attend courses in Leadership Skills, Critical Thinking and Cultural Awareness and thus develop transdisciplinary competencies.

Exchange and double degrees

MEcon students can apply for a double degree programme. This will provide you with the possibility of obtaining an additional full-scale Master’s degree from SSE Stockholm, CBS Copenhagen, ESADE Barcelona, Groupe HEC Paris, Erasmus University in Rotterdam or Bocconi in Milan after 2–2.5 years of successful studies. The double degree programmes with SSE and CBS are offered exclusively for our students. You can also apply for the CEMS MIM – Master’s in International Management double degree. In the context of the exchange programme of the University of St.Gallen, you are also able to spend an exchange semester at one of the approx. 200 partner universities worldwide.

Career perspectives

A MEcon degree provides the foundations in economic theory and empirical tools that are required to understand and Analyse economic relationships and processes and to develop solutions to policy problems. Application-oriented empirical tools Support your capacity in strategic decision- making processes. With such abilities, you enjoy substantial advantages with regard to starting a career with a wide range of possibilities. Not only public and international institutions, but also private firms, banks and insurance companies are interested in MEcon graduates. Reputable consulting firms regularly employ well-trained economists too.

Fast-track Pd.D.

If you attain the necessary grade average and fulfil the requirements, the programme will provide you with access to the Ph.D. Programme in Economics and Finance (PEF). You will already be able to earn credits for the PEF during the Master’s programme and thus complete your doctoral studies in fast-track mode.

Language

The MEcon is taught both in English and in German. Central basic courses are offered in English jointly with the MiQE/F (Master in Quantitative Economics and Finance). This guarantees consistent mutual openness of electives and enables students to select courses according to their specializations and interests.

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The Master’s Programme in Law and Economics (MLE) is an interdisciplinary Master’s programme of the University of St.Gallen that combines the study of law with supplementary training in the economic sciences and, in particular, prepares students for a career at the interface of law and the economy. The MLE programme continues the interdisciplinary education that was started at the Bachelor’s Level with a special focus on “Law and Economics”.

Language

The programme is taught in German.

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