Economics - master

120 credits, taught in english. Contact: UMB School of Economics and Business: www.umb.no/ior

Modern economics is characterized by complexity and rapid changes. Decision-makers in both the private and public sector demand to an ever higher degree the information that renders it possible to make the right decisions. Economists hold theoretical and methodological knowledge which equips them to function as premise providers in such situations. The programme provides comprehensive training in economic approaches, theories, topics and methods. This degree qualifies for work with economic analyses within business and public administration. It also qualifies for further studies at doctoral level.The programme qualifies students to perform economic analyses in the private as well as public sector. Students will also be qualified for Ph.D. studies in economics.

Admission requirements
Bachelor\'s degree in Economics or equivalent.

Internationalisation, studies abroad and exhange agreements
The programme admits also english language students. All the mandatory courses are teached in english. The english language students can make their profile in resource economics and/or in delvelopment. There are few more courses available for norwegian students. The staff takes part in the Common European Research Programmes. The department has engaged guest professors from the USA to teach some of the courses. Exchanges students follow parts of the programme.UMB School of Economics and Business highly recomends its students to include a study abroad year or semester in their education. The department and the university have exchange agreements with universities in Europe and the USA on the master\'s level.

We highly welcome incoming guest students and will do our best to adapt our courses in order to facilitate student exchange.

Related studies
The programme satisfies the scientific requirements of education on master\'s level in economics, and has a lot in common with such study programmes at other institutions in Norway and abroad. The master? degree programme has many courses in common with the master\'s programme in Development and Natural Resource Economics.

Learning goals
A candidate who has completed the education is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in competence, knowledge and skills: Competence: - Has acquired in-depth and specialized disciplinary competence in economics, which can be combined courses providing a broad knowledge of other social sciences, natural sciences and technology. - Has the required basis for participation in research projects and for doctoral studies. - Is able to analyze economic problem with high-level skill requirements. - Is able to apply his/her theoretical and methodological knowledge to resolve work-related tasks in economics, and contribute to resolving multi-disciplinary tasks. Knowledge: - Has advanced knowledge of economic theory as well as solid skills in mathematical and econometric methods; in accordance with national and international standards in economics. - Has comprehensive knowledge at a high level in applied microeconomics, and the possibility to specialize in fields such as environmental and resource economics, development economics, and business economics. Skills: - Methodological skills: The candidate is able to evaluate and analyze relevant sources of information in a critical manner, and apply these to generate independent assessments and develop projects under supervision. - Analytical skills: The candidate is able to formulate relevant research questions in an independent manner as well as analyze large amounts of information through the application of economic models and methods, and according to ethical norms in research. - Dissemination skills: The candidate is able to communicate economic ideas, problem statements, analyses and conclusions in an instructive manner to specialists, public administration, and the general public. - Work-related skills: The candidate is able to carry out analytical and management tasks as well as assume responsibility for such tasks in the public sector, private businesses and voluntary organizations.

Teaching and evaluation methods
Combination of lectures, seminars and independent work on exercises. Considerable use of independent study and semester assignments. Teaching is based on traditional theories, up-to-date research and issues of current interest. Academic discussions make up an important part of the learning experience. The final master\'s thesis is a supervised, independent work of research.Continuous student assessment (assignments and oral presentations) and oral and written examinations. The ability to structure complex problems and a scientific approach to problem solving are important assessment criteria.

Programme content
The degree consists of 120 credits, including the 30-credit master\'s thesis. Compulsory courses amount to 40 credits, and include mathematics for economists, microeconomics, econometrics, macroeconomics and dynamic optimisation. The various specialisations additionally include a few compulsory courses in order to ensure the student\'s academic profile.

Spesialisation requirements
Students must take a minimum of 45 credits of 300-level courses, including compulsory courses.

Student advising

Evaluation