Programme Outlines and Overviews

The master thesis is the capstone of the programme and represents the culmination of your advanced studies in economics. It gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in economic theory, econometrics, and data analysis to an independent research project. The thesis work emphasises hands-on engagement with real-world economic questions, including the use of large datasets, programming tools such as Python, and methods such as causal inference. Through this process, you develop analytical rigour and the ability to translate data into meaningful insights that inform decision-making in policy, business, and academia. The course begins with preparatory seminars where you develop a concrete and feasible research proposal. These sessions guide you in defining a relevant research question, identifying suitable data sources, and choosing methods. The aim is to ensure that your project is grounded in economic reasoning, feasible within the time frame, and positioned within the existing literature. You then continue your work under supervision and participate in seminars that support your research progress and engagement in the academic environment. You write your thesis in pairs and take part in joint seminars where students present and discuss each other’s work. These collaborative elements foster dialogue, feedback, and shared problem-solving, helping you develop communication and critical reflection skills. After completing the course, you will be able to conduct an empirical or theoretical study, apply rigorous analytical methods, and present your findings clearly and systematically. The course supports the programme’s goal of preparing graduates for data-driven, analytically informed work in policy and business.