Economic Policy Analysis (EPA)

This research-oriented Master's programme trains you to independently tackle complex economic questions using both theoretical frameworks and empirical techniques. The curriculum concentrates on the evaluation of economic policy measures across multiple areas—for example trade policy, labour markets, social policy and environmental policy—and teaches evidence-based approaches to policy analysis. You will also learn and apply behavioural economic methods, including laboratory experiments, to complement standard empirical tools.

Courses take a strong theoretical and quantitative orientation and attract an international student cohort, so you will study alongside peers from many countries and engage with rigorous analytical methods. The programme emphasizes practical, policy-relevant skills that link academic analysis to real-world decision making.

Graduates are prepared for specialist and management roles in national and international public organisations, private-sector firms and research institutions. Typical employment destinations include ministries, economic research institutes, trade and industry associations, corporate economic analysis units and academic departments. The programme also provides a solid foundation for progression to a doctoral programme in economics.

Requirements / applicant profile (summary)

• Instruction language: English
• Ability to work independently on theoretical and empirical economic analysis
• Interest in economic policy topics (e.g., trade, labour, social and environmental policy)
• Willingness to use empirical and behavioural methods (including laboratory experiments)
• Comfort with a strong theoretical and quantitative curriculum and an international study environment

Overview

This Master's provides a professional graduate-level economics education with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods, micro- and macroeconomic theory, and evidence-based policy analysis. The course is analytically rigorous and mathematically oriented; students are expected to engage with theory and empirical techniques to evaluate and design economic policy. Specialisation seminars in the second and third semesters focus on the institutional and social contexts of economic research, helping students to bring real-world frameworks into their scientific analysis.

Programme structure and key modules

The curriculum combines core theoretical training with specialised seminars and elective options. Core modules build quantitative and analytical foundations (econometrics, micro and macroeconomic analysis). A large compulsory-elective block for specialisation (including two 10‑ECTS seminars) prepares students methodologically and substantively for independent thesis research. The final semester is dedicated to a Master's thesis and accompanying seminar where students must demonstrate independent research using accepted scientific methods.

Learning outcomes and teaching format

Graduates will be able to apply econometric and quantitative tools, construct and analyse micro- and macroeconomic models, and perform evidence-based policy evaluation that takes institutional and social conditions into account. Teaching formats include lectures (concept introduction), tutorials (discussion and practice), and seminars (project application). Seminars require an academic paper and a presentation and serve as direct preparation for the Master's thesis. Students must be capable of working independently at an academic level.

Requirements (concise)

• Compulsory modules — 15 ECTS: Econometrics; Microeconomic Analysis; Macroeconomic Analysis
• Compulsory elective modules for specialisation — 55 ECTS, including two seminars of 10 ECTS each (these seminars prepare students for the Master’s thesis)
• Elective modules — 35 ECTS
• Supplementary modules — 10 ECTS
• Master’s thesis and seminar (final semester) — 30 ECTS; requires independent research using scientific methods
• Seminar assessments include an academic paper plus an oral presentation
• Expected weekly workload: ~20 hours of classroom study + at least 20 hours of independent study
• Programme character: theoretical, mathematically oriented, analytical; independent academic work required

Graduates are qualified for specialist and management positions in national and international public organisations (e.g. ministries, policy agencies), economic research institutes, associations, and the economic analysis departments of private companies. Typical roles involve conceiving, analysing or advising on economically relevant policy measures.

The programme also provides excellent preparation for academic research: graduates are well placed to apply for doctoral programmes in economics or to take on research roles in university and non-university scientific institutions.