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Economics

Abstract

The Master's programme in economics focuses on the analysis and evaluation of economic, social and development policies. Important aspects are, for instance, the optimal regulation of markets and the interaction between the public and private sectors.
The curriculum comprises both economic theory and data-based (i.e. empirical) methods for investigating economically and socially relevant issues and developing economic or policy recommendations for action. The study programme is organised in a module structure which allows accomplishing modules in particular fields (e.g. Economic Policy, Economic Theory and Quantitative Economics, among others) by taking several module-relevant courses. Furthermore, students may (but are not required to) choose one of the following specialisations (or «options») within the Master's degree: «Public Policy», «Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility» or «Industrial Organisation and Finance».
The study programme in economics also provides the opportunity to acquire a double degree in «Public Economics and Public Finance» in collaboration with one of three European partner universities.
The programme in economics at the University of Fribourg combines modern teaching and research in a multilingual environment with the humanistic tradition of the University.

Show the study programme profile

Profile of the study programme

The study programme in economics focuses on the analysis and evaluation of economic, social and development policies. Important aspects are, for instance, the optimal regulation of markets and the interaction between the public and private sectors. The curriculum comprises both economic theory and data-based (i.e. empirical) methods for investigating economically and socially relevant issues and developing economic or politicy recommendations for action.

Students in the MA programme in economics may acquire specific qualifiers, i.e. either a specialisation in a specific field (called «option») or a double degree, as well as the distinction «Bilingual curriculum». The module based course offer provides a lot of flexibility and varies w.r.t. the desired qualifier.

The option «Public Policy» is based on combining the two compulsory modules (Public Economics & Public Finance; Economic Policy) with further elective courses and modules in the MA programme. Graduates qualify for positions in the public sector in Switzerland and elsewhere, in particular when taking advantage of the multilingual course offer.

The option «Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility» is based on combining two compulsory modules (Economic Sustainability and Development; Business Ethics and Social Responsibility) with further elective courses and modules in the MA programme. It realises the humanistic approach for which the University of Fribourg is well known within the field of economics.

The option «Industrial Organisation and Finance» is based on combining two compulsory modules (Industrial Organisation; Finance) with further elective courses and modules in the MA programme. Content wise, it builds a bridge between topics/questions in economics and business sciences and combines scientific with practice- and in particular business-related aspects of both disciplines.

The double degree programme in «Public Economics and Public Finance» is offered together with three European partner universities of the University of Fribourg: Université de Rennes 1, France (http://www.eco.univ rennes1.fr); University of Tampere, Finland (http://www.uta.fi); Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, Italy (http://www.eppac.eu). This programme focuses on the management of public institutions.
Students interested in this specialisation are required to submit an application due to space constraints and registration at both universities. In this four-semester-programme, at least one semester must be spent at a partner university. The programme requires the participation in courses both at the home and partner university as well as the co-supervision of the Master's thesis at both universities.
Graduates receive two diplomas, one from the home and partner university, respectively. The acquisition of the double degree and the multilingual nature of the programme give proof of being well equipped for an international work environment.

Fribourg profile
The Department of Economics combines modern economic teaching and research with the humanistic tradition of the University of Fribourg. Students are empowered to provide answers to economic, social, and business related issues and to implement them in practice. The favourable staff-student-ratio, the strong orientation towards real world applications and the multilingual course offer (French – German – English) optimally prepare students for the challenges of multicultural work environment.

Learning outcomes and career openings
The «Master of economics» programme at the University of Fribourg opens a range of career opportunities in the public and private sectors. Unlike in any other Swiss university, the programme combines solid training in theoretical and data-based methods for analysing economic issues in the society and in firms with a multilingual course offer. Graduates are therefore equally in demand in the public administration, in companies (in particular in the financial insurance sectors), and in education and research.

Some professional fields are:

  • Management positions in the public administration on the municipal, cantonal, or federal level;
  • Management or analyst positions in Swiss or international companies (e.g. market and competor analyses, business analytics, big data management, strategic management);
  • Management and analyst positions in central banks, international organisations (e.g. world bank, UN) and NGOs (e.g. Greenpeace);
  • Consulting and analyst positions in banks, insurance companies, financial service providers, management consulting companies, and auditors;
  • Research positions in universities and public or private research institutes;
  • Teaching positions in universities, colleges, and schools.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

90 ECTS credits, 3 semesters

Curriculum

http://studies.unifr.ch/go/PWEqb

Admission

Holders of a Bachelor's degree in Economics or in Management awarded from a Swiss university can be admitted to this Master's degree programme (requires the acquisition of minimum 60 ECTS credits in Economics or in Management at Bachelor level) without any additional requirements. The same applies to holders of a Bachelor's degree awarded by a foreign university, provided that the Bachelor's degree is recognised and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg.

Holders of a Bachelor's degree awarded from a Swiss university or holders of a Bachelor's degree awarded by a foreign university, provided that the Bachelor's degree is recognised and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg, can be admitted to a Master's degree programme within another discipline with prerequisites (must be successfully completed before starting the Master's degree programme) or additional requirements (can be completed during the Master's degree programme). According to existing agreements, holders of a Bachelor's degree awarded from a Swiss university of applied sciences can also be admitted with prerequisites or additional requirements.

Alternatives

Also offered as a minor study programme (30 ECTS credits).