Master of Science in Complementary Studies in Economics

The broadening Complementary Studies in Economics programme welcomes students holding a prior academic Bachelor's or Master's diploma in a non-economic discipline who wish to understand the economic mechanisms underlying today's social challenges. The programme will enable you to expand your economic toolbox and approach and analyse current and future social challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective. This frame of reference encompasses your prior education and the new economic tools you will learn.

Economic challenges have become an integral part of daily life. What are the economic mechanisms underlying the effects of globalisation? What are the decisive factors for economic growth? What is the correlation between development and environmental and climate issues? How do financial markets operate? Can we prevent another crisis? How do budgetary and monetary policies, along with other policy interventions, contribute to greater wealth and reduced inequality? The Complementary Studies in Economics programme enables you to understand and analyse the economic aspects of these challenges to derive relevant policy insights and recommendations.

Complementary Studies in Economics comprises a preparatory and a Master's programme. Worth 20 ECTS credits, the preparatory programme teaches the fundamentals of Economics. You will learn to understand the microeconomic behaviour of customers and producers and the resulting market price-making forces. Additionally, you will explore the concepts of macroeconomic balance along with their corresponding fluctuations and disruptions. You will grasp the correlations between macroeconomic policy, growth, and inequality. The methodology course unit will introduce discipline-specific methodology. You will become acquainted with various subdisciplines of economic sciences and our department's research output.

The Master's curriculum contains 60 ECTS. You gain an advanced understanding of general labour market dynamics, and particularly the Belgian labour market. You study the international financial system and the instruments that central banks apply in their monetary policy. We introduce you to the causes and effects of economic globalisation regarding trade, financial, and migration flows. Additionally, we address the correlation between economic development and environmental quality, as well as the effects of environmental policy on both the environment and the economy. Finally, we familiarise you with the dynamics of the financial markets and banks. The Master's curriculum includes twelve ECTS worth of electives from a fixed list. Choose your electives based on your interests, your Master's dissertation topic, or to prepare for your entry into the labour market.

The Master's dissertation (18 ECTS) measures your ability to autonomously apply the knowledge you have gained. In consultation with your supervisor, you choose a topic within the field of Economics or develop a subject based on your prior education that has an economic aspect you wish to explore. The programme will specifically guide you in this selection.

Exemptions are possible based on previously acquired credits. While you are still in your first study programme, you can already select specific electives that align with our preparatory and/or Master's programme.

Future employers increasingly expect their employees to be familiar with economic concepts and correlations. A broad economic background is an asset, and sometimes even a requirement. The broadening Complementary Studies in Economics programme will provide you with that background. Whether you are a bioengineer, historian, or political scientist, you will perform better if you understand an organisation's economic context. A comprehensive economic understanding is a crucial advantage in today's labour market, which increasingly values flexibility. A solid knowledge of economic dynamics is essential for every ambitious and inquisitive young graduate.