The objective of this programme is to make a contribution to the training of players, both current and future, in economic policy.

There is a triple approach to the programme. First, it deals with questions of macroeconomic and commercial policy relative to growth and better integration of the economy within the global market. Second, it examines the institutional structures necessary for the effective working of a market economy and the issue of their adequacy for specific national contexts. Finally, it analyzes the effects of various policies on poverty and inequality and studies ways of reducing these problems.  

This triple approach is designed to provide students with the most global view possible of economic problems. It aims to enable them to acquire a method of scientific, realistic and original analysis of what is economically, socially and politically possible to promote economic and social progress.

The programme meets the often-repeated demand, voiced by governments, international organizations and the academic community, to find men and women
- capable of proposing and implementing innovative programmes for economic and human development, based on rigorous economic analysis and adapted in the light of both local aspirations and international constraints ;
- capable of understanding and evaluating the models and methods used by international organizations, foreign governments and consultants in development aid and in international economic  relations ;
- capable of educating others, particularly in clarifying with local decision makers and the public at large the reason for and the usefulness of economic reforms.

The programme also aims to satisfy the wish of many students and young people in a professional capacity
- to acquire international level expertise in economic analysis and increase their professional skills ;
- to compare their own individual experience with other perceptions of the global economy ;
- to acquire the maturity necessary for a clearer definition of their career or research objectives.

The programme is taught in French and English alternatively. French is used during the academic years ending with an even number and English during the academic years ending with an odd number.

The Advanced Master in International Economics and Development is an inter-university programme organized in the framework of the Economics School of Louvain (ESL) which groups together the Departments of Economics at UCL and the Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix (FUNDP) in Namur. The programme benefits from the support of the Standing Committee for University Co-operation towards Development (CUD).

Most of the courses are held in Namur. Courses are held at Louvain-la-Neuve one day of the week. (In the detailed programme, the Namur courses are prefixed FUNDP.)

The Advanced Master in International Economics and Development is a programme of 60 credits in one year, taught one year in French and the following year in English. It comprises a refresher course, courses and seminars on three areas of study, optional subjects and the production of a dissertation (individual project).

The details of the programme for the Advanced Master are available at :

• in French   http://www.fundp.ac.be/mc-developpement
• in English http://www.fundp.ac.be/mc-development

The foundation course takes place at the beginning of the first semester. A minimum of three courses are held in the first semester (usually one per module). Dissertations should be completed before the June examination session.

This programme is a Master following a 2^nd cycle degree. Exceptionally, some students may go on to a doctorate.  

See the general admission requirements

Specific procedures :

1. Eligibility

The programme is open to student from any country who can show a deep interest in international economic relations or in management of the economy of developing countries or those in transition towards a market economy.

The programme is open to holders of a second cycle degree in Economics whose prior training can be validated for at least 300 credits. Applications from candidates who hold a degree in another area corresponding to a minimum of 300 credits will be considered by the admissions committee.

Entry to the programme is based on an application file which should be submitted to the inter-university admission committee whose decision is final.

2. Admission documents 

The Admissions Committee will make its decision on the basis of the following documents :

 University application form ;
 CV ;
 Certified copy of university degrees ;
 2 letters of reference (on the ad hoc form) ;
 Standard language test or other evidence of ability to take courses either in French or English    depending on the language of instruction. Ability to read English where the programme is in French;
 Detailed list of courses taken and results obtained at university ;
 Covering letter.

Prior professional experience is an advantage. Young candidates are recommended to mention any experience in research, management or economic policy, even if brief or on a part-time basis.

Students without a grant who have been accepted by the academic committee must fulfil the following administrative requirements : approval of their finance plan and production of all the documents required in support of the enrolment form from the enrolment section of the university.

3. Visas and finance

The legislation on visas may require certain candidates to show detailed evidence of their ability to fund their expenses in Belgium.  

Mature students

The entry requirements give priority to students who have some professional experience. As a result, the average age is around 28 - 30 (within an overall range of 23 to 40).

Les conditions d’acceptation au programme privilégient  les étudiants ayant déjà une certaine expérience professionnelle. En conséquence la moyenne d’âge se situe aux alentours de 28-30 ans (de 23 à 40 ans).

• Main methods to promote interdisciplinarity
This is a disciplinary programme with an original approach for this kind of programme.
• Variety of teaching strategies :
Participation from students in courses and seminars is actively encouraged. Students are required to give various presentations followed by interaction with their audience: these may include a presentation on the current socio-economic in their country, different presentations on the progress of their individual projects.
•Variety of learning situations :
Both in courses and seminars students are frequently faced with issues which they can contrast with those in their own countries. The teaching staff and the guest lecturers all have a  wide range of experience and students on the programme come from many different countries and have different professional backgrounds : this means that there is a wide range of issues to be tackled.

The production of an individual project on a theme of students’ own choice, most frequently relating to a problem in their own country, teaches students how to gather information, analyze a situation and argue a case with rigour.

Assessment of students is done in different ways : conventional oral or written examinations, group assignments, oral presentations and individual projects. Each lecturer will explain the methods to be used at the beginning of the course. 

The weighted average is calculated as follows : 8% for the foundation year, 7% for each course and seminar and 15% for the individual project.

This programme is mostly taken by student from developing countries, some of whom benefit from a grant from organizations such as the CUD.
The programme regularly welcomes foreign lecturers, especially those from developing countries (funded by the Southern Chair of the Standing Committee for University Co-operation towards Development - CUD).