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Study programme 2014-2015

Teaching and training





 

Students enrolled on the Master [120] in Economics: General programme (jointly at UCL and UNamur) are working towards careers as economists, both locally and internationally, capable of (1) robustly and critically analysing economic issues and (2) applying their economic expertise in their socio-professional environment.

On completion of the Master’s, the graduates will:

  • have mastered the fundamentals of economics;
  • have acquired a global perspective of an economic situation: “Helicopter view and Strategic Thinking”;
  • have developed “problem solver” skills to understand and analyse real-life contemporary social and economic issues;
    • be able to accurately summarise the key elements required to understand these issues, in particular the importance of interdependencies, prices and market structures, incentives and governance in the functioning of economies and their components (financial markets, enterprises, territories, consumers, savers, workers, public authorities, etc.);
    • with regard to these issues, be able to develop a clear and robust analytical line of reasoning, assess several arguments leading to diverse conclusions, identify the role of economic theories and assumptions in these arguments and assess empirically a number of these assumptions;
  • have acquired and developed knowledge and specific skills in at least two areas of economics (through their choice of option), enabling them to tackle an economic issue using a multidisciplinary approach;
  • be able to explain and communicate their economic analyses to a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing;
  • be able to use their knowledge, skills and a robust scientific approach to analyse the real-life complex socio-economic problems/issues of the 21st century and the challenges arising from them.

Through their choice of option, graduates undergo training geared towards the following professional careers:

  • high-level researcher in the field of economics (Research focus), capable of joining the best economics graduate schools in Europe and worldwide;
  • analyst, advisor or manager for businesses, associations or organisations in the public or private sectors (Professional focus), capable of participating in decision-making at local and international level with practical professional experience (work placement);
  • teacher or trainer in economics and social sciences (Teaching focus), capable of introducing young people to and interesting them in economic reasoning.

In addition, through their choice of specialist options and classes, graduates will have honed their skills in two to four areas of economics (Finance, Development, Corporate Strategies, International Economics, Public Intervention, Non-Profit Economics, Economics and Society, Macroeconomics, Labour Economics and Human Resource Management) related to the sector(s) in which they plan to pursue a career (for example: banks, (inter)national public institutions, industries, consultancies, research, etc.).

Aware of the responsibility associated with their profession, the graduates will have adopted a critical academic attitude and be able to make and accept decisions completely independently. The graduates will have a variety of skills, particularly in terms of methodology, and will be able to question, improve and develop the contents, processes and purposes of professional practices and critically examine the innovations resulting from research and likely to shed light on professional practices.

They will be invested in a continuous development approach enabling them, as professionals, to demonstrate expertise, multiple skills and the ability to adapt and evolve positively in their socio-professional environment.

 

 


On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
1. Develop an economic line of reasoning.
Develop an economic line of reasoning: develop an accurate economic analysis of real-life and often complex problems/issues, implementing a robust scientific approach and using the necessary analytical skills.

2. “Problem solver”
Consider, analyse and resolve a real-life and complex socio-economic problem in a pertinent, critical and innovative manner using an approach based on economic reasoning and in interaction with other human sciences disciplines, displaying intellectual and methodological independence.

3. Use specialist knowledge in at least two economic areas
Master and use, in a critical manner, a body of specialist knowledge and skills in at least two economic areas in order to be able to operate with expertise in these areas (according to the specialist option chosen).

4. Communication and interpersonal skills
Communicate in French and English in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, while adapting to the target audience and context, as well as interacting and collaborating respectfully and constructively with the different players involved in a given situation.

5. Operate in an international work environment
Operate in an international work environment, using a scientifically well-founded approach, as critical and responsible academics committed to continuous development.

FA. If they pursued the Research focus, students will be able to: develop and acquire the knowledge and skills required to undertake a PhD or progress towards professional careers in high-level research or consultancy.

FS. If they pursued the Professional focus, students will be able to develop and acquire the skills of an economist capable of participating in decision-making in the private and public sectors at local and international level.

FD. If they pursued the Teaching focus, they will be able to: apply the skills required to embark on a career as an upper-secondary level social sciences and economics teacher and to develop in that position.