Economics, Methods for Analysis in Economics and Finance, Second Cycle, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

Analytical work in economics and finance often combines economic theory, economic models and one or multiple empirical approaches. Statistical analysis can be pointless if not supported by critical appraisal and understanding of data and by a careful and creative empirical identification strategy. To make results useful to decision makers it is often important to demonstrate how they can be related to relevant decision problems, for instance by use of cost-benefit analysis or investment assessment. The aim of this course is therefore that the participants should acquire knowledge and expertise such that they can:

• Understand how various theories and methods in economics, finance and econometrics can be used and combined to solve problems of various nature
• Within the given time frame write reports discussing the major results, strengths and weaknesses, and conclusions of important research articles
• Present, comment and discuss other students’ reports and presentations.

Main content of the course

The course is based on workshops in which the choice of methods and mix of methods in research papers on various topics in economics and finance are studied and discussed.

Teaching methods

Workshops based on papers written by the participating students analyzing a selection of research papers in economics and finance.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Workshops and individual assignments.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

The course grade is based on the workshops and individual assignments.

Specific entry requirements

First-cycle courses of 75 credits in Economics including an independent project of 15 credits, or first-cycle courses of 75 credits in Business Administration including an independent project of 15 credits. Statistics, Basic Course, 15 credits and 7.5 credits in regression analysis/econometrics/scientific method within economic or statistics. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course will be given in English.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Papers max 400 pages.