PROGRAMME SYLLABUS

Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Economics

Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområdet nationalekonomi

Understanding economic behaviour through data is essential for meeting today’s global challenges. The Master’s Programme in Applied Economics and Data Analysis at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) combines a rigorous foundation in economic theory with advanced analytical and computational methods. You will learn to interpret complex economic phenomena, evaluate policy interventions, and make data-driven decisions in business, policy, and research settings.

The programme offers in-depth training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, complemented by applied courses in data analysis, programming, and modern computational tools. A strong emphasis on causal inference and empirical research design connects theoretical reasoning with real-world evidence.

The programme emphasises an applied approach to learning, where theoretical knowledge is linked to real-world issues and data. You will work hands-on with large datasets and contemporary tools such as Python, SQL, and AI-assisted analytics, gaining the skills to manage, analyse, and visualise data effectively. Our teaching includes applied projects, replication studies, and case-based learning, which means that you gain direct experience in analysing economic problems and communicating results in a clear, policy-relevant way. This practical orientation strengthens your ability to translate theory into actionable insights, a skill that is essential for economists working in policy, business, as well as research settings.

At JIBS, you study economics in an international and collaborative environment located in one of Europe’s most open and innovation-driven economies. Through integrated coursework in the programme, you work in teams with students from diverse countries and academic backgrounds. This international and interactive setting helps you develop collaborative, communicative, and cross-cultural skills. The cross-disciplinary perspectives also give you insight into different ways of approaching and solving problems. Combined with the programme’s applied teaching methods, these experiences allow you to build a valuable international network during your studies.

The programme includes an elective semester, giving you the opportunity to tailor your degree to your personal interests and career goals. During this semester, you can choose to study abroad or take elective courses at JIBS. Within your elective package, you also have the option to include an internship course, allowing you to gain experience in an organisation of your choice, either in Sweden or abroad.

The programme’s close links to research and policy equip you for analytical careers in economics, consulting, finance, and the public sector, as well as for further studies in applied economic research.

Knowledge and Understanding

Master of Science Competence Goal 1:

JIBS' Graduates have comprehensive and advanced expertise in their major and can effectively apply this knowledge to international contexts.

Translated in the following programme-specific learning outcome:

P-ILO 1: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of economic theory, econometric methods, and data analytical tools, and apply them to interpret, evaluate, and solve complex problems in international and policy-relevant contexts.

Skills and Abilities

Master of Science Competence Goal 2:

JIBS' Graduates are advanced in analytical and critical thinking, and research skills, enabling them to conduct rigorous academic work.

Translated in the following programme-specific learning outcome:

P-ILO 2: Critically assess and apply advanced empirical and computational methods to analyse data, evaluate causal relationships, and conduct rigorous research that meets academic and professional standards.

Master of Science Competence Goal 3:

JIBS' Graduates excel in communicating and networking within the complex dynamics of global academic and business settings.

Translated in the following programme-specific learning outcome:

P-ILO 3: Communicate analytical findings, economic reasoning, and policy implications clearly and effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences, and collaborate across cultural and disciplinary boundaries in global contexts.

Judgement and Approach

Master of Science Competence Goal 4:

JIBS graduates can integrate ethical and sustainable practices within business environments.

Translated in the following programme-specific learning outcome:

P-ILO 4: Evaluate the ethical and societal implications of economic analysis, data use, and policy decisions, and integrate responsible and transparent practices in research and professional work.

Mission Driven

Master of Science Competence Goal 5:

JIBS graduates have an entrepreneurial mindset and lead in framing challenges and developing innovative solutions.

Translated in the following programme-specific learning outcome:

P-ILO 5: Apply an entrepreneurial and solution-oriented mindset to frame analytical and policy challenges creatively, design innovative evidence-based approaches, and contribute to informed decision-making in a data-driven global economy.

Electives

During the elective semester, you are required to take courses equivalent to 30 ECTS.

The recommendation is to focus on courses in Business Administration and/or Economics at an advanced level.

You can also choose to study subjects that complement your specialisation and career plans, in: Statistics, Economic Geography, Commercial Law, Language, Computer Sciences, Informatics, and/or Environmental Studies (exceptions from this can apply if pre-approved by the Programme Director).

The elective semester can include academic internship courses worth up to of maximum 15 ECTS.

Course changes can occur, as long as they do not substantially affect the programme’s content and learning goals.

Semester	Course Name	Credits	Main field of study	Specialised in	Course Code
1	Advanced Applied Econometrics	10	Economics	A1N	J2AAET
1	Advanced Microeconomics	10	Economics	A1N	J2AMUL
1	Programming and Data Analysis	5	Statistics	A1N	J2PADA
1	Working Across Boundaries	5	Business Administration	A1N	J2WABJ
2	Applied Economics and Data Analysis	15	Economics	A1F	J2AEAD
2	Advanced Macroeconomics	10	Economics	A1F	J2AMDC
2	Bridging to Practice: Consulting as a Process	5	Business Administration, Economics	A1F	J2BTPC
3	Studying abroad/Elective courses	30
4	Master Thesis in Economics	30	Economics	A2E	J2MTIE

The programme is campus-based with on-site participation and mandatory sessions included. To pass a course, you need to fulfill all the course requirements. Examination is executed through different forms of assessment (including written, oral, participatory). Several methods of assessment can be applied within a single course.

You will be offered examination and re-examination opportunities in accordance with: Regulations and Guidelines for first, second and third cycle education at Jönköping University.

Most courses are graded according to the following six levels: A-E constitutes a pass and FX or F is equal to a fail. Some courses and/or assignments are graded with Pass or Fail.

You must meet continuation requirements to be eligible for registration to the next academic year within the programme. For registering to year 2, you must have completed at least 30 ECTS of the courses listed in the programme syllabus.

To be eligible for study abroad, you should, at the time of the study abroad application, have completed at least 15 ECTS of the programme course credits scheduled up to that point.

To obtain the Master of Science (120 ECTS) with a major Economics, you must complete the course requirements of at least 120 credits at the higher education level that were not used for the bachelor’s degree, with at least 90 credits overall in second-cycle courses and at least 60 of those in Economics including 30 credits of a Master’s Thesis in Economics.

To obtain the Master of Science (120 ECTS) with a major in Economics, with a focus on Applied Economics and Data Analysis, you must complete: (1) the requirements for the Master of Science (120 ECTS) with a major in Economics, (2) all mandatory programme courses as listed in the above contents section, or their equivalent, (3) a Master’s thesis (30 credits) that covers a topic with relevance to Applied Economics and Data Analysis and (4) elective courses in one or more of the following disciplines: business administration, economics, statistics, economic geography, commercial law, language, computer sciences, informatics, and/or environmental studies (exceptions can apply if approved by the Programme Director).

Preparatory/Foundation courses cannot be included/counted towards the JIBS degree.

A maximum of 15 ECTS from internship courses can be counted towards the degree.

Student involvement and our cooperation with the JIBS Student Association (JSA) is crucial for the quality assurance work. The work is conducted at a school-, programme- and course level.

At the school level, students representing JSA are voting members of JIBS Council for Undergraduate and Master’s Education (CUME). For each programme, student representatives are appointed to represent the student perspective in meetings with the Programme Director. Sessions are organised regularly at a programme level, to discuss the general impressions, connections and overlaps between courses, and withinprogramme progression. The students are also part of the Programme Development Group, where faculty members meet to discuss the overall content and progression of the programme. At a course level, students meet with the course Examiner during as well as after the course to discuss potential improvements of the course design and delivery.