PROGRAM - Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona (Spain)
Course Offerings
1. Preliminary Level Courses
The preliminary level courses at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra coincide with the Master of Science (MSc) in Economics, a one-year program. The academic year comprises three teaching quarters of 10 weeks each. Each course lasts one quarter. Students in the MSc in Economics are required to take eight courses and to write a Master Project. The students' course programs must be approved by the director of the MSc in Economics.
All students are strongly advised to take the intensive three-week review courses in Mathematics and Statistics, which will be taught during the month of September, before the official start of graduate courses.
The list of the courses offered in the 2011-12 academic year is given below. (Students should be aware that changes are likely to occur in the next academic year. Names in brackets correspond to the 2011-2012 instructors of the courses.
Compulsory courses
Economics Theory (J. Apesteguía / J. Ganuza / S. Hansen)
Statistics and Econometrics (J. García-Montalvo / V. Carvalho)
Optional courses
Econometric Methods I (S. Litschig / A. Glitz)
Advanced Macroeconomics I (G. Gancia / R. Barnichon)
Advanced Microeconomics I (F. Germano)
Macroeconomics (F. Canova / T. van Rens)
International Economics (J. Ventura / F. Broner)
Public Economics (G. Fack)
Urban Economics (G. Ponzetto)
Econometric Methods II (K. Nimark)
Advanced Macroeconomics II (T. van Rens / J. Galí)
Advanced Microeconomics II (M. Motta / J. de Martí)
Advanced Economic Growth and Development (L. Pascali / X. Sala i Martin)
Experimental Economics (R. Nagel)
Labor Economics (V. Lavy / N. Rodriguez)
Political Economy (N. Gennaioli / G. Ponzetto)
Optional courses also include some courses in the MSc in Management or the MSc in Finance programs or courses in the advande level year.
Students will obtain the Master of Science degree on successful completion of the program.
2. Advanced Level Courses
During the advanced year, students are expected to complete 60 ECTS selected among the PhD level courses (see list below):
PhD level courses
Research Seminar (J.Voth)
Topics in Macroeconomics I (C. Matthes)
Topics in Applied Economics I (F. Canova)
Topics in Economic Theory I (J. Apesteguia / L. Alaoui)
Topics in Macroeconomics II (J. Ventura / R. Barnichon)
Topics in Development I (A. Tarozzi)
Topics in Applied Economics II (B. Rossi)
Topics in Macroeconomics III (K. Nimark / V. Carvalho)
Topics in Applied Economics III (V. Lavy / J. Garcia Montalvo)
Topics in International Economics II (A. Martin)
At the end of the second year, students are expected to submit a thesis project for approval.
Students fulfilling the requirements above will be declared PhD candidates. During the following years, until their thesis is finally approved, students have to submit, yearly, their work in progress to one workshop.
In addition to the regular courses, other courses on special topics will be given by invited professors of international reputation. These courses last several days and are strongly recommended to all the students in the PhD program.
Students satisfying the thesis requirements will be awarded a PhD degree. The dissertation must be a piece of original research, making a significant contribution to applied or theoretical economics. It must be of high quality and up to international standards.
Degree Requirements
1. Language
Since all courses are taught in English, a high level of written and spoken English is required of applicants. Sufficient evidence of this knowledge is to be provided by the student.
Competence in English is demonstrated by obtaining results higher than 550 (Paper Based Test) or 220 (Computer Based Test) on the TOEFL, a Cambridge Proficiency Certificate with grade A-C, a Cambridge First Certificate with grade A or a British Council IELTS with a grade of at least 6.
2. Admission
Admission is based on academic merit and talent. Any information that may help to assess it is welcome.
A university degree is necessary to enter the preliminary year courses (MSc), although it is not required when applying.
To be admitted in the MSc in Economics the student must have a strong background in economics and quantitative methods.
Applications should be accompanied by:
* Two letters of recommendation
* Academic transcript
* Curriculum vitae
* Passport (or DNI for Spanish citizens) photocopy
* Proof of knowledge of the English language
* A statement of purpose
* Any other relevant information.
Prospective students are encouraged to provide their Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE) scores. Although not compulsory, students should be aware that GRE results are often a key element for admission decisions.
The brochure and the application form can be obtained at:
http://www.econ.upf.es/gpem
Finance and Fees
The Department of Economics and Business provides some funds for graduate students. These will be awarded on academic merit, although financial need may also be considered. Funding includes:
- Full or partial tuition grants.
- A number of teaching assistantships, which are offered to students with knowledge of the languages used in the undergraduate university courses: Catalan, Spanish and English.
- A few research assistantships connected with research being done at the Department.
Outside financial assistance is available from both public and private sources. The GPEFM has so far been successful in channelling funds to all students in the doctorate program and to many students in the master program. Students should be aware that the possession of outside financial help is looked at very favourably by the GPEM Admissions Committee. It should also be understood that most forms of financial aid offered by the GPEM are not compatible with any other scholarships or grants.
Members of the Program Committee
Antonio Ciccone, Associate Professor of Economics
Xavier Freixas, Professor of Economics
Fabrizio Germano, Assistant Professor
Javier Gil Bazo, Assistant Professot
Robin Hogarth, Professor
Daniel Serra, Professor
