MSc in
Master of Science in Economics and Public Policy University of Basel
Introduction
Public policy challenges are everywhere: How can we combat climate change and shape the economy towards a more sustainable future? Does the rise and dominance of new firms in the digital sector call for strict anti-trust measures? Does increasing concentration of incomes and wealth call for more redistribution or intervention on the labor market?
The curriculum of the Master in Economics and Public Policy provides you with the tools that you need to understand public policy challenges and to develop effective solutions. In a series of core courses you will learn the fundamentals of economics and quantitative methods essential for the analysis of public policy using real-world applications.
Moreover, you can specialize in one of three economic policy fields: Energy & the environment, competition & regulation, and health & labor markets. This will sharpen your profile and foster your skills directed towards problem solving in the manifold areas of economic policy.
Your lecturers are internationally renowned scholars, dedicated researchers, and policy advisers active in these areas.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Essentially, the parents and the scholarship office in the parents’ canton of residence are responsible for funding studies. Scholarships from the university are granted by the scholarship committee of the Senate in addition to any cantonal education contributions. International students should find out what scholarships they are eligible for in their home country.
Ukrainian or other students who are experiencing financial difficulties due to the war in Ukraine are welcome to contact the Social Services. If necessary, short-term bridging aid can also be applied for from the University's scholarship fund.
Curriculum
Policy Fields of Specialization
Competition and Regulation: Competition is a fundamental force in a market economy. It provides incentives to invent, improve and excel. However, competition does not naturally arise in some markets, and firms may have incentives to act strategically to manipulate prices and quantities in their favor. In this field, we investigate threats to competition and discuss how rules can be designed to improve market outcomes. Competition is also crucial for the public domain, as political parties compete for voters and local governments for firms and taxpayers.
Environment and Energy: Environmental and energy policy has become one of the most hotly debated policy fields in industrialized countries. How do we combat climate change? Which policies and market designs can be used to facilitate the transition to renewable energy? How can we handle the side effects of an increasing demand for mobility? How we answer these questions has huge important implications for many firms and strongly influences trade patterns and international relations. Economists provide advice both to public agencies designing policies and to firms deciding on future market strategies that are influenced by these policies.
Health and Labor Markets: Ageing populations, digitalization and the Corona pandemic have dramatic impacts on the health care system, social security systems, insurance and labor markets. How can we ensure the sustainability of the health care and pension system with increasing shares of older people? How can we cope with rapidly changing work environments? Sound answers require a profound understanding of how supply and demand of labor and health care are intertwined with public regulation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The Master in Econoimcs and Public Policy consists of 90 credit points (ECTS) and is designes as as three semester program starting in fall (30 CP per semester). However, registration is also possible in spring but may result in an extension to the regular period of study.
You can also study part-time. In that case, we recommend to complete at least 15 CP per semester. The study time will be prolonged accordingly.
Please have a look at the study guide (especially section 1 and 11.3) and the medium-term curriculum to get a better understanding of the program.
Program Outcome
This program prepares you for positions in
- private sector companies that are subject to public policy
- public administration that elaborates and implements policy measures
- non-governmental or international organizations and political parties that develop strategies for public policy
- think tanks or policy consulting agencies that support all of the above actors
The program also serves as a preparation for a career in research and a possible academic track.
By focusing on modern methods and gaining insight into several policy fields, you will be able to work in dynamic environments where priorities often change and where interfaces between policy fields become increasingly important.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
This program prepares you for positions in
- private sector companies that are subject to public policy
- public administration that elaborates and implements policy measures
- non-governmental, international organizations, and political parties that develop strategies for public policy
- think tanks or policy consulting agencies that support all of the above actors
The program also serves as a preparation for a career in research and a possible academic track.
By focusing on modern methods and gaining insight into several policy fields, you will be able to work in dynamic environments where priorities often change and where interfaces between policy fields become increasingly important.