Postgraduate Programs 2024/25
Master of Science Program in Economics
Award Title

Master of Science in Economics

Program Short Name

MSc(ECON)

Mode of Study

Full-time

Normative Program Duration

1 year

Program Fee

HK$290,000

Program Advisor

MSc Program Coordinator:

Prof Peng WANG, Associate Professor of Economics

Enquiry

Last update: 2 January 2024

The Master of Science (MSc) Program in Economics emphasizes coursework to strengthen students’ general background in economics and their ability to apply such knowledge to analyze real world problems. The program aims to provide solid economics and analytical training for students in order to prepare them for further pursuit of higher academic degrees or industry jobs. The variety of applied courses offered in the program equips students with sufficient knowledge to enter the job market. They can benefit from the good employment opportunities in Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas.

On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Solve advanced economic models using mathematical methods related to real analysis, static optimization, and dynamic optimization;
  2. Assess the underlying insights of these economic models;
  3. Construct simple economic models using the above methods;
  4. Explain firms’ and individuals’ behaviors in given economic and industry environments using an understanding of theories and knowledge from microeconomics;
  5. Explain the effects of economic policies on monetary and business cycle stability, trade and economic growth using an understanding of theories and knowledge from macroeconomics;
  6. Evaluate the implications of empirical data analysis using an understanding of theories and tools from empirical data analysis;
  7. Explain and apply econometric principles;
  8. Decide how to collect and deal with raw data;
  9. Construct proper econometric models and use relevant software to conduct empirical analysis on given data;
  10. Make predictions on economic and business outcomes based on results from empirical analysis;
  11. Explain economic models and intuition to academic people using professional language in economics;
  12. Present economic insights or their empirical findings to industry people using both economic and business languages; and
  13. Use various approaches including graphs, diagrams, figures, etc. to enrich their communication.
  1. Minimum Credit Requirement

30 credits

The total credit load should not exceed 34.

 

  1. Core Courses

15 credits
 

ECON 5100
ECON 5130*
ECON 5140*
ECON 5280*
* The course may be substituted by an equivalent course subject to prior approval of the Academic Director and the other course instructor.

 

  1. Elective Courses

At least 15 credits

Students are free to register in any postgraduate courses offered by the Department of Economics, except ECON 5030, ECON 5110 and ECON 5200.

Subject to the approval of the Academic Director, students can choose to take up to two postgraduate courses (of no more than 6 credits taken together) related to economics offered by other departments in the School of Business and Management, School of Science, or Division of Social Science. Students may take up to 8 credits of economics related undergraduate courses at 4000-level. Of the 8 credits, no more than 6 credits may be from the Department of Economics.

Students may take ECON 6950 as an elective to fulfill the program requirement. The project should be carried out under the supervision of a faculty member in the Department of Economics. The final report will be read by two faculty members, one of whom is the supervisor.
 

ECON 6950

 

  1. Remarks

Courses will need to be repeated or replaced if students fail to obtain a passing grade.

 

Last Update: 31 July 2019 

Research Preparation Concentration

Students who want to better prepare themselves for pursuing further studies are given an option to extend one more term to complete a Research Preparation concentration.

 

To opt for this concentration, students are required to complete at least 36 credits, including 15 credits of core courses and minimum 15 credits of elective courses, of which 6 credits must be at PhD level; plus ECON 6980.

 

ECON 6980

 

Last Update: 31 July 2019

To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
 

1. General Admission Requirements of the University
  • Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification.

2. English Language Admission Requirements

Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:

  • TOEFL-iBT: 80 *

  • TOEFL-pBT: 550

  • TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)

  • IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-score: 5.5 *

* Refers to scores in one single attempt only. Test at home option is not accepted.


Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if

  • their first language is English, or

  • they obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.