School of Accounting, Economics and Finance

Master of Commerce In Economics Coursework And Dissertation

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Understanding why and how economies grow is essential to address challenges of poverty and unemployment within a developing economy such as South Africa. There is therefore an increasing need for graduates to obtain in-depth, specialised skills within the discipline of Economics. Both the public and the private sectors demand graduates with a solid theoretical foundation of how the economy works and with specialised applied analytical and quantitative skills in the various fields of Economics. The marketplace expects graduates who have developed both analytical and research skills, and the ability to work and think logically and independently. The program is designed to develop learners’ capacity to apply theory and sophisticated economic and econometric tools to solve economic problems. In the Coursework Masters Programme, students will develop a deeper understanding of the core material in economics and of the South African economy and, at the same time, they will be able to specialise in particular areas of study. Students in the programme are well placed to function as economists in academia, government and the private sector.
1 year
A completed Honours degree in Economics (or equivalent) with a minimum credit-weighted average of at least 55% in this qualification.

As an Economics graduate you will have developed analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly versatile and widely transferable across jobs and careers. Popular careers include (but are not limited to):

  • Economist
  • Economic researcher
  • Data analyst
  • Financial risk analyst
  • Investment analyst

Prospective employers include both local and national government, private and public banks, insurance companies, financial consultancies, local authorities, NGOs, private consultancies and think-tanks, large multinational companies and insurance companies.

[tabby title="Semester 1"]
  • ECON8RD Coursework Research Dissertation (core module)
  • ECON8MA Advanced Macroeconomics (core module)
  • ECON8MI Advanced Microeconomics (core module)
  • ECON8A2 Advanced Econometrics (core module)
  • ECON8MR Research Methodology for Advanced Economics (core module)
[tabby title="Semester 2"]
  • ECON8RD Coursework Research Dissertation(core module)
  • ECON8HC Economics of Health Care (elective module)
  • ECON8SU Sustainable Resource Usage in South Africa (elective module)
[tabbyending]

Note: A completed Master of Commerce in Economics degree comprises 192 credit points. All modules are 16 credit points, except for ECON8RD, which is compulsory and is 96 credit points. Students must register for and complete ECON8RD, plus all four core modules in Semester 1, and 2 elective modules in semester 2. Elective modules offered may change each year. Students may complete Masters-level electives from outside of the School, with the approval of the Academic Leader: Higher Degrees and Research.

Understanding why and how economies grow is essential to address challenges of poverty and unemployment within a developing economy such as South Africa. There is therefore an increasing need for graduates to obtain in-depth, specialised skills within the discipline of Economics. Both the public and the private sectors demand graduates with a solid theoretical foundation of how the economy works and with specialised applied analytical and quantitative skills in the various fields of Economics. The marketplace expects graduates who have developed both analytical and research skills, and the ability to work and think logically and independently. The program is designed to develop learners’ capacity to apply theory and sophisticated economic and econometric tools to solve economic problems. In the Coursework Masters Programme, students will develop a deeper understanding of the core material in economics and of the South African economy and, at the same time, they will be able to specialise in particular areas of study. Students in the programme are well placed to function as economists in academia, government and the private sector.

A completed Honours degree in Economics (or equivalent) with a minimum credit-weighted average of at least 55% in this qualification.

A completed Honours degree in Economics (or equivalent) with a minimum credit-weighted average of at least 55% in this qualification.

As an Economics graduate you will have developed analytical and problem-solving skills that are highly versatile and widely transferable across jobs and careers. Popular careers include (but are not limited to):

  • Economist
  • Economic researcher
  • Data analyst
  • Financial risk analyst
  • Investment analyst

Prospective employers include both local and national government, private and public banks, insurance companies, financial consultancies, local authorities, NGOs, private consultancies and think-tanks, large multinational companies and insurance companies.

Semester 1

  • ECON8RD Coursework Research Dissertation (core module)
  • ECON8MA Advanced Macroeconomics (core module)
  • ECON8MI Advanced Microeconomics (core module)
  • ECON8A2 Advanced Econometrics (core module)
  • ECON8MR Research Methodology for Advanced Economics (core module)

 Semester 2

  • ECON8RD Coursework Research Dissertation(core module)
  • ECON8HC Economics of Health Care (elective module)
  • ECON8SU Sustainable Resource Usage in South Africa (elective module)

Note: A completed Master of Commerce in Economics degree comprises 192 credit points. All modules are 16 credit points, except for ECON8RD, which is compulsory and is 96 credit points. Students must register for and complete ECON8RD, plus all four core modules in Semester 1, and 2 elective modules in semester 2. Elective modules offered may change each year. Students may complete Masters-level electives from outside of the School, with the approval of the Academic Leader: Higher Degrees and Research.