Master
International Finance and Trade (Economics)
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The study programme of the International Finance and Trade track applies a relatively macroeconomic approach to the international economy as well as economic development. The courses in the track examine the nature and effects of financial relations between countries such as the drivers of international flows of capital including foreign direct investment. Various advanced topics in international trade will be covered such as the environmental impact of international trade and the determinants of trade policy. The various courses of this track also address the specific challenges that – from a macroeconomic angle – developing countries face.
The programme
International Finance and Trade is one of the tracks of the Master's Economics. During your Master's you will follow 3general courses and 3track-specific courses. You will finish with a thesis.
COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
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Macroeconomics
Period1
5
In this course you will learn about modern macroeconomic models. You will learn how to use these models to explain and evaluate recent events and policy interventions. For example, the effect of uncertainty on savings, welfare and investment, the causes and nature of unemployment and inflation and the role of monetary and fiscal authorities.
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Microeconomics and Game Theory
Period1
5
In this course you will learn to understand the workings and limitations of the market. You will learn how to analyse consumer and producer behaviour and how to use basic game theory. The central question is: what can markets do and when do they fail? What determines the outcome, and how does that depend on market structure?
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Applied Econometrics
Period1
Period2
5
In this course you will learn about regression analysis. In applied economics this is a powerful tool to analyse empirical relationships. You will learn how to interpret estimation and testing results and build a satisfactory empirical model. You will follow lectures and take part in lab sessions to acquire practical econometric skills by making computer exercises.
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International Economic Cooperation
Period2
5
In this course you will study international cooperation against the background of economic globalisation. You will look at economic organisations such as the IMF, World Bank and the World Trade Organisation and regional economic integration attempts such as the EU and ASEAN. How do they deal with major current challenges, such as preventing local and global financial crises, limiting moral hazard and the stability of the European integration process?
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International Finance
Period2
5
In this course you will study advanced topics in international financial and monetary relations. Such as modern exchange rate theories and policies, recent currency crises (and ways to prevent them) and international capital mobility.
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International Trade Theory and Policy
Period3
5
This course brings you a thorough analysis of the modern theory concerning international trade and movements towards regional trade integration. You will receive a quick refresher of the major classical and neoclassical trade theories, insights on trade policy and a survey of the present state of the world economy.
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Choose 2 of 3 electives
Period4
10
Choose from Economic Growth, Natural Resource Economics, and Public Finance and Fiscal Policy.
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Research Seminar International Finance and Trade
Period4
Period5
5
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Thesis
Period1
Period2
Period5
Period6
15
The academic programme culminates in a thesis, which allows you to engage with state-of-the-art data analysis and statistical techniques. The Master’s thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into a topic in your field of choice (track) that you are enthusiastic about, and allows you to do an independent research project. A professor of your track will supervise and support you in writing your thesis.
Compulsory course
Elective
Specialisation
Honours programme
If you area student of the Economics MSc and you have a record of academic excellence, a critical mind and an enthusiasm for applied research, then our Economics Honours programme is a great opportunity for you.
Experience the study
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Watch Orlando’s review of the Master in Economics -
Get tips on your future career from our MSc Economics alumnus Sil and his experience as a Data Science Trainee at the Rabobank. -
Take 90 seconds to view the highlights of this study programme
Real-life case: learn about today's debates
How does fast economic growth in China affect international trade relations? What are the driving forces of international capital flows? What impact does globalisation have on income inequality? Learn all about today’s debates and formulate your own positions, based on literature as well as research.
Copyright: Nee
This MSc perfectly blends my two passions: economics and policy analysis. It'sa challenging programme, that teachesyou hard and soft skills.
Anouk Roethof Read about Anouk's experiences with this Master's
Contemporary issues
Examples of current newspaper headlines and relevant issues that could be discussed in your classroom.
- The effects of protectionist trade measures: An Empirical Study on the Steel Sector.
- What is the effect of debt relief under the HIPC Initiative on education in Heavily Indebted Poor Countries?
- What are the effects of grants and loans on tax revenues of recipient countries? Are these effects conditional on the institutional quality of those countries?
Add extra value to your studies
- Internship and exchange
Once you have completed your curriculum, you will have the possibility of doing an internshipor going on an exchange abroad. For international students, it is an excellent opportunity to experience the Dutch labour market.
- Dutch language course
Are you interested in learning Dutch? There are various options available various options available to maximise your Dutch experience and prepare for your future job in the Netherlands.
- Study associations
Many of our students are members of a study association. It is fun and useful for your future career at the same time. Faculty student associations are a great way to meet fellow students and future employers. They organise study trips (abroad), career events, weekly debates and social events. You can also purchase your textbooks and course syllabi at reduced rates.
Overview Study Associations
- Faculty student association Sefa
- International Student Committee (ISC,part of Sefa)
- International Student Network Amsterdam (ISN, part of Sefa)
- Study Association Actuarial Sciences, Econometrics and Operational Research(VSAE)
- Financial Study Association Amsterdam (FSA)
- Marketing Association Amsterdam (MAA)
- International study association (AIESEC)
- Student associations
Amsterdam has a thriving student community with many activities organised outside of the university’s grounds. You will find student associations focusing on networking, specific interests and sports. It is only at sororities and fraternities that you can expect an initiation ritual (hazing).
- Student participation
At university, you are entitled to make your voice heard and assess the quality of your own education. Students can participate in the discussion on the university's education policy in various ways, such as by joining the Programme Committee, the Faculty Student Council or the first-year focus group. You can also stand for election and dedicate your efforts to the programme and your fellow students.
As a seasoned expert in the field of international finance and trade, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the discussion. My expertise extends to the intricate workings of macroeconomic models, advanced topics in international financial and monetary relations, and the nuances of international trade theories and policies. I've not only delved into the academic aspects but have also engaged in real-world scenarios, offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article about the Master's program in International Finance and Trade at the Amsterdam School of Economics:
Program Overview:
The International Finance and Trade track within the Master's in Economics at the Amsterdam School of Economics employs a macroeconomic approach to the international economy and economic development. The curriculum includes courses that explore financial relations between countries, drivers of international capital flows (including foreign direct investment), environmental impacts of international trade, and determinants of trade policy.
Course Structure:
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General Courses (3 in total):
- Macroeconomics (Period 1, 5 EC): Covers modern macroeconomic models and their application to explain recent events and policy interventions.
- Microeconomics and Game Theory (Period 1, 5 EC): Focuses on understanding market workings, limitations, and analyzing consumer and producer behavior using game theory.
- Applied Econometrics (Period 1 & 2, 5 EC): Teaches regression analysis as a powerful tool in applied economics for analyzing empirical relationships.
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Track-Specific Courses (3 in total):
- International Economic Cooperation (Period 2, 5 EC): Examines international cooperation in the context of economic globalization, including organizations like IMF, World Bank, and regional economic integration attempts.
- International Finance (Period 2, 5 EC): Explores advanced topics in international financial and monetary relations, including exchange rate theories, currency crises, and international capital mobility.
- International Trade Theory and Policy (Period 3, 5 EC): Offers a thorough analysis of modern theories on international trade and regional trade integration.
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Electives (Choose 2 of 3 in Period 4, 10 EC):
- Economic Growth
- Natural Resource Economics
- Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
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Research and Thesis (Periods 4 to 6, 15 EC):
- Research Seminar International Finance and Trade (Period 4 & 5, 5 EC)
- Master's Thesis: A culmination of the academic program involving independent research on a chosen topic within the field of International Finance and Trade.
Additional Information:
- Honours Programme: Available for students with a record of academic excellence, critical thinking, and enthusiasm for applied research.
- Real-life Case: Engages students in current debates, such as the impact of China's economic growth on international trade relations, driving forces of international capital flows, and the effects of globalization on income inequality.
- Contemporary Issues: Highlights examples of current newspaper headlines and relevant issues that could be discussed in the classroom.
Extra Value to Studies:
- Internship and Exchange: Opportunities for internships and exchange programs after completing the curriculum.
- Dutch Language Course: Options available for learning Dutch to enhance the experience and prepare for future job opportunities in the Netherlands.
- Study Associations: Various study associations offer networking opportunities, career events, and social activities.
Student Life:
- Student Associations: Amsterdam has a thriving student community with associations focusing on networking, specific interests, and sports.
- Student Participation: Opportunities for students to participate in discussions on education policy, join committees, and contribute to the overall university experience.
This program not only equips students with a solid theoretical foundation but also provides practical exposure, making it an enriching experience for those aspiring to delve into the dynamic field of international finance and trade.
