Thesis MSc Economics

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/E_EC_THS

Course Objective

The Master's Thesis emphasizes the creation of an original contribution that goes clearly beyond what can be found elsewhere in the literature. The thesis is the final product submitted after having gone through the educational program, and it embodies the proof that the student actually is a master in the academic discipline of economics. Whereas the final written thesis is the main tangible output, important learning elements are involved when going through the process of writing a thesis. Specific learning outcomes areThe student conducts independent academic research on a specific question that is of substantive interest to the field of economics. The research is conducted with the goal in mind to further economic insights and to prepare policy conclusions by empirically testing hypotheses, and/or building or assessing (features of) models. (Academic and research skills)The student provides a sufficiently deep and thoroughly documented, yet focused answer to the research question. The research activities adhere to high academic and ethical standards as set by relevant and important contributions to the economic literature. (Bridging theory and practice
- applications)The student must be able to select and apply appropriate and advanced research methods and tools for answering the research question. Tools of economic analysis include applied statistical and econometric methods for work using economic data, and/or tools of theoretical economic modeling. (Bridging theory and practice
- applications)Students are able to write at an appropriate academic level, and at a professional level of English. Students are able to provide an appealing expository written presentation of results, and can orally present their findings convincingly to both expert and non-expert academic audiences. (Professional and social skills)The student is able to put findings into a theoretical, practical and ethical perspective. He or she is able to frankly reveal the limitations of own work and formulate critically constructive questions about the work of others. (Broadening your horizon)The student is able to work independently under supervision, and possesses the intellectual capabilities required for self-directed learning to broach new if related areas of scientific inquiry. (Self awareness)

Course Content

Many skills that have been acquired and many tools of economic analysis that have been used in classroom teaching before in the program, can and will now be further developed and applied to good use. The student develops and writes the thesis under close supervision of a faculty member. The thesis is submitted in the form of an academic paper, and results are being presented and discussed in public. Whereas the thesis can be the result of an internship, it is judged solely on its academic quality. The final product may in many cases bear important similarities to a published article in an economics journal, with a focused research question, and data and methods that lead to an answer of that question. Economics theses, certainly in the present program, often conclude with policy implications (where applicable and appropriate). Originality is encouraged, but this can be accomplished in many ways—including a replication analysis of earlier work with a thorough and insightful discussion. Domain: any area of economics, preferably where sufficient faculty expertise for supervision is available.

Teaching Methods

Individual supervision by faculty member.

Method of Assessment

Paper and presentation in public (single grade); subcriteria apply.

Literature

n.a.

Target Audience

Program participants MSc Economics

Additional Information

Students in the Economics track opting for a specialization need to choose a suitable thesis topic commensurate with that specialization. The thesis writing periods are P5 and P6 (April-June).

Entry Requirements

Students need to have completed the module "Research Project in Economics" (Economics track), or "Policy Seminars and Policy Brief" (Public Policy track), respectively, and at least 18 ECTS points from other courses within our Master's.

Recommended background knowledge

Economics track: Intermediate Microeconomics and Advanced Microeconomics; Introduction to Econometrics and Applied Econometrics; Advanced Macroeconomics Public Policy track: Introduction to Econometrics and Introduction to Microeconomics; Public Economics and Policy.