Master of Economics *
The Department of Economics offers a Master of Economics coursework programme with two tracks: a Career-Oriented Track (Applied Economics) and an Academic-Focused Track (Quantitative Economics). Applicants should declare their preferred track at the time of application, and also indicate whether they are willing to be considered for the other track. Students may only apply to transfer to another track before commencement of their second semester, subject to review and approval by Master of Economics Committee. The Master of Economics Committee will consider their applications based on the students’ academic performance. For example, AE students should have completed at least all core modules -- EC5101, EC5102 & EC5103 before they submit the request for a transfer to QE track. No revert of track will be allowed once approved.
Career-Oriented Track:
Applied Economics
This track is for individuals who wish to become professional economists or economic consultants, or who wish to work for government agencies. It is designed for students who wish to apply economics to a wide range of challenging situations facing firms, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Academic-Focused Track:
Quantitative Economics
This track is for students who wish to acquire more profound knowledge of advanced economic theory and analytical and quantitative methods. It prepares students for doctoral studies in economics and careers that require more rigorous training in advanced economic theory and analytical and quantitative skills.
PROGRAMME DURATION
A full-time candidate must take at least three modules per semester and may take up to five modules per semester. A part-time candidate must take at least one module per semester and may take up to three modules per semester. *Please note that some classes for the Quantitative Economics track are offered on weekday daytime.
Of the ten required modules, three are core foundation modules that are required of all students. Students choose the remaining seven modules from the offered elective modules.
Recent statistics show that in the past five years, about 50% of the full-time students completed the programme within one year and about 90% of the full-time students completed the programme within one and half year.
The maximum period for the completion of the Master of Economics programme is 36 months of full-time study or 48 months of part-time study from the commencement of the programme. The maximum periods include the time allowed for approved study leave but may exclude periods of leave of absence subject to Faculty approval.
ASSESSMENT
The assessment for each module will be based on a combination of examination and continuous assessment. An examination will be held at the end of each semester of study.
Where a module is required for the graduate candidature and the minimum grade is not met, a student may repeat:
- the same module (core or elective) only once. The improved grade point of the repeated/replaced module will replace the weaker one in the CAP computation in the semester in which the successful attempt is made; and
- one‐third of the curricular requirements not exceeding three modules, whichever is lower.
A Masters candidate’s Cumulative Average Point (CAP) should not fall below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters or 3.00 for three consecutive semesters. A student will be issued a warning/probation for any semester in which his/her CAP falls below that required for graduation (3.00 for a Masters degree). If, in the following semester, the student’s CAP again falls below the graduation requirement, but not sufficiently to warrant immediate termination, he/she will be placed on probation.
Termination of candidature will result if a student fails to maintain the minimum CAP as stipulated.
A candidate must obtain a minimum CAP of 3.00 at the end of the course of study before he/she can be considered for the award of degree.
* The name of this programme is "Master of Social Sciences (Applied Economics) " before the August 2019 intake. The new name "Master of Economics" will take effect from the August 2019 intake. Two specializations will be offered in this programme: "Master of Economics (Applied Economics)" and "Master of Economics (Quantitative Economics)".