Introduction to the Master of Commerce in Economic Science

The Master of Commerce specialising in Economic Science is a two-year coursework and dissertation-based degree. It aims to prepare students with the theoretical and expert-level knowledge required for research in Economics, including doctoral research.

About the Programme

The coursework content of the first year of the master's stream is similar to that of the Master of Commerce Economics. In the second year, students are required to complete additional compulsory courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and other electives. In addition, students are required to complete a compulsory 60 credit minor dissertation.

Entrance Requirements

• A mark of at least 65% in Honours level Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics respectively, with an overall average of at least 65% in an Honours degree in Economics (4th year) or international equivalent.
• Before admission to the degree, a candidate shall have completed quantitative courses in Econometrics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics at Honours level, or the equivalent.
• Applicants with degrees outside South Africa are encouraged (and in some cases may be required) to submit a GRE test score. A strong performance in the quantitative segment (above the 80th percentile) is expected.
• Students who have completed equivalent courses at the master's level may apply for exemption, but not credit, from particular courses.

Programme Convenor and Duration

• Programme Convenor: Professor Andrew Kerr
• Duration: Offered over two years full-time. The programme begins in January.

Prescribed Curriculum

The curriculum consists of a number of compulsory courses and optional courses. The courses may be completed during any stage of the degree. Students are advised to follow the Master of Commerce Economics stream during the first year. A candidate will ordinarily complete the prescribed courses in the first year and will be expected to complete the dissertation within the following year. The qualification comprises 360 credits.

Compulsory Courses

• ECO5011F: Quantitative Methods for Economists (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5021F: Advanced Macroeconomics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5020F: Advanced Microeconomics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5046F: Advanced Econometrics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO6007F: Microeconomics II (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 10)
• ECO5030S: Applied Growth Theory (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5025S: Research skills in Economics (8 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)

Elective Courses

• ECO5003F: Governance and Growth (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5050S: International Finance (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5052S: Natural Resource Economics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5057S: Labour Economics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5062S: Applied International Trade (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5064S: Behavioural Economics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5069S: Applied Time Series Analysis (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5070S: Microeconometrics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5073S: Problems of Globalisation (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5074F: Research and Policy Tools (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5075S: Macroeconomic Policy Analysis (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5076S: Development Microeconomics (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5077S: Empirical Industrial Organisation (30 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)

Research Component

• ECO5023W: Minor Dissertation (60 NQF credits, NQF Level 9)

With permission of the Graduate Convenor, a Master's in Economic Science student may be permitted to take up to two master's courses (30 NQF credits) from another Department. Options may be added or withdrawn according to circumstances each year.

Assessment

To qualify for the master's degree, students must pass all courses, including the research component, to the value of 360 NQF credits. The dissertation is examined by way of a 60 credit minor dissertation (in the style of a word journal article) to be submitted before the start of the next academic year in the following year.

University of Cape Town: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a globally recognized university located in South Africa. It is committed to unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society, with a focus on transformation, sustainability, and excellence. UCT is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to social responsibility.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context does not offer specific details about student life and campus experiences at UCT. However, it highlights the university's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

International Recognition:

UCT graduates hold qualifications that are recognized globally.

Social Justice Focus:

The university emphasizes values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

Research Excellence:

UCT is a leading research institution in Africa, contributing to new knowledge and addressing global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals:

UCT is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges through research.

Transformative Initiatives:

UCT is actively involved in initiatives like the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme and the 100UP programme, which aim to address critical issues in healthcare and education access.

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Academic Programs:

The context mentions the university's commitment to generating new knowledge in, for, and from Africa. It also highlights specific research achievements, such as identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains. However, it does not provide a detailed list of academic programs offered at UCT.

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Other:

UCT is ranked among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The university is actively involved in various initiatives to address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare access.