Program Overview

Master of Science in International and Monetary Economics

The Master in International and Monetary Economics (MIME) is a joint, specialized master's degree offered by the Universities of Basel and Bern. It aims to help students acquire a strong background and analytical expertise in monetary economics, macroeconomics, and international macroeconomics. MIME graduates are trained to take positions requiring analytical skills and macroeconomic knowledge, such as those found in banks, monetary and fiscal authorities, general government, international companies and organizations, research institutes, and doctoral programs.

Key Facts

• Joint degree program organized by the Universities of Basel and Bern
• Excellent career opportunities in industry, administration, and academia, with the possibility of transitioning to a related doctoral program
• Taught exclusively in English
• Internationally renowned faculty
• International student body
• 3 semesters (full-time)
• Attractive location in the heart of Europe

Study Objectives

In the context of the field of academic activities, the skills to be acquired are clearly outlined. Graduates of the MIME Master's programme should:

• Understand the role of central banks and banking supervision for macroeconomic stability, particularly with regard to the system's international embedding
• Understand the role that central banks, banking supervisory and regulatory bodies, as well as private investors (commercial banks, institutional investors, etc.) play in the international finance market
• Have gained the competence to prepare or assess monetary policy decisions based on optimal academic criteria
• Be acquainted with the historical background of international economic developments
• Know the approaches to monetary policy and financial market regulation
• Be equipped to reflect and comment on policy discussions and issues in this context

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this Master's programme would seek professional career openings in the following areas:

• Macroeconomic analysis with reserve banks and commercial banks
• Public authorities (e.g., finance or tax administrations)
• Financial market supervisory bodies
• Media communications
• Expert groups of political governing boards or international organizations
• Academia

Program Structure (Modules and Thesis)

The curriculum covers the foundation module, the core module, and the specialization module (including supplementary courses) as well as the master's thesis.

Foundation Module

The foundation module accounts for a total of 18 ECTS. It has the goal of bringing all students up to the same level, covering the basic elements of the master's economics program (microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics).

Core Module

In the core module, the student has to gain 24 ECTS. It contains specific courses covering the key topics of this specialized master's program, including a seminar where students compile and present a seminar paper.

Specialization Module

In the specialization module, 18 ECTS have to be gained. Students can choose topics suited to their targeted qualification from a wide variety of master's courses offered by both faculties.

Master's Thesis

The master's thesis is a critical component of the program, allowing students to delve deeply into a specific area of interest.

Admission

Admission to the specialized Master's degree program in International and Monetary Economics (MIME) requires a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics or a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with proof of equivalent academic achievements in the field of economics and quantitative methods. The bachelor's degree must have an average grade of at least 5 (unrounded, Swiss grading system 1 to 6, where 6 = max./4 = pass). Alternatively, holders of a bachelor's degree from a recognized university-level higher education institution may present a current Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, with results in the areas of "Quantitative Reasoning" and "Analytical Writing" among the top 30% at least.

Start and Duration

The Master in International and Monetary Economics is designed as a 3-semester program starting in fall, with the possibility of registration in either the fall or spring semester. Part-time study increases the duration of the program accordingly.

Fees

• Application fee: CHF 100
• Tuition fees per semester: CHF 850
• Individual costs of living are not included.

Scholarships

Parents and/or the cantonal scholarship office in the parents' canton of residence are basically responsible for the funding of studies. International students should find out what scholarships they are eligible for in their home country.