On completion of the course the students will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge in economics and specialized knowledge and understanding in certain areas within the track of the program.
2. demonstrate specialized methodological knowledge applicable in economics.
3. demonstrate insight into current research and development work in economics.

4. demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and analyze, assess and deal with complex phenomena associated with economics.
5. demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues independently as well as using appropriate research methods.
6. demonstrate the ability to plan and execute a research project within a predetermined time frame.
7. demonstrate the ability to report clearly in speech and writing their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based, to discuss results in dialogue with different audiences.

8. demonstrate the ability to make assessments, taking into account relevant scientific, societal and ethical issues and also demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects in research and development work.
9. Demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

The course consists of writing a master thesis. The course includes coaching seminars, but is based on independent work. To secure and maintain a research connection, it is compulsory for the student to actively participate in four seminars at the Economics department during the semester in order to pass the course. The master-students are further required to present their research proposal to the faculty members at the Economic department. At the end of the course all students must present and defend their thesis at a public seminar, act as main opponent at another student's seminar, and actively take part in three other final seminars. The purpose of this course is as follows:

• To train and develop the ability of students to independently analyze various economic problems by applying economic theory and scientific methods,
• To develop, in particular, the analytical skills of students in a way that is valuable both for a scientific career and for a career in private enterprises, public administration, or international organizations.
• To train and improve the stylistic ability of the students, the ability and skills of students to search and to evaluate information, and the ability of students to critically and constructively review the analyses of other students.

Connection to Research and Practice
The thesis is closely connected to research as it uses scientific models and frameworks as the basis of the work. The scientific frameworks are used to enhance the student’s ability to analyze economic problems and communicate with an academic audience. The thesis work also provides a connection to practice as the students use real-world data that enhance their understanding of the world surrounding them as well the scientific frameworks.

Seminar-based tutoring.

The teaching is conducted in English.

A Bachelor's degree equal to 180 credits (or the equivalent), including 60 credits in Economics, and a minimum of 15 credits in mathematics, statistics and/or econometrics. As well as master-level courses equal to 45 credits, including at least 30 credits in Economics and 7.5 credits in Econometrics/Statistics at the advance level (or the equivalent).

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

Examination form:

Thesis (ILOs 1-5, 7-9): examined through the written thesis, as well as oral presentations and discussions in five final seminars (defense, opposition, and active participation in three additional final seminars); represents 70 % of the total course grade (21 credits); individually graded.

Thesis process (ILOs 5-7): assessed through interaction with the supervisor and active participation in four tutoring seminars during the thesis writing process; represents 30 % of the total course grade (9 credits); individually graded.

Note: A course grade can only be given if all ILOs are passed.

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Thesis	21 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F
Thesis Process	9 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F

It is the responsibility of the examiner to ensure that each course is evaluated. At the outset of the course, the programme evaluators in the course must be contacted. In the middle of the course, the examiner should meet the programme evaluators to identify strengths/weaknesses in the first half of the course.
At the end of the course, the examiner should remind students to fill in the survey. The examiner should also call a meeting with the programme evaluators to debrief the course, based on course evaluation data and comments. The next time the course runs, students should be informed of any measures taken to improve the course based on the previous course evaluations.

At the end of each study period, JIBS’ Director of Quality and Accreditation crafts a “Course Evaluation Quarter Report”, presenting the quantitative results from course evaluation surveys. The Associate Dean of Education, The Associate Deans of Faculty, Programme Directors, and JSA President and Quality receive the report.

Students write the master thesis individually.

Academic integrity
JIBS students are expected to maintain a strong academic integrity. This implies to behave within the boundaries of academic rules and expectations relating to all types of teaching and examination.

Copying someone else’s work is a particularly serious offence and can lead to disciplinary action. When you copy someone else’s work, you are plagiarising. You must not copy sections of work (such as paragraphs, diagrams, tables and words) from any other person, including another student or any other author. Cutting and pasting is a clear example of plagiarism. There is a workshop and online resources to assist you in not plagiarising called the Interactive Anti-Plagiarism Guide.

Other forms of breaking academic integrity include (but are not limited to) adding your name to a project you did not work on (or allowing someone to add their name), cheating on an examination, helping other students to cheat and submitting other students work as your own, and using non-allowed electronic equipment during an examination. All of these make you liable to disciplinary action.

Compulsory literature
Selected individually based on the thesis topic. The selection will be based on a discussion between students and tutors in relation to the chosen thesis topic.