Curriculum

Academic Calendar

Students of MA in Economic Research function as full-time students for the whole duration of their studies, and are strongly recommend to devote full-time effort to their study plan.

Students must accumulate 120 ECTS:
- 39 from passing compulsory courses
- 72 from passing elective courses from a specified list
- 9 from optional courses (CERGE-EI elective courses or courses of other departments of Charles University)


 

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First Year

During their first year, students follow a set curriculum that provides a strong theoretical and empirical foundation in economic theory and its applications. Students cannot select their elective courses in the first year. In the spring semester, students register their planned MA thesis topic and supervisor.


Statistics

Semester: Fall
Number of Credits: 9 ECTS                                                                        

This is a graduate level introductory course in mathematical probability and statistics, with the objective of providing students with key conceptual tools for either direct application of statistical analysis on real data, or for additional training in econometrics. Beginning from a basic treatment of probability, the course introduces univariate and multivariate probability distributions, samples and statistics, concepts of estimation and inference, and some key asymptotic results. It concludes with an introduction to linear projections and regression. Throughout the course, assignments and exercises will introduce students to actual statistical computing based on the "R" language.  


Applied Macroeconomics I
 
Semester: Fall
Number of Credits: 9 ECTS 
 

Applied Microeconomics I 

Semester: Fall
Number of Credits: 9 ECTS   
   

The objective of the course is to give students a thorough grounding in microeconomics, particularly consumer and producer behavior, different market forms, and analysis of economic policies affecting markets. Topics covered in this course are: Consumer and Producer Theory; Competitive Markets, Monopolies, Oligopolies; Economic Policy and Welfare; Market failure; Introduction to empirical methods of market and policy research.


Econometrics

Semester: Spring
Number of Credits: 9 ECTS
   

This is the introductory course in econometrics. The objective is to give students an opportunity to understand econometric theory and explore various practical econometric applications, including data management. It builds on the material covered in Statistics and extends it into regression-type models. Students will make regular use of computers. We will use STATA and R (or another econometric packet) for certain problem sets.
Some supplementary exercises – data management (using databases [MS Access], using spreadsheets [MS Excel], R or STATA will be prepared if needed. If required by students, optional computer sessions will be provided.
As is standard for introductory econometrics, the core of the course will deal with regression models and their variations. We will spend several lectures on testing linear and non-linear hypotheses, identification issues, and appropriate use of instrumental variable estimation. If time permits, we will cover additional topics including binary type models, bootstrapping, and introduction to time series and linear regression models with panel data.


Applied Macroeconomics II

Semester: Spring
Number of Credits: 9 ECTS
   

This course is the second part of the applied macro sequence.  We will study a few topics that interest economists and policy makers currently.  This year’s topics include inflation expectation, the size of government debt, and income and wealth inequality.  We will study review articles on the topics and the related models and data analysis.


Applied Microeconomics II

Semester: Spring
Number of Credits: 9 ECTS

Research Writing I

Semester: Spring
Number of Credits: 6 ECTS                                                      
   

This course is the first step in professional level communications in Economics in English.  We focus on ways that writers and speakers in business, government, and academia present economic ideas in a variety of contexts.  Students will practice a range of skills in formal, graduate level English.  There is an emphasis on academic integrity. The course includes lectures, discussions, collaboration with colleagues, and individual consultations with the instructor.  Extensive feedback from peers and the instructor is aimed to support future work. The course offers valuable take-away skills for students aiming to compete on the job market in business, government, NGOs, and/or academia.




120Second Year

In their second year, students must pass two compulsory subjects – Research Writing II and the Master Thesis Seminar. The rest of their classes are electives and optional courses – we recommend that students enroll in 2 to 3 elective economics subjects per semester. At the end of their second year, students complete their studies and defend their MA thesis.    

Research Writing II 

Semester: Spring
Number of Credits: 6 ECTS                       
 

This course is the second step in student’s ongoing development of their professional communications skills in the broad field of economics. It includes more extended written tasks and presentations, and maintains the collaborative features of Research Writing 1. Lectures, discussions, teamwork, and individual consultations with the instructor are aimed to continue to build student’s skills and confidence, and to provide useful take-aways for real-world endeavors. 


 
Master Thesis Seminar

Semester: Spring
Number of Credits: 9 ECTS
 
 

The Master Thesis Seminar opens with a plenary session, and provides individualized support for students developing a Thesis. Peers and the instructor will offer feedback on the language and organization of the work via a collaborative framework. The instructor will also offer a series of individualized consultations in the final stages of the thesis.  


Elective Subjects  Number of Credits: 9 ECTS 
  

Please note that the list of the elective subjects may differ slightly each year. The following list is thus subject to change: Applied Microeconometrics; Computational Macroeconomics; Development Economics; Economic Development and Institutions; Experimental Economics; Labor Economics; Macro Topics I & II; Micro Topics I & II; Microeconometrics I & II; Public Finance; Quantitative Economic History; Time Series Econometrics; US Economic History.