Structure of the Program
The doctoral program is structured along the lines of the Anglo-Saxon tradition: two years of course work (International Master in Economic Analysis), which provide a solid training in economic theory and econometrics; writing a master thesis under supervision; and two or three years devoted to writing a doctoral dissertation.
International Master in Economic Analysis
The International Master in Economic Analysis is a full-time program which constitutes the course requirements to proceed towards the Ph.D.
Classes are organized in two semesters. During the first two years students have to complete 120 ECTS leading to a Master degree in Economic Analysis. The structure of the Master is as follows:
First year
60 ECTS credits which focus on foundation courses. (See class offerings)
Second Year
60 ECTS credits devoted to the specialization.
- 40 ECTS credits of Scientific Courses. (See class offerings)
- 20 ECTS credits for the Master Dissertation: students have to work out a research paper on a relevant economic issue from a new point of view. This research is done under the supervision of a faculty member and has to bear the form of an article.
International Doctorate in Economic Analysis
After completion of the Master program, students can continue towards the Ph.D. if the following requirements are satisfied:
- An average grade of at least B in the Master Courses.
- At least a B+ in the research paper.
- A pass in the prelims.
Prelims are exams intended to test the students’ comprehension of a field. The grade on theses exams will be PASS or NON PASS. Prelims are scheduled for September of each academic year.
Progress through the program:
Yearly Presentations by Advanced Students: IDEA doctoral students have to present their research in public once a year after their second year, ideally this should be done at the end of the academic year. A committee of three professors (possibly including the advisor) will attend the presentation and judge whether or not the work done and the plans for the future show sufficient promise and if they merit that the program continues to support the student.
Participation in Workshops and Seminars: Third, Four and Fifth year students will enroll and participate in the Program’s ongoing Workshops and weekly seminars of their area of interest. Students are also encouraged to attend courses related to their dissertation topic and/or their field of specialization.
Dissertation Writing and Defense: Students are expected to complete and defend their dissertation in three years after the Master degree. Supervisors will regularly (at least once a year) write progress reports to the Program Committee indicating progress and the expected date of completion. Before formal defense of the dissertation, students will present their work in a Seminar or workshop session.