Organization

1. Coursework and evaluation

The program starts with a one month-session of classes reviewing the main analytical tools of economics. While mostly theoretical, classes make constant reference to the applications of these concepts and methods. An evaluation takes place at the end of the month. Those who show deficiencies are required to retake these exams before the end of the first semester of the program.

Exams are organized at the end of each semester, in January and in June. Retakes take place in August.

2. Personal Study Project

Each student completes a personal study project on an economic topic of special interest to him.

The research project is continuously developed through the course of the year and subject to critical appraisal from fellow students and professors. The project consists of either a case study, a theoretical or an empirical analysis.

At the beginning of the year, students may propose a subject. Then they meet with a supervisor to define its objectives and appreciate feasibility of their proposal. An alternative is for the students to choose from a list of topics proposed by the professors. 

Public presentations of the work at various stages aim to contribute to the group learning experience. The final report will consider a precise economic issue and will be submitted before the June exam session.

3. Geographical location

The Departments of Economics of the University of Namur (UNamur) and of the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL)

Within a short distance from each other, the two institutions provide courses in the areas of specialization of their professors. The students have access to pedagogical resources (libraries, languages and computer labs...) in both universities.

The courses and seminars take place mainly at the University of Namur. Once a week, classes are given at the university of Louvain-La-Neuve.