Economics

The study programme Economics offers a way for its students to obtain in-depth knowledge in the area of economic theory in terms of its alternative forms, and the substance of its argumentation. The aim is to prepare professionals able to solve theoretical and applied economic problems and to think analytically based on mastering the techniques of theoretical economics and understanding the relevance and limits of their use.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• master the main concepts of economic theory in detail and to understand the corresponding scientific articles
• apply theoretical knowledge in solving specific economic case studies
• comment on and interpret current economic developments within the context of contemporary economic theories, possibly using appropriate quantitative tools and techniques
• identify analytically hidden connections and consequences of the economic impacts of economic policy;
• write an academic text dealing with problems of economic and economic policy, including competent arguments and opinions possibly based on quantitative analysis of empirical data
• design strategy to identify causal effects of private and public policies, apply the strategy using appropriate quantitative tools.

Graduates have the prerequisites to apply for positions in the areas of theory and research in the field of economics and related disciplines. They should be eligible for positions in economic journalism and economic analysis for the needs of the public and private sectors. They may also apply for doctoral studies in economics at one of the universities in the Czech Republic or abroad.

Graduates have found jobs in the following workplaces:

* Masaryk University (lecturer and researcher);

* The Office for the Protection of Competition (public procurement, mergers or defining the relevant market and abuse of dominant position);

* KPMG (audit);

* Automotive Lighting (statistical evaluations and analysis of the reliability of production processes);

* Česká spořitelna (corporate banking).

Graduates of the Economic and Applied Mathematics double-subject study programme have found jobs in the following workplaces:

* The Czech National Bank (supervision of financial markets and the banking sector);

* National Bank of Slovakia (economic analyst);

* Home Credit and Home Credit International (risk management and statistical analysis);

* KPMG (auditing, business analyst);

* OG Research (macroeconomic analysis, modelling, and prediction of emerging economies);

* Air Bank (analyst, data processing, risk management, and programming);

* UniCredit Bank (investment analyst, risk management, product management, and private banking);

* Health Insurance Company of the Ministry of Interior (analyst, analysis and data processing, projections);

* Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University (CFO);

* APS Holding SE (senior analyst, investment funds analyst, evaluation and prediction of the risk and performance of investment portfolios);

* Czech Insurance Company (insurance market analyst, internal auditor);

* Acrea (exclusive distributor of IBM SPSS software, lecturing and training in the application of statistical methods);

* AXA (senior system analyst).

Practical training is not an obligatory part of the study plan. Students may attend a voluntary course of practical training.

Final theses are focused on the development of economic theory, theoretical analysis of a particular economic problem or empirical testing of economic theory.

Theses focused on the development of economic theory involve comparison of theoretical approaches, the study of the nature of their theoretical arguments, and of the relevance and limits of their applications. Work with the theoretical opinions of various authors is expected. For these theses, the use of mathematical methods is not necessarily required.

Topics focused on theoretical analysis of a particular problem usually aims at a comparison of relevant economic outcomes before and after a change in individual behaviour or public policy. Students are typically supposed to build a theoretical model and discuss various scenarios within the model.

Empirically oriented thesis use observational or experimental data to test economic theory. The aim of the thesis is usually to identify effects postulated by a theory. The use of an appropriate econometric and statistical toolbox is supposed here.

After completing the Master’s degree study programme, it is possible to continue further studies in any doctoral degree study programme (after satisfying the admission requirements).