Public Finance and Economics

Shape Policy, Shape Lives

Degree programme specification

Are you interested in a career in public administration and services, or do you want to understand the dynamics between the public and private sectors? Whether you aspire to work in municipal offices, ministries, or other public institutions, our programme is designed for you.

What You Will Learn

Our Public Finance and Economics programme equips you with critical skills and knowledge:

Develop Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Our students are trained to apply critical thinking and enhance their analytical and argumentative abilities throughout their studies.
Master Public Finance Systems: Gain comprehensive knowledge about public finance systems, including both public revenues (tax systems, tax administration, and fees) and public expenditures.
Understand Public Policies: Explore public policies and their effects on the efficiency of both public and private sectors.

Practical Experience

Apply Theoretical Knowledge: Engage with real-world case studies and practical scenarios, translating theory into actionable insights.
Analyse and Use Data: Acquire the skills to interpret statistical data from the public sector, enhancing your ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decisions.
Evaluate Public Policies: Assess the impact of public policies on various sectors and propose improvements for more effective financial management.
Comment on Policy Developments: Develop the ability to critically analyse and provide solutions for current public policy issues on a global scale.

Why Choose This Programme?

Our programme offers a comprehensive understanding of public finance and policy, preparing you for a range of career opportunities in public administration, private sector roles, and NGOs. You will be trained to approach public sector challenges with critical and analytical skills, making you a valuable asset in any organization.

Study plans

International Master in Public Finance and Economics

full-time, single-subject

Public Finance and Economics

full-time, single-subject

Admission Procedures
Applications into Master's degree programmes in English (and French) - Autumn semester 2025/2026
Submission deadline until midnight 30/4/2025

Information on entrance examinations designed for this degree programme
Our Master's degree programmes are open to students holding a Bachelor's or equivalent degree. Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency and study competence.
Please see our website for complete information:
- how to apply
- application requirements
- or contact us at admission@econ.muni.cz
All application materials must be in English or in Czech.
Evaluation criteria valid for the applicants applying for a place on this degree programme
Information available at: https://www.econ.muni.cz/en/admissions/masters-studies/application-requirements

Studies

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Objectives
The Public Finance and Economics study programme is not only for people interested in working in public administration (at municipal and regional authorities, ministries, and institutions of these offices in operation), but for anyone who wants to understand the relationships between the public and private sectors, whether they later find employment in the private, public, or non-governmental non-profit sector. Students are encouraged to employ critical thinking during their studies and strengthen their capacity for analysis and reasoning. They gain knowledge of the system of public finance and the effective management of public funds, both on the part of public revenues (tax system, the administration of taxes and fees) and on the side of public expenditures in various spheres. An integral part of the field is the issue of public policies, especially understanding their redistributive impacts and evaluating their impact on the efficiency of the public and private sectors.
Learning Outcomes
After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:
- explain basic theoretical and methodological knowledge from general economic theory
- know the main theoretical concepts and understand the contents of contemporary texts in one of these areas: public economics, public policies, or public finances
- apply theoretical knowledge to solve specific models of case studies
- appropriately interpret and comment on current developments in an area of public policy in the European context, including proposed solutions
- analyse statistical data from the public sector and know how to use them appropriately in discussions
- to evaluate the impacts of implemented public policies on the public and private sector entities and to propose adjustments for a more efficient allocation of public finances
- orientation in sources of academic literature, ability to compare, analyze and synthesize when working with academic text, a creation of own larger academic text
Occupational Profiles of Graduates
Our Public Finance and Economics programme opens doors to a diverse array of impactful career paths:
- Leadership Roles: Take on managerial positions in regional and municipal administration, government agencies, municipal enterprises, and European institutions.
- Dynamic Roles in Various Sectors: Become directors, fundraisers, PR and communication specialists, project managers, or economists in both profit and non-profit sectors.
- Sector-Specific Expertise: Work as specialists in employment and social security, healthcare, social services, education, culture, or sports.
- Economic and Infrastructure Roles: Engage as economists in housing, technical infrastructure, or tax and customs administration.
- Research and Policy Influence: Contribute as researchers in the public sector or in organizations shaping public policy.
Our programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel in these roles and make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.
Practical Training
Internships are welcome but currently not mandatory in this programme.
Goals of Theses
The aim of the diploma thesis is to prove the ability to independently prepare the academic text of approximately 60-80 pages. In addition to writing the thesis, the student will also participate in the formulation of the problem solved and in the proposal of the methodology. At the end of the study, a discussion on the conclusions of the thesis is held. This discussion is part of the diploma thesis defense.

The topic of the diploma thesis is selected by the student from the list of topics in the Information System schedule. The work may be both theoretical and empirical. Depending on the nature of the work the student should be able to understand already published texts, to apply them properly to the problem solved in the diploma thesis and to use adequate methods in solving the research question. The student should demonstrate good economic argumentation, which will support the conclusions of the diploma thesis.

Formal instructions for preparing the final thesis are in the student's manual: http://www.econ.muni.cz/zaverecna-prace.
Access to Further Studies
Upon successfully earning your Master’s degree, you may apply for doctoral studies.