Are you fascinated by how emerging markets, such as those of the BRIC countries, work? Do you want the extra challenge of conducting business across borders and in a multi-cultural environment? Do you look forward to operating in rapidly changing economies?

If so, the master’s programme in Economics and Strategy in Emerging Markets could be right for you. In addition to acquiring knowledge of the specific opportunities and challenges related to emerging economies, you’ll develop the professional skills needed for an international career in economics, business or policymaking, with a strong emphasis on emerging markets.

The master’s programme in Economics and Strategy in Emerging Markets is offered in cooperation between the UM School of Business and Economics and the United Nations University-Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT).

Why this programme?

The master’s programme in Economics and Strategy in Emerging Markets combines aspects of economic analysis and business economics to address issues related to emerging markets. It is an interdisciplinary degree that will provide you with the knowledge required for a successful international career in business or policy-making.

You will learn to apply tools from economic theory and data analysis to gain insights into the institutional and policy contexts of emerging economies. These insights can be used to advise business and policy leaders on sustainable strategies for economic development and the integration of countries and firms into global exchanges of products, knowledge and capital.

Growing importance of emerging markets:

Europe and other parts of the Western world are declining in relative economic importance, with new economies – especially in Asia, but also in Africa and Latin America – emerging to take a leading role in the global economy of the 21st century. The UN Conference on Trade and Development projects that emerging economies will account for nearly 60% of global production by 2030. 

Emerging markets provide high growth possibilities for investors and entrepreneurs. They’re also increasingly involved in innovative activities, challenging the traditional North-South organisation of knowledge production. In addition to opportunities, emerging economies pose particular challenges, for example, for the labour markets and economic stability of developed countries through their involvement in Global Value Chains (GVCs).

Multi-disciplinary approach:

Taking advantage of the business opportunities and addressing the economic challenges that are posed by emerging markets requires a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach. In this programme, you will examine relevant issues primarily from the perspectives of (macroeconomics, development economics, economic history, trade) and business (strategic management, finance, supply chain management), with insights from political science and governance. 

This multi-disciplinary approach will help you develop a thorough understanding of complex issues such as:

• the economic role of emerging markets in the global economy
• international macroeconomics and business strategies in emerging economies
• socio-economic development in emerging markets
• the impact of governance on economic development 
• how the development of emerging markets affects other economic actors (eg. MNEs, workers) and economies

You’ll learn what drives the high growth in these markets, how they are evolving, where the next business opportunities will be, and how to make responsible management and policy decisions in these rapidly changing and sometimes fragile economies.

Skills for a successful career:

In addition to a broad knowledge base, you will also develop skills that will help you succeed in a wide range of professional environments. You will receive practical training in skills such as: 

• using empirical research skills and research methodology to analyse economic phenomena,
• utilising specific software and data analysis tools,
• formulating business and policy strategies and writing policy briefs,
• giving oral presentations,
• effectively collaborating with people from various national, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.