Master's Programme in Economics 120 credits

Umeå Universitet, Samhällsvetarhuset. Studenter pluggar.

Image: Malin Grönborg

Image: Malin Gronborg

About the programme

Behind decisions on environmental and climate policies, monetary policy, business strategies, and public spending are economists who turn data into advice. Our programme trains you to be one of them. Economics gives you tools to understand how people, firms, markets, and institutions interact, and to design better policies and strategies, whether the challenge is AI and technological change, the green transition or geopolitical conflicts. You will develop the analytical mindset of a modern economist, with theory, quantitative methods, and applied analysis integrated across all courses.

While studying

You will build a solid foundation in core areas such as microeconomics and macroeconomics, as well as more specialised courses that let you explore particular fields in greater depth. Throughout, the emphasis is on developing the analytical and methodological tools needed to analyse current economic and social issues. From the third semester onward, the programme includes research-oriented elements that lead up to your Master's thesis.

Courses are taught by experienced faculty who actively conduct specialised research in economics and advise policy authorities, keeping your coursework directly connected to current academic and policy debates. Learning takes place through lectures, seminars, group work, and independent projects, creating an environment that prepares you for both professional careers and PhD studies.

Alumni from the programme

Jacob Larsson, graduated 2026

Junior Analyst in Defence Economics, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)

I work in FOI's research area of Defence Economics, which is shared between two units: Defence Economics and Economic Security. We use economic theory and methods to study how Sweden's total defence can be managed and run efficiently, in areas such as geoeconomics, military procurement, logistics and personnel supply. Working at FOI feels like a continuation of my degree, as it’s an organization that truly encourages learning. My colleagues come from diverse academic backgrounds, and many are experts in their fields who are always happy to share what they know.

1 / 5

Elisabeth Ölund, graduated 2025

Junior IRB Model Expert at Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen)

I work on reviewing banks’ credit risk models (IRB models), which some banks use to determine their capital requirements for credit risk. The role combines financial regulation and qualitative analysis with quantitative methods such as statistics and model evaluation.

2 / 5

Alexander Pettersson, graduated 2025

PhD student in Economics at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Umeå University.

After completing my master's degree at Umeå University, I had the opportunity to continue my studies in the PhD programme in economics. The combination of economic theory and applied econometrics in the master's programme was what truly inspired me to pursue a PhD. My research lies in the field of public economics and focuses on fiscal interactions between governments in decentralised systems. Alongside my research, I am taking advanced courses in economic theory, econometrics and mathematics.

3 / 5

Julieta Nazaretyan, graduated 2023

Economist/Case Officer at the Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket)

I work in competition law enforcement and merger review. My work offers an ideal combination of applied microeconomics, economic analysis, and competition law. The tools and broad knowledge provided by the programme have given me a solid foundation for meeting the challenges of this role.

4 / 5

Maksat Allaberdyev, graduated 2019

Market Analyst, Front Office at Sveriges Riksbank

I work with cross-asset analysis of Swedish and global financial markets, with a particular focus on interest rates, currencies and monetary policy. The role combines macroeconomic and financial analysis, market intelligence and quantitative methods to translate market developments and policy expectations into decision-relevant insights, supporting the Riksbank’s monetary policy and management of the foreign exchange reserves.

5 / 5

Programme coordinator is Tomas Raattamaa.

Six competencies in focus for our programmes.

We integrate competencies in our programmes

In our programmes and courses we focus on competencies that are needed for your future professional life.

The Global Goals for Sustainable Development

Sustainability perspective all the more important

We equip students with the knowledge and tools to contribute to a sustainable future.

Good to know

Thinking about studying at Umeå University? Find out when we attend study fairs, arrange webinars and how you can get in touch with us to book study guidance.

Meet Umeå University

Show programme syllabus

Future and career opportunities

By combining economic theory with empirical data, economists contribute to public debate, identify key economic trade-offs, and inform policy and strategic decisions in the public and private sector. The combination of advanced economic theory and quantitative econometric training makes our graduates highly competitive. Alumni pursue careers as researchers and specialists in government agencies and central banks, as well as analytical and financial roles in the private sector.

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Film about the programme

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay tuition?

With a few exceptions, all citizens of countries outside of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees for education at Umeå University at the undergraduate and advanced level.

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Contact person

André Gyllenram

Study coordinator

+46 90 786 61 43