Master's Programmes (2023 and 2024)
The master's programme follows on from the honours programme with the option of a full thesis or coursework.
For the coursework master's option, a minimum period of one year of residence is required, although some students take two years to meet the requirements.The programme covers the fields of economic theory and policy on an advanced level. The taught master's programme is intended for students who aspire to become professional economists with a sound grasp of analytic techniques and a capacity for research. Special attention is also given to the development of writing skills, quantitative econometric skills and the preparation of research reports. The objective of the programme is to train competent professional economists for a working environment typically found in developing countries. The programme is policy-oriented and suited to the needs of private firms, public corporations, government agencies and non-governmental organisations. In addition to the course work, candidates must write a research assignment on a topic selected in consultation with the Department. The course work, evaluated through essays and written examinations, accounts for 67 per cent of the required credits and the research assignment for 33 per cent.
A select number of students may register for a double degree coursework programme between Stellenbosch (MCom in Economics) and Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany (MA in Development Economics).
For the full thesis option, a minimum period of one year of residence is required, although some students take two years to meet the requirements. A thesis of independent research has to be submitted on a topic approved by the Department and supervised by lecturers in the Department. A detailed research proposal has to be prepared by the candidate and approved by the Department. While the originality of the research and its contribution may enhance the grade awarded, it is not regarded as a requirement.
Login
(for staff & registered students)
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 21 July 202512:00-13:00
Izak Odendaal: Old Mutual Wealth Chief Investment Strategist
Topic: "Diverging fiscal policies and what it means for markets"
12:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
BER Weekly
18 Jul 2025 Encouraging data, but messy politics while US tariff deadline loomsThe big global data prints of the week came on Tuesday, with better-than-expected Chinese GDP growth for Q2 and US core CPI coming in lower than expected, but still (finally) reflecting some signs of tariffs being passed on to consumers. Locally, the uptick in mining production and retail sales was positive for Q2 GDP dynamics. In addition to the data,...
Read the full issue
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 21 July 202512:00-13:00
Izak Odendaal: Old Mutual Wealth Chief Investment Strategist
Topic: "Diverging fiscal policies and what it means for markets"
12:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
BER Weekly
18 Jul 2025 Encouraging data, but messy politics while US tariff deadline loomsThe big global data prints of the week came on Tuesday, with better-than-expected Chinese GDP growth for Q2 and US core CPI coming in lower than expected, but still (finally) reflecting some signs of tariffs being passed on to consumers. Locally, the uptick in mining production and retail sales was positive for Q2 GDP dynamics. In addition to the data,...
Read the full issue