The State plays a crucial and sometimes dominant role in modern market economies. The most recent economic and financial crisis is just a confirmation of this fact by strengthening further the influence of the public sector on the economy. Irrespective of the area considered, from global warming to population ageing, the prosperity and the sustainable development of our societies depend largely on the soundness of the economic policies adopted at local, national and international levels. Economic analysis provides the essential tools for guiding decision-making, evaluating past and present policies, proposing efficient remedies, but also helping private agents adopt the right attitude towards various forms of State interventions.

The Master of Science in Economics, major in Economic Policy programme (MScECON), provides students with a unique opportunity to follow a first-class graduate programme, in a prestigious Swiss institution with a focus on applied economics, and develop the skills required for well-grounded economic policy analysis using appropriate theoretical and empirical tools. This programme is unique in Switzerland and among the very few existing in Europe with a particular emphasis on the economic role of the State. It extends over 3 semesters and corresponds to 90 ECTS credits. The final semester is devoted to the master thesis which can be combined with an internship. The language of instruction is English. The lectures take place on the premises of the Faculty of Economics, ideally located close to the Lake of Neuchâtel and within walking distance of the railway station and city center.