About the Academic Track

About the Academic Track

The International Economic Relations field focuses on the consequences of the economic interaction among countries. These interactions include trade in goods, services, assets, ideas, and macroeconomic spillover effects, as well as the effects of rules, regulations and policies like tariffs, trade quotas, controls on the international flow of capital and the exchange rate regime. There are important consequences of these interactions including unemployment and inflation, the rise or fall of particular industries, and the outcomes for different categories of workers. These affect national welfare, economic stability, inequality and political movements, which in turn affect economic policymaking. The coursework in this field prepares students through the teaching of economic theory, political theory, statistics and various types of empirical analyses.

Flexibility for your degree
The MA in International Economic Relations (MAIER) degree integrates international economics with analysis of politics and institutions for careers in global and regional institutions, government agencies, and the private sector. The IER degree is ideal for students who wish to combine hard quantitative skills with a strategic understanding of the institutions and policy environment in which they are or will be working. Embracing development, environmental policy, and issues related to emerging-market and low-income countries.

Study System

Study Duration

● The student studies eight courses, distributed as follows:
√ Six compulsory courses.
√ Two elective courses from among the courses offered by the college for master’s students.
● The study is conducted through research seminars in each course. The research seminar is based on multiple references and is in accordance with the methodology and standards of scientific research.
● The study of each of the eight courses takes four credit hours for a minimum of four weeks and may exceed that according to each student’s abilities. After that, the student’s competency and knowledge test is held in the course he completed, then he begins another course in the same manner, and so on.
● The student is assigned a hypothetical course that the college chooses from among the courses that the student has studied at the undergraduate level, and this is considered a practical training for the student to be evaluated with ten credit hours. The student must divide this course from twelve to fourteen brief lectures. The student presents each lecture in the form of a written summary of its topic in Word or PDF format, accompanied by a video recording of it in the student’s voice using the Power Point program, with a duration of not less than ten minutes and not more than About twenty minutes.
● Study courses in the first year, the student has the right to extend the study for a period not exceeding a second year.

The requirements for obtaining a master’s degree in various disciplines are sixty credit hours according to the study plan approved by the University Council, and these requirements are distributed according to the following programs:
1- Research courses of thirty-two credit hours.
2- A scientific thesis with eighteen credit hours.
3- A practical training of ten credit hours.

Requirements for registering a thesis topic for a master’s degree
● The student must pass the stipulated courses with a score of at least 70%.
● The student obtained a TOEFL certificate of at least 450, or its equivalent, or obtained an equivalent certificate in the French language, with the exception of those who obtained a first university degree in one of the two languages, or in one of the two languages.
● The student submits a request to the university administration to register a master’s thesis with a proposed topic in one of the subspecialty tracks.
● If the initial approval of the subject title is achieved, the college council will designate a supervisor to guide and follow up the student in preparing the plan.
● The research plan includes the importance of the topic and a critical presentation of previous studies in it, specifically the research problem, then defining the study’s curriculum and its main hypotheses or questions that you want to answer, and the division of the study and its sources.
● The student presents his proposed plan in a scientific seminar, discussing the plan as a topic and an approach.
● The student adjusts his plan based on the professors’ observations in the seminar if he is asked to amend.
● After the seminar, the plan is presented to the college council to take its decision regarding the registration of the subject.
● In the event of approval, the College Council’s decision is presented to the University Council to approve the registration, and the registration date is calculated from the date of the University Council’s approval.

Jury discussion and award of degree
● The minimum for preparing a master’s thesis is nine months, starting from the date of approval by the University Council to register the subject, and the maximum is two years, which can be extended for a third exceptional year upon the recommendation of the supervisor and the approval of the College Council, provided that the total period of student enrollment in the degree does not exceed four years.
● The supervisor submits a semi-annual report that includes what has been accomplished and what is required in the remaining period.
● After the student completes the thesis and the supervisor reviews it, the supervisor submits to the university administration a report stating its validity for discussion, including an evaluation of the student’s performance during the preparation period of the thesis of 140 degrees, with a full copy of the thesis signed by him, and a letter with the names of the discussion and judgment committee proposed by the professors of the specialty, for presentation to the college Council.
● At least fifteen days must pass before the student’s discussion from the date of the approval of the discussion committee by the college.
● The validity period of the committee formed to discuss the thesis is six months, which may be renewed for a similar period based on a report from the supervisor and the approval of the College Council.
● Each member of the committee writes a detailed scientific report on the validity of the thesis for discussion, and the thesis is evaluated out of 420 degrees, and the average of the three degrees is taken.
The student may not be discussed unless he/she gets at least 70% of the supervisor’s evaluation of his performance and the committee members’ evaluation of the message in the individual reports.
● A group report is submitted after the discussion, signed by all members of the committee, in which an evaluation of the thesis discussion is given on a scale of 140 degrees.

The thesis is passed after public discussion with one of the ratings shown in the following table:

Percentage of gradespointsappreciation symbolAppreciation
ArabicEinglish
95 to 100%4A+A+Prominent
90 to less than 95%7 , 3aA
85 to less than 90%3 , 3b+BVery well
80 to less than 85%3BB
75 to less than 80%7 , 2c+C+Good
70 to less than 75%3 , 2cC

After the college approves the student’s results, the master’s degree is awarded at a rate calculated from the average total of the courses and thesis grades.
After obtaining the approval of the University Council to grant a master’s degree to the student, he is entitled to obtain insured certificates, authenticated by the university, stating that he obtained that degree, in order to present them to the various authorities.

Study Duration

The duration of study to obtain a master’s degree in Political and economics is two years as a minimum, and six years as a maximum.
In the first year, the student studies at least eight subjects, and the study is through research seminars for each course. The research seminar is based on multiple references and is in accordance with the scientific research methodology and standards.
In the second year, the student attends a general seminar for the topic of the thesis, which he will prepare and submit for discussion
The general seminar is discussed by the scientific committee at the university, and the title of the thesis is approved
The student works to complete his thesis under the supervision of the supervisor decided by the Presidency of the University based on the proposal of the Dean of the Faculty
The student completes his scientific thesis and submits for discussion before the committee formed by the Presidency of the University in a public session and completes the conditions for a master’s degree
Courses of study in the first year The student has the right to extend the study in it for a period not exceeding a second year
The thesis prepared by the student during a period of time not less than 9 months and not exceeding two years

Conditions for success and graduation

1) The student is considered to have passed any of the program’s courses if he achieves a final score of no less than 65%. He is also considered successful in the master’s project if he obtains a mark (granted by the judging committee) not less than 75%.
After the student presents the results of his project before the committee, and discusses its technical content.
2) The student is not entitled to submit to discuss his thesis until a scientific research is published in an approved refereed journal.
3) The student obtains a master’s degree certificate after he has fulfilled all the scientific requirements for this degree.

Academic Track Structure

Academic Track Structure
8 courses = 32 credit hours,
 practical training = 10 credit hours
 Master's thesis = 18 credit hours
Courses
Practical Training
Master's Thesis

Curriculum

I. Compulsory Courses

Scientific Research Methodology

Course name: Scientific Research Methodology

Course code: MECO101

Credit hours: 4.00

The course aims to train students to prepare research in economics science, by identifying the most important steps of the research process such as the research problem, scientific hypotheses, concepts and variables, data collection methods, data analysis tools, reaching results and generalizations, in addition to introducing the most important approaches used in field of economics science.
The curriculum’s inputs include: the form and type of knowledge, learners’ characteristics, needs, tendencies and interests, the society’s philosophy, values, hopes and aspirations. The outputs of the curriculum are: knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Econometrics

Course name: Econometrics

Course code: MIER102

Credit hours: 4.00

Objective
The aim of this course is to present the fundamental models and methods in econometrics as well as the basic asymptotic theory. At the end of the course the student should be able to specify a suitable econometric model to answer the empirical research question with the available data, devise an appropriate estimation methodology, test the assumptions of the model, perform forecasting, and make evidence-based policy recommendation.

Description
The main models covered are the classical regression model, the generalised regression model, models with autocorrelated errors, models with heteroscedastic errors, stochastic regression framework and instrumental variables method, dynamic (time series) models, systems of regressions and simultaneous equation models. A brief introduction to panel data and qualitative response models will be given at the end.
Overall, the student should have acquired a strong foundation in econometrics to be able to learn further, and adequate analytical skills to formulate, estimate and validate an econometric model to answer a given research question.

International Macroeconomics

Course name: International Macroeconomics

Course code: MIER103

Credit hours: 4.00

This graduate level course familiarizes students with key concepts in international macroeconomics from a policy perspective. The focus is on key macroeconomic concepts being used by macroeconomists and investment managers for their investment decisions, as well as on understanding central banks’ policy decisions and reaction functions. Among the key concepts, students will get a deep dive into the balance of payments, exchange rates and their determinants, money supply & demand, monetary policy rules, country risk assessment, public debt analysis & sustainability. A particular attention will be given to the recent pandemic crisis impact & assessment, ongoing geopolitical crisis in Europe as well as on the European sovereign debt crisis.

Political Economy

Course name: Political Economy

Course code: MIER104

Credit hours: 4.00

Review the politics and institutions of global governance across the multiple issues related to the world economy, with emphasis on newly emergent forms of cooperation, as well as economic competition and conflict. This concentration also compares institutions of economic governance across regions and advanced and developing countries.

Comparative Political Economy
Global Financial Governance
International Organizations
Challenges to European Governance and Policy
Political Economy of Africa

Development Policy

Course name: Development Policy

Course code: MIER105

Credit hours: 4.00

Understand the particular problems that emerging-market and developing countries face when engaging the global economy and the benefits (and vulnerabilities) that international trade and investment pose for economic growth, stability, and the development process.

Economic Development
Comparative Political Economy
International Development
Field Research Methods
Project Design Management and Evaluation
Micropolitics
Governance and Development
Gender and Development
Environment and Development
Economic Globalization and Development Alternatives

Trade and Finance

Course name: Trade and Finance

Course code: MIER106

Credit hours: 4.00

Dive more deeply beyond the core courses into trade policy and trade law in major countries and the multilateral trading system, including contemporary issues of dispute. For example, examine conflicts in strategic investment policy and international debt restructuring.
Course topics:
Global Financial Governance
Challenges to European Governance and Policy
International Investment, Governance and Security
International Finance
Export and Import Management
Trade and Project Finance in Global Markets
Global Supply Chain Management
International Trade Law
EU Law
Trade Law and Policy

II. Elective Courses

 

Self-designed Concentration

Course name: Self-designed Concentration

Course code: Mier151

Credit hours: 4.00

Examples include a regional specialization, Foreign Economic Policy, Qualitative Methods or a sequence of courses in the Economics department.

Data-Driven Impact Evaluation

Course name: Data-Driven Impact Evaluation

Course code: MECO152

Credit hours: 4.00

The objective of this course is to introduce the basic concepts of causal inference.
The emphasis is on quantitative methods for impact evaluation and treatment effect estimation.

Description
– Potential Outcomes, Causality and Experiments
– Matching and Regression
– Propensity score weighting and regression
– Differences in Differences
– Using Instrumental Variables
– Discontinuity Regression
– Non- and semiparametric regression techniques

Environmental Policy

Course name: Environmental Policy

Course code: MESA253

Credit hours: 4.00

Study the complex connections among protecting the environment, advancing decarbonization, and the growth of the global economy. This concentration reviews the role and limits of market-based strategies for achieving environmental goals in open economies.

Course topics

Introduction to Environmental Economics
Environment and Politics
Policy Analysis for Global Environmental Politics
Public Policies for the Environment and Energy
Environmental Science
Environmental Risk Assessment
Managing for Climate Change
GIS for International Affairs
Geographic Information Systems
GIS Applications in Empirical Economics

International Trade

Course name: International Trade

Course code: MIER254

Credit hours: 4.00

Objective
The objective of the course is to give students graduate-level knowledge of advanced international trade research, both theorical and empirical. In order to get familiar with classical and recent findings on international trade, students will:
1. read and present in class academic and policy research papers in international trade
2. review the literature.
3. solve analytical problems to understand the logic and mechanisms behind international trade.

Description

Introduction.
We will look at key stylized facts about international trade, and discover a strikingly ubiquitous empirical regularity called `gravity equation’. Then, we will see why gravity equation prevails in trade at the conceptual (not just empirical) level. Short answer : because it neatly captures the fundamental tradeoff of international trade: gains from access to unique goods vs losses due to trade costs.

The core of the course has four parts:

1. Classical trade theories. We will study the standard Ricardian model, which explains, instead of assuming it, why each country ends up having something unique to offer. We will then see how Ricardian model can explain lots of things, including structural change, North-South trade, and circular causalities between technology, geography and trade.
2. New Trade Theory. This part takes a closer look at the microeconomics of international trade. Key ingredients: individual firm behavior, imperfect competition, and increasing returns. While a bit harder to see, the gravity equation is still there.
3. Putting gravity equation to work. In this topic, we will see that gravity equation is even more than a powerful theoretical tool and a successful empirical model. It is also a useful practical device, widely used nowadays for assessing welfare gains from trade. We will pay special attention h special focus on studying the consequences of free-trade agreements.
4. Where does protectionism come from? In this part, we will focus on political economy of trade policy. We will see how one can endogenise trade policy as a result of lobbying inside countries. Main lesson: trade policies are not like “nature phenomena”, they are decisions made by human beings.

Last lecture (optional, material not for exam) will outline a broader perspective, arguing that trade per se is not the only existing form of international competition and cooperation. There, I will mostly talk about FDI and international supply chain resilience.

Portfolio Management

Course name: Portfolio Management

Course code: MIERO255

Credit hours: 4.00

Part I:

– Understand the limits and implementation issues of the Mean-Variance approach
– Discuss the solutions to estimation and stability problems arising in the mean-variance approach
– Analyze risk based portfolio construction

Part II:
– Understand basic parity conditions.
– How to invest in currencies: Foreign Exchange Investment styles.
– How to diversify globally and how to hedge currency risk
– How to conduct performance evaluation and attribution of global portfolios.

 

Part I – Tony Berrada : This section of the course starts by reviewing the standard modern portfolio theory with a particular focus on estimation and implementation issues. We then discuss the main performance measures used in the portfolio management industry and assess their relative benefits. Particular attention is given to statistical pitfalls and implementation issues associated to these measures. We then move on to dynamic asset allocation looking first at the Merton problem and the dynamic programing approach. Then, we consider the martingale approach and the equivalent static problem.
Equipped with these methodologies we look at a number of topics particularly relevant in today’s fund management industry including the core-satellite approach, risk parity, risk budgeting and the use of derivatives in asset allocation.Part II – Ines Chaieb : The second part of the course deals with the theoretical foundations of international investments, empirical evidence, and applications in a real world setting. Globalization is a major trend affecting the asset management industry. We will then discuss international diversification of portfolios and the problem of global asset allocation, international asset pricing, hedging currency risk, factors that generate returns, and global performance evaluation.

Model Selection in High Dimensions

Course name: Model Selection in High Dimensions

Course code: MESA256

Credit hours: 4.00

Objective
The learning objectives are for the student to 1) acquire the necessary fundamental notions for model selection such as out-of-sample validity, prediction error, over- and under-fitting, etc. 2) to study regularized regression methods such as the (adaptive) lasso, MCP, SCAD, elastic net, 3) practice algorithms/methods such as cross-validation, CART, LARS, OMP, SIS, stepwise/streamwise/stagewise search, 4) to put into practice the methods through the analysis of a (big) dataset (project)

Description
Model selection in high dimensions is an active subject of research, ranging from machine learning and/or artificial intelligence algorithms, to statistical inference, and sometimes a mix of the two. We focus on the frequentist approach to model selection in view of presenting methods that have the necessary properties for out-of-sample (or population) validity, within an as large as possible theoretical framework that enables the measurement of different aspects of the validity concept. We therefore anchor the content into an inferential statistics approach, essentially for causal models.

More specifically, the focus of model selection in high dimensions is presented into two main headings, one on statistical methods or criteria for measuring the statistical validity, and the other one on fast algorithms in high dimensional settings, both in the number of observation and in the number of inputs, that avoid the simultaneous comparison of all possible models.

The models are mainly the linear regression and the logistic regression (for classification) and the domains of applications range from economics to medical sciences.

An important part of the class is devoted to the practice of model selection in high dimensions methods, using R packages, that includes a semester project that is used for the final evaluation.

b12
Degree: Master's Degree
Program code: MA111PE
Study method: Distance Learning
Credit hour: 60
How long it takes: 
Full time: 2 years
Part time: 4 years
Limit time: 6 years
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