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Why this programme?

Economics and Strategy in Emerging Markets

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).

SBE students at Tapijn campus

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

Career coaching

Throughout the programme, you will receive career coaching. The coaches will guide you in formulating your personal goals in relation to the programme and your career objectives. They'll also help you develop a plan to monitor your progress, to seek and implement feedback from others, and to acquire additional skills such as languages or data analysis.

Collaboration with United Nations University

Contact UNU-MERIT

This programme is offered by Maastricht University's School of Business and Economics (SBE), in collaboration with the United Nations University (UNU-MERIT). The instructors from UNU-MERIT have extensive experience working on issues related to emerging markets, including:

  • innovation and innovation systems
  • sustainable development
  • economic growth and structural change
  • policy evaluation (carrying out research for UNIDO, UNICEF or the World Bank)

You will greatly benefit from this expertise as well as the extensive United Nations University network  .

Amazing education opportunities @ SBE

Excellence programmes

To help students to excel, we developed the following excellence programmes:

  • International Triangle Programme
  • Dual Degree Programmes
  • Global Innovation Challenge
  • MARBLE Programme
  • PREMIUM Honours Programme
Learn more about our excellence programmes

Internships Office & TIP

The Internship Office has an extensive database of internship opportunities and is on hand for guidance and counselling. Students also have the option of combining their thesis and internship. During the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP), your thesis will be written on a topic relevant to a company or organisation during a part-time internship. 

More about internships

Career development & Maastricht Business Days

We believe that partnerships, networking and Problem-Based Learning are crucial to connect our students to the business world. Together with our partners and alumni, we organise events to support students in their development and expand their networks. 

  • Career and Development Days
  • Maastricht Business Days

The International Classroom

UM offers an international environment where our differences become our strengths. From day one, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. These interactions help foster your understanding and ability to navigate our globalised world. The School of Business and Economics is one of the most international faculties at Maastricht University, with international students (60%) and staff (55%) representing roughly 60 different nationalities.

We Are Global

Triple Crown Accreditation School of Business and Economics Maastricht University

Take your degree anywhere!

The SBE has the ‘Triple Crown’ of accreditations: from the American AASCB, the British AMBA and the European-wide EQUIS. This means that your degree is recognised in most places throughout the world: perfect for an international career or postgraduate studies abroad.

Small groups = big advantages

Problem-Based Learning

As with most UM programmes, the School of Business and Economics uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In small tutorial groups of no more than 15 students, you seek solutions to ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations. Instructors only give help as needed, allowing you to develop independence and problem-solving skills useful to your career. This dynamic, collaborative system has one of the highest knowledge retention rates of any teaching method.

Maastricht University students on Problem-Based Learning

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