• should be enrolled for the programme in question under a diploma contract or under an exam contract to obtain a diploma
• should have taken all the exams that the programme encompasses
• should previously have registered for the programme with the examination board.
• should have acquired at least 60 ECTS-credits

• The academically trained master of AES-economic policy distinguishes him/herself by a broad and specific scientifically founded knowledge and by a set of academic skills. This appears from a.o. his/her capacity of logical reasoning, the scientific way of thinking and acting, the ability to deal with complex problems and the reflection on the development of possible solutions, the reduction of unstructered problems into practical research questions and argument of the proposed solution(s). 
• The master can quickly and efficiently detect and synthesize information (literature or data) on a certain topic in order to take decisions in the organisation in which he/she works and he/she can draft a clear picture of the policy options for this organisation. 
• The master is characterized by his/her open intellectual attitude, he/she has an eye for the diversity (and the contradictions) of social stands and perspectives, he/she can review these critically and take a personal stand. 
• The master can distinguish the complex ethical aspects of social and economic actions in society and can critically reflect and advise on them. 

• The master can define social problems, he/she can express them in economic terms, translate them into research questions, formulate hypotheses about them and give a solid theoretical basis for these. 
• Starting from a problem, the master can select the appropriate research method, collect qualitative and quantitative data and process, analyze and critically evaluate them. 

• The master can develop and work out research and policy plans in relation to economic problems. 
• The master can clearly and qualitatively report the research findings both in writing (publication in a scientific magazine, policy reports) and orally (presentation at a conference, seminar, staff meeting,…). He/she is also able to actively participate in scientific meetings. 

• The master programme AES-economic policy trains students who, once graduated, can function at an academic level and are able to perform independent scientific research. 
• The master has general and profession-specific competences to work autonomously in management supporting functions, in research and management functions, in education, in public relations, in executive functions, …  and this in the public as well as the private sector. 

• The master knows the international organisations and structures that co-direct economic policy. 
• The master is able to follow the international development of knowledge in his/her field and can participate in it. 

1. The master knows the basic concepts and theories of the discipline-specific subjects in which he/she specializes (labour economy, health economy, monetary economy,…) and can describe the state of the international scientific discussion and the most recent developments.
2. The master is able to systematically collect and critically process sources and research literature on a specific economic policy problem.
3. Based on analytical insight and methodological training, the master can scientifically formulate a research question, draft a research set up, collect and process (empirical) data and reach well-founded conclusions and this both individually and as part of a team. He/she knows the possibilities and the limitations of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
4. The master can critically evaluate scientific research and translate it into practical economic policy recommendations.
5. The master further develops his/her academic core skills (such as autonomous analyzing and synthesizing, autonomous reasoning, evaluation and communication) and recognizes the importance of self-study and lifelong learning.
6. The master can communicate and report purposefully both orally and in writing and both interpersonally and in groups.
7. The master can take initiative and can formulate (creative) solutions to complex economic policy questions.
8. The master uses a scientific framework when analyzing economic data/problems. He/she approaches information independently and critically.
9. The master integrates ethical reflections in his/her research and policy advice. The master can translate his/her reflections in constructive activities for the organisation.
10. The master is able to positively deal with the multicultural, international or multinational character of the organisation in which he/she functions.

Prof. dr. L. Van Hoof, liliane.vanhoof@ua.ac.be

Ms. G. Boeckx, gerda.boeckx1@ua.ac.be (admin)