FUNDED PROJECTS
QEF
The initiative will explore the creation of a joint Master in Quantitative Economics and Finance under the ENLIGHT university alliance of which advanced knowledge and research skills in economics and finance is the objective.
Category: Incubator Grant
University:
University of Galway, Ghent University, University of Groningen, University of Tartu
Period:
2025-2027
The initiative will explore the creation of a joint Master in Quantitative Economics and Finance under the ENLIGHT university alliance of which advanced knowledge and research skills in economics and finance is the objective. The initiative seeks to establish a research-oriented master’s programme aimed at attracting high-potential students with ambitions for academic or high-level policy research in economics and finance. The programme will be developed according to the criteria required for a joint European Degree label (a.o. joint arrangements, partnership agreement, joint diploma, European approach for quality assurance).
Personal highlight:
The project aims at (i) delivering a robust academic formation tailored for subsequent advanced economic policy analysis and academic research, (ii) developing international, transversal and intercultural compentences and (iii) enhancing employability in an international environment. A European-labelled joint degree will enhance international recruitment and visibility of ENLIGHT education programmes.
Participants and Stakeholders
- Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Glenn Rayp, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University
- Other Partner Institutions: University of Groningen, University of Galway, University of Tartu
- Team Composition (Include key personnel, their roles)
Prof. Dr. Kristina Czura, Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen
Prof. Dr. Féidhlim McGowan, Discipline of Economics, J.E.Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway
Prof. Dr. Jaan Masso, School of Economics and Business Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tartu
Objectives
By pooling the expertise and resources of participating economics departments, the programme will serve as a springboard for future researchers and decision makers in policy and practice, and contribute to strengthening intra-ENLIGHT academic collaboration.
The initiative provides high-quality academic training in economic science and finance within an international master's program. Its aim is to create a pool of well-trained students familiar with operating in international and intercultural environments. These students are in high demand—both by (ENLIGHT) universities seeking good PhD candidates and research assistants, and by international firms as well as national and international public institutions in the economic and financial sectors looking to recruit strategic policy analysts. The unique advantage of students in the envisioned joint master degree’s program lies in the combination of excellent training in academic skills and competencies, the application to socially relevant themes through the lens of economics and finance, and the connection to regional economic ecosystems in four different countries and the resulting intercultural competencies. The experience gained from existing Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programmes—such as the Master in Economic Globalisation and European Integration, in which Ghent University and the University of Tartu are active partners—demonstrates that students who benefit from a truly international study experience within a European educational framework are better positioned to access careers in European institutions and internationally operating companies.
Through shared supervision, dissertation topics and seminars, this initiative will also foster joint research initiatives.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Glenn Rayp,
Additional information
Unique features:
- The creation of a truly international program in which the students will study in four different countries
- The development of the program according to the European degree label to improve visibility and attractiveness for students of participating as well as other universities
- The development of mechanisms such as shared seminars and dissertation supervision to foster joint research.