THE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATIONS
OF MASTER OF ECONOMICS IN ECONOMICS PROGRAMME (MEEP) 2025 SPECIALISATIONS IN ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
MEEP 2025 specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Awarding Institution: University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
Teaching Institution: Faculty of Economics, University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
Programme Title: Master of Economics in Economics Programme
Specialisations:
Economics
Public Economics and Management.
Programme Code: 83010101
Mode of Study: Full-time (concentrated)
Quality Assurance and Evaluation Body: Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City / AUN-QA
Lead: Dr. Trinh Hoang Hong Hue
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Learning and teaching
The Master of Economics in Economics Programme (MEEP) provides learners with advanced knowledge and professional competencies in economics, management, and public policy, enabling them to think independently and creatively, and to address complex problems in a rapidly changing socio-economic environment. The programme fosters the capacity for independent research, collaborative teamwork, and innovative thinking to identify and resolve economic challenges effectively.
Teaching and learning activities are designed to integrate theory with practice and include lectures, group work, individual assignments, case studies, brainstorming sessions, presentations, debates, and project-based learning. These methods promote active engagement, critical analysis, and the practical application of knowledge in diverse professional contexts.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The Master of Economics in Economics Programme, with specialisations in Economics and Public Economics and Management, aims to equip learners with in-depth knowledge and professional skills in economics, public policy, and management, aligned with the demands of the modern era. Graduates will be capable of conducting independent and collaborative research, demonstrate creative thinking, and identify and resolve issues in Public Economics and Management.
The programme develops professionals with the following competencies:
In-depth knowledge in economics and public sector economics.
Ability to analyze, plan, advise, critique, and implement socio-economic policies, investment plans, and public service delivery.
Capacity to forecast behaviors and manage economic activities in both public and private sectors.
Independent and creative thinking skills, with adaptability to evolving professional contexts.
Commitment to lifelong learning, independent research, and social responsibility.
Learning Outcomes
The Programme Expected Objectives (PEOs) of the Master of Economics in Economics Programme (MEEP) are formulated in alignment with the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework – Level 7, the programme’s training expectations — encompassing the intended learning outcomes, graduate attributes, and specific competencies required by employers, professional bodies, and society — as well as the educational philosophy, mission, and vision of the University of Economics and Law (UEL) and the Faculty of Economics (FE). These foundations are also consistent with the continuous quality improvement process and are detailed in Appendix 1.1 and Appendix 1.2. Graduates of the programme are expected to:
PEO1. Possess in-depth knowledge of economics and the subfield of public sector economics.
PEO2. Demonstrate the ability to analyze, design, advise, consult, critically evaluate, and manage the implementation of socio-economic policies, strategic plans, programmes, public investment projects, and public service delivery.
PEO3. Demonstrate the ability to forecast economic behavior and to plan, organise, and manage economic activities in both public and private enterprise sectors.
PEO4. Demonstrate independent and creative thinking skills, apply problem-solving approaches to economics-related issues, and adapt effectively to changing professional contexts.
PEO5. Demonstrate the capacity for self-directed learning, independent research, and lifelong learning, while upholding a strong sense of responsibility to oneself, one’s family, and society.
Table 1.1: Programme learning outcomes
|
Code
|
Programme Learning Outcome
|
Level
|
|
PLO1
|
Evaluate socio-economic issues by applying general knowledge
|
5
|
|
PI 1.1
|
Analyze economic, social, and international economic relations issues by applying philosophical principles.
|
4
|
|
PI 1.2
|
Evaluate, select, and apply appropriate research methods to conduct economic studies.
|
5
|
|
PLO2
|
Appraise economic issues by applying disciplinary knowledge
|
5
|
|
PI 2.1
|
Analyze and evaluate socio-economic development, and propose evidence-based orientations.
|
5
|
|
PI 2.2
|
Analyze and evaluate the impact of macroeconomic factors on the activities of enterprises, localities, regions, and the nation.
|
5
|
|
PLO3A
|
Evaluate economic problems by applying specialized knowledge of Economics
|
5
|
|
PI 3.1A
|
Analyze and evaluate trends in the behavior of economic agents.
|
5
|
|
PI 3.2A
|
Recommend and provide consultancy for policies and investment projects of enterprises, localities, and the nation.
|
5
|
|
PLO3B
|
Evaluate economic management practices by applying specialized knowledge of Public Economics and Management
|
5
|
|
PI 3.1B
|
Organise and manage economic policies, programmes, projects, and urban, regional, and area management
|
5
|
|
PI 3.2B
|
Recommend policy consultancy related to public decisions and public policy.
|
5
|
|
PLO4
|
Provide advice on economic issues through applying analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and evaluation skills
|
5
|
|
PI 4.1
|
Analyze and evaluate economic activities and government policies
|
5
|
|
PI 4.2
|
Demonstrate critical thinking and systems thinking skills in consulting and critiquing economic issues
|
5
|
|
PLO5
|
Make informed decisions on economic issues by critically applying appropriate qualitative and quantitative analytical tools and techniques.
|
5
|
|
PI 5.1
|
Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze, synthesize, and evaluate data, figures, and information to formulate sound judgments.
|
5
|
|
PI 5.2
|
Design and implement processes for collecting, surveying, processing, and critically assessing data to support strategic decision-making.
|
5
|
|
PLO6
|
Demonstrate a sustained commitment to lifelong learning, knowledge discovery, and independent research.
|
5
|
|
PI 6.1
|
Demonstrate commitment to applying appropriate research methods in continuous professional development.
|
5
|
|
PI 6.2
|
Demonstrate reflective practice and formulate conclusions that contribute to lifelong learning and professional growth
|
5
|
Note: PLO3A and related PIs apply to the Economics specialisation; PLO3B and related PIs apply to the Economics and Public Management specialisation. PLO3A and PLO3B are specialisation-based variations of the same PLO3, depending on the learner’s chosen specialisation
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Total Credits
The Master’s programme comprises 60 credits, structured into three components:
• General knowledge (compulsory): 7 credits (11.7%).
• Fundamental and specialized knowledge: 38 credits — including 15 credits of fundamental knowledge (25%) and 23 credits of specialized knowledge (38.3%).
• Master’s thesis: 15 credits (25%).
Of the total programme credits, 46 credits (73.3%) are compulsory courses, and 14 credits (26.7%) are electives.
List of courses:
|
Semester
|
Course Code
|
Course Name
|
Credits
|
Compulsory (C)/
Elective (E)
|
|
I
|
General Knowledge Block
|
7
|
|
|
1
|
MUU1001
|
Philosophy
|
4
|
C
|
|
1
|
MEE1039
|
Research Methodology in Economics
|
3
|
C
|
|
II
|
Core Subject Block
|
15
|
C
|
|
1
|
MEE4030
|
Advanced Microeconomics
|
3
|
|
|
2
|
MEE4031
|
Advanced Macroeconomics
|
3
|
C
|
|
2
|
MEM4029
|
Advanced Development Economics
|
3
|
C
|
|
2
|
MEE4023
|
Innovation Economics
|
3
|
C
|
|
2
|
MEE4012
|
Economics of Social Issues
|
3
|
C
|
|
III
|
Specialized Knowledge Block
|
|
C
|
|
Specialisation in Economics (23 credits)
|
23
|
|
|
1
|
MEM4038
|
Quantitative Analysis in Economics
|
3
|
C
|
|
1
|
MEE4002
|
Modern Economic Theories
|
3
|
C
|
|
3
|
MEE4027
|
Institutional Economics
|
3
|
C
|
|
1
|
MEE4025
|
Behavioral Economics
|
2
|
E
|
|
1
|
MEE4032
|
Vietnam's Economy
|
2
|
E
|
|
1
|
MKB4017
|
Investment Law
|
2
|
E
|
|
2
|
MEE4036
|
Investment Project Appraisal
|
2
|
E
|
|
2
|
MFF4018
|
Development Finance
|
2
|
E
|
|
2
|
MEM4022
|
Advanced Public Economics
|
3
|
E
|
|
2
|
MRB4016
|
Globalization and International Economic Relations
|
3
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4007
|
Regional and Local Economic Development Policy
|
3
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEE4024
|
Economic Forecasting
|
3
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEE4006
|
Industrial Development Policy
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4034
|
Local Marketing
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEE4021
|
International Political Economy
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4028
|
Advanced Labor Economics
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4005
|
Land Policy
|
2
|
E
|
|
Specialisation in Economics and Public Management
|
23
|
E
|
|
2
|
MEM4004
|
Public Policy
|
3
|
C
|
|
3
|
MEM4007
|
Regional and Local Economic Development Policy
|
3
|
C
|
|
3
|
MEM4019
|
Regional and Urban Management
|
3
|
C
|
|
1
|
MEM4038
|
Quantitative Analysis in Economics
|
3
|
E
|
|
1
|
MEE4027
|
Institutional Economics
|
3
|
E
|
|
1
|
MEE4002
|
Modern Economic Theories
|
3
|
E
|
|
1
|
MEE4032
|
Vietnam's Economy
|
2
|
E
|
|
1
|
MEM4033
|
Leadership in the Public Sector
|
2
|
E
|
|
2
|
MEM4022
|
Advanced Public Economics
|
3
|
E
|
|
2
|
MEE4020
|
Advanced Political Economy
|
3
|
E
|
|
2
|
MRB4016
|
Globalization and International Economic Relations
|
3
|
E
|
|
2
|
MEE4036
|
Investment Project Appraisal
|
2
|
E
|
|
2
|
MFF4018
|
Development Finance
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4035
|
Public Management
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEE4006
|
Industrial Development Policy
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4034
|
Local Marketing
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4028
|
Advanced Labor Economics
|
2
|
E
|
|
3
|
MEM4005
|
Land Policy
|
2
|
E
|
|
IV
|
MUU6002
|
Master's Thesis
|
15
|
C
|
Teaching Methods
Active teaching methods such as group discussions, peer review, proposal presentations, case analysis, and project simulations help students practice self-study and problem-solving abilities. Student assessment through essays, group projects, individual research papers, and peer review clearly demonstrates the commitment to integrating the educational philosophy with the entire training process. During the learning process, master’s students actively interact with the content of the subjects and proactively discover knowledge, while lecturers play the role of facilitators and guides
The Evaluation Methods
|
Grade/Classification
|
Score Range (10-point scale)
|
Letter Grade
|
|
Pass
|
Excellent
|
9.0 – 10.0
|
A+
|
|
Good
|
8.0 – <9.0 (up to but not including 9.0)
|
A
|
|
Fairly Good
|
7.0 – <8.0 (up to but not including 8.0)
|
B+
|
|
Above Average
|
6.0 – <7.0 (up to but not including 7.0)
|
B
|
|
Average
|
5.5 – <6.0 (up to but not including 6.0)
|
C
|
|
Fail
|
Below Average
|
4.0 – <5.5 (up to but not including 5.5)
|
D+
|
|
Weak
|
3.0 – <4.0 (up to but not including 4.0)
|
D
|
|
Poor
|
<3.0 (below 3.0)
|
F
|
|
Course assessment may include formative (non-compulsory) evaluation, mid-term exams (20–50%), and final exams (not less than 50%).
|
|
Thesis defense requirement: students must complete all required courses and meet the foreign language proficiency requirement.
|
Contact time
Subject interaction/exposure time will be defined in the individual subject specifications and provided to students at the start of the programme. Student interaction/exposure time, together with time allotted for independent study and testing, determines the total number of student hours for a subject or programme. Each student should have at least 30 hours of self-study per credit.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent or higher qualification) in a relevant major. For the research-oriented programme, applicants must have a good or higher academic classification or scientific publications related to the major. The list of relevant majors is provided in the detailed programme.
Applicants must demonstrate a foreign language proficiency equivalent to Level 3 or higher on the Vietnamese 6-level framework or take a placement test if not yet qualified.
Admission is based on an entrance competency assessment.