All about MA Economics offered by Ahmedabad University

Shiksha recently concluded a discussion with experts at Ahmedabad University talking about their popular course, Master in Arts with a specialisation in Economics or MA Economics. If you are also planning to pursue this course, here are some details that will help you make a guided decision.

Q: What is the admission process? What eligibility criteria one must fulfil to be able to apply for admissions?

A: As a part of admission process, students need to fill an online application form by June 30. All shortlisted students would undergo an online test which will have mathematics and economic awareness questions. After the online test the candidate will undergo interview.

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for SC/ST candidates) or equivalent CGPA to be eligible for admissions.

Q: Is it a good choice to apply for MA Economics after Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)?

A: Yes, it is possible to apply for MA Economics after B.Com, if this is your area of interest.

Q: What is the total cost of the programme? Does college provide loan facilities?

A: The total cost of the two-year programme is Rs 4,00,000. The institute also offers students to work part-time as a research/teaching assistant for which they earn Rs 10,000 as stipend per month. Also, the students can get fellowship of Rs 50,000 per annum. The institute also helps students to apply for education loan from banks.

Q: What is the total batch size for MA in Economics programme?

A: We take in a batch of 20 students in one go.

Q: The entrance exam will be online or offline?

A: Exams would be done online through our Learning Management System (LMS) and for outside-Gujarat students, the interview would be conducted through skype (if they are unable to travel).

Q: What are the USPs of MA in Economics programme at Ahmedabad University?

A: Joint programme of School of Arts-Sciences and School of Management encourages students to take courses (say, Finance) from the Management School and courses outside of Economic subjects along with the core Mathematics, Statistics and Economic theory courses.

We also have a unique pedagogy with project-based learning and focus on developing analytical and data skills using quantitative methods. Dissertation with a hands-on approach will help students to identify, understand and resolve real life problems in the industry or development sector.

Students can also engage in paid assistantship with faculty during the programme which will provide hands-on training in teaching and research. Students can also intern in the corporate, financial or development sector as per the inclination of the student.

Q: Could you shed more light on the internship duration and the companies that offer internships for this programme?

A: Internship duration is two months. Companies such as consulting firms, non-banking finance companies, banks, financial institutions, analytical companies dealing in Micro and Macro Economics offer internships to students.

Q: What are the career opportunities after this course?

A: After completion of the course students can think of career in:

• Economics-focused research institutions
• Funding agencies such as the Gates Foundation
• Financial institutions
• Consulting companies
• Corporate sector
• Economic Journalism (both print and virtual media)
• Or, one can go for Ph.D

Besides all the subjects, we also emphasise on development of analytical skills by learning STATA/R/ Python, research dissertation, practical exposure and internship. This will give students an edge to build the career in Business Analytics.

Q: Is there any further specialisation offered within MA Economics?

A: Yes. We offer Financial Economics and Development Economics as specialisations to be pursued along with MA Economics.

Q: Will this course help in securing a career in World Bank?

A: A degree in MA Economics is the first step to get into such organisations. They usually hire hundreds of economists worldwide on niche research/study areas. However, Ph.D degree will be more suitable for organisations such as World Bank. We have a faculty who is also a consultant at World Bank. She guides students on career aspects.

Q: Is it advisable to do MBA after this?

A: Students having core interest in Economics must opt for Ph.D in future.

Q: Is it true that the growth of economics graduate in corporate sector is slow as compared to MBA?

A: It is a myth as supply and demand for economics graduates is always high as compared to MBA graduates which is always over supplied.

Q: What package students can expect in placements?

A: Students can expect salaries between Rs 6-9 lakh per annum.