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Hello everyone! I have received an admission offer from Barcelona GSE for the M.Sc in Macroeconomic policy and financial markets program. The offer is partially funded, so I will have to spend 10000 euros + living expenses (1 year). As an international student, I need to get a clear idea of how would this programme help me in the future, that is, whether an investment worth it or not? Background: I am a Mathematics graduate from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and have worked as a research associate in the economics area at Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Both of these institutes are the best in the country and have an excellent international reputation. Through my work until now, I have garnered an enormous amount of interest in financial markets; I aspire to either work for international development institutions as a financial economist or as a global investment manager in international corporations. The concerns I have in mind are as follows: 1. Non-EU alumni placement information: It is not possible to figure out how non-EU students have fared after graduating from the Barcelona GSE website and resources. As a non-Spanish speaker, I want to know how the opportunities to find a job within the EU after this program are? As another poster @iitiim has mentioned before: "At the end of it, if I have to return to my home country, then I don't think I will be able to get a job that offers any significant raise from what I am currently earning, which basically means I will get no return on the investment." 2. Location of the programme: The programme takes place in the Bellaterra campus, and all other BGSE master's programmes take place in the Ciutadella, how does this affect the living experience (as I see networking one of the essential components)? Thanks for taking the time to read and reply! Cheers, notmyname

Well, it's about time to make a decision. I'm from Taiwan and we don't have many European PhD or Masters. 90 percent of the faculty are from the US in my department. I browsed the website of the BGSE. Their courses seem good. Advanced courses seem to be a good preparation for further PhD. The teaching faculty is also outstanding in Europe, especially for the connection with the US. The fee seems reasonable compared to the US. (Unfortunately I don't got any waive or scholarship and have some issues with the funding.) Their PhD placement seems competitive as well. Is there any consideration, particularly the negative one that I haven't considered? I also got admission from Tilburg and lately applied for LSE but I guess Barcelona GSE is the by far best for me. I would like to know the PhD foresight for the master degree in BGSE. Thanks.

Hi all, I got admission from Frankfurt as Ph.D. track and MSc in Economics in Barcelona GSE. In general, my final goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in North America, particularly the US. I wouldn't complete the Ph.D. in Frankfurt. Instead, I tend to study for two years and have a thesis and get a master degree. This is the advantage. The study in Frankfurt helps you have more time to prepare for the application for Ph.D. But I'm not sure if this is common for people in Frankfurt to apply for outside Ph.D. I'm not sure the placement record for Frankfurt. Plus, they are not that matched with my research interests, to say, economic history, development, and applied micro. The advantage for Barcelona GSE is clear. But the disadvantage is also clear that it only has one year. I must find a place to stay after the year. I plan to apply for RAship or MPhil or MRes with funding. How would you say about the plan? Please give me some advice. I will be very grateful. Rosa

I have been admitted into the BGSE MEcon (10 months). What is required in order to get into the UPF MRes/PhD Economics? Specifically: 1. What are the grades required? How hard is it to achieve? 2. How many students get through? 3. Failing to meet the requirements, what are my other options? UAB? Any help to any of the questions will be super super helpful!

I have been accepted to MSc in Economics programmes at Warwick, Barcelona GSE and QEM erasmus mundus (one semester in bielefeld university and 3 semesters in Sorbonne). I have also waitlisted by APE programme at Paris School of Economics and I'm waiting for results from Bonn Graduate School of Economics. I would like to pursue a PhD in economics at a top 20 economics department probably in the US and my main academic interests are microeconomics (mainly decision theory, industrial organisation and game theory) and labour economics. Can you please rank the schools that I mentioned above ( Warwick, Barcelona GSE, QEM, PSE and Bonn) considering my interests and goals.

Dear Urchins, I would like to pick your brains for some advice regarding which masters to enroll in - I've been accepted to Barcelona GSE's MSc, Tilburg's MPhil and Maastricht's MSc. I might continue to do a PhD (not 100% sure as of now, since I might find that I'm not suited for econ academia (my Bachelor's degree was in engineering)), and for that reason, as well as other reasons, I'm a bit more inclined towards BGSE because of it's better placements. The thing is, my interest lies in the field of decision/game theory and behavioural econ, but it seems like BGSE's focus is on macro? On the other hand, Maastricht and Tilburg are both pretty strong in the fields of my interest. Would BSGE's focus on macro be important in the master's course? Would it still be possible to get good training in game theory/behavioral econ + possibly land an RA gig in these fields after the course at BGSE? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hi all, Which city do you consider to be the best? Thanks!

Hello dear Urch users, I am going to study for Master's in Economics at Barcelona GSE starting this September. I would like to know which courses I should take to improve my chances of getting into top 10 PhD programs in US in the future. It will be great if someone already at Barcelona GSE could take his/her time to help me out. P.S. Economics Program | Barcelona Graduate School of Economics - this link has much info, but I don't know whether some collections of courses will be just overkill/from which professors I should take those to obtain quality recommendation letters later. P.P.S. In the future I want to become a good specialist in game theory (mechanism design, behavioral economics, theoretical industrial organization appeal to me as well). Thanks!

Hi everybody, I am from Europe and am going to start a graduate program in Economics this coming fall. My interests are Development, Income Inequalities and Financial Development. So far I have received several admission offers, with Georgetown University and Barcelona GSE being objectively the best universities I have heard back from (even if I was also admitted into Bocconi PhD program, but already rejected it due to personal reasons). I have only few days to make a definitive decision (BGSE wants me to reply only by next Monday!), so now I desperately need your help in order to choose the best option between these two universities. Georgetown allows me to enter directly into their PhD program, whereas BGSE forces me to attend and earn their 2-year Master first (which leads to 3 consequent years in which you exclusively do research and finally earn their doctorate degree). In some rankings Georgetown dominates BGSE, while the opposite is true in other rankings. For this reason, I would not rely too much on academic standing to prefer one to the other (or am I wrong?). Finally, both of such offers are unfunded. I know this means I am into a quite difficult situation, but fortunately I think to be able to manage my first year of study thanks to my finances (I have been working for 1 year just to fund my future 1° year of Master/PhD). Once in one of these two universities, I will really commit myself to study hard so as to (hopefully) get some financial support from 2° year on. I have not a clue about how Washington and Barcelone are, since I have visited none of them so far. I know Georgetown could maybe be better in placing me more easily into international institutions (like World Bank, International Monetary Fund and central banks), which represent my dream destination. Nevertheless, some of last BGSE Master and PhD graduates are now working in such institutions, so perhaps this is not a real point of distinction. Any information/advice would be really welcome! Thanks in advance.

Hi everybody, two days ago I received an offer of admission to the MSc in Economics at Wisconsin Madison. I have initially applied for directly entering their PhD program, but my application was rejected at the beginning of last March. Now such an admission is unfunded and tuition fees are pretty high and discouraging, however I would like to clear some doubts about how the graduate program in Economics at UWM works before definitely declining their offer. 1) First of all, take into account that my first intention is to pursue a PhD in Economics. So, does anybody know if, once earned their MSc, a MSc graduate at UWM can apply for their PhD and be exempted from attending courses of the doctorate's first year/two years (which basically mean pure coursework)? Spending other two years after the MSc studying more or less the same stuff is something I would definitely avoid and a negative response to such a question would lead me to automatically turn this MSc admission offer down. 2) I have a great interest in Development Economics, Growth and Income Inequalities. Any opinion about how UWM Economics faculty performs in such fields? To be honest, UWM is not my only option. In fact, I have already been accepted into the Master in Economic Analysis at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (part of Barcelona GSE), which represents the first two years of the PhD program offered by them. So, actually I already have an alternative which lets me easily achieve a PhD in Economics without wasting precious years and I was perfectly fine with this...before receiving the email from UWM. In the end, what would you suggest between these two universities? I'm aware UWM is ranked highly and has got also a big name, but rankings say Barcelona GSE is not so distant from it...or am I wrong? Thank you in advance for your support.

Yeah, it's one of those threads again ;) It looks like I won't get anything better this year and will need to opt for a Master's program and try again in 2 years, as some part of me anticipated. I have been already accepted by BGSE (with half-tuition fee waiver). I am waiting for Bocconi and even though I cannot know if I will be accepted or not, I need to take the risk and decide ex ante which school I'd like to attend. Given having been accepted by BGSE and Duke, I guess there is a reasonable chance of me getting in although funding may be an issue. I would appreciate help in helping me decide which school to pick. I don't have a location preference unless one of the libraries is much nicer then the other and provides a 24/h spa. I came up with this: Barcelona GSE Pros - Cheaper city - More international program - Possibility to continue to PhD at Pompeu Fabra - Administration seems very efficient and well organized, at least so far (reply to e-mails on the same day!!) - More rigorous coursework (?) Cons - Inflexible curriculum for PhD track - only a 1 year program which requires takes a year off before reapplying - Less time to make connections with Profs (trimester system vs. semester system at Bocconi) - No RA opportunity Bocconi ESS Pros - Seemingly better placements at PhD programs - 2 year program - more time to get to know profs - possibility to RA with profs - more flexible curriculum - tiny chance of spending a year at Yale PhD program Cons - some unnecessary burden like language courses and 'social sciences" courses obligatory - more expensive city - not such an international program - more money to be spent because of a 2 year program - many people continuing from Bocconi bachelor's program may have an some advantage in terms of being better acquainted with regulations, way of teaching, style of exams, etc., which will make it a bit harder to stand out Both universities have professors in whose research I am really interested. Bocconi: Alberto Alesina, Guido Tabellini, Eliana La-Ferrara, Roberto Perotti BGSE: Jose Garcia-Montalvo, Xavier Sala-i-Martin, Marta Reynal-Querol, Antonio Ciccone Both allow taking PhD courses. Any suggestions/comments/hints would be much appreciated.

Hi, I am getting ready to take the GRE, but my GPA is pretty low (below 3.0) - is there still a chance for me to get in? Thanks

Hello! I am really confused about my admissions so if anyone could give some advice I would appreciate it. I have been accepted to Barcelona GSE MSc in Economics (full tuition) and also Msc in Economics in Tilburg. I am in interested in Microeconomics and Industrial Organization and I would like to continue for a phd after my master degree. So, even though I was very glad about the acceptance in Barcelona GSE I am considering four things: 1) the 12,000 euros seem a lot. Is BGSE so good to deserve it or is it pretty much the same as Tilburg so it won't make any difference? 2) I've read that BGSE is good in Macroeconomics which is not my field of interest and Tilburg seems to be better in Microeconomics. On the other hand BGSE has a very good reputation and place a lot of its students to good phd programs. 3) I have only a few days before give an answer to BGSE. I am waiting a reply from Amsterdam, York, Edinburgh and Louvain (Master in Economis in all of them). Do you consider one of those would it be better? I am not sure if it is better to wait or accept the offer in so little time. without having news from the other master programs. 4) If I go to BGSE do I need to proceed to a MPhil/MRes before a Phd as it is an only-1year program? This part really confuses me and I don't understand if I must continue to another 2-year program or I could be accepted to a phd program right after or I must do something for a year (research?). If the first happens maybe a two-year program like Master in Economics with focus in Research in Louvain seems better as I save one year (time really matters for me). I would be grateful If you could give me some answers to any of my questions! Thank you in advance fellow economists! :)

Hello Guys! I have been accepted into the MSc Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets program of the Barcelona GSE with a partial tuition waiver. I was wondering whether anyone has been through this program or has any information as to its quality and how rigorous it is? I have heard that its a solid and strong program but I am keen to get some more advice and information. Its really very difficult judging by just looking at syllabuses. I eventually love to get into a top 20 PhD program but I dont know how much this could help me. Thanks.

Hi people, Have just received an admission offer from Barcelona GSE for the M.Sc in International Trade, Finance and Development program. The offer is partially funded so I will have to spend 6000 euros plus living expenses. This is very hard for me, as an international student, so I need to get a clear idea of the realistic return on such an investment for me. As for my background, I have an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and then an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Both the universities are the top in my country and have a lot of international recognition, especially in the US. As is obvious, I realized quite late that I am extremely interested in Economics, especially in the area of development. My goal is now to work as an Economist at international development institutions like the World Bank/Asian development bank etc. I'm looking for opinions on the following points: 1. Placements: Their website doesn't give a program-wise list of placements. What kind of placements does this program result in? Would performing very well in such a program have a realistic chance of getting into the World Bank and the like? How are the opportunities for non-EU students to find a job within EU after this program? At the end of it, if I have to return back to my home country, then I don't think I will be able to get a job that offers any significant raise from what I am currently earning, which basically means I will get no return on the investment. 2. PhD prospects?: I know this is a long shot, but would there be any chance to progress to a PhD program, say, in the UPF itself by performing well in this program? I missed the MSc Economics application deadline which would have been my first preference. 3. Cost of Living: I couldn't find a mention of the cost of living in Barcelona for the duration of the program, so any estimate regarding that would be very helpful. If I do take this up, I need to send a token deposit and apply for visa almost immediately, so I would greatly appreciate quick responses. Thanks!

Hi all - I am in desperate need of advice, as time is short for me, so any comments or words of wisdom are greatly appreciated. I have presently been admitted to Masters programs in Europe, and I am having a hard time in deciding what I should do...here's my admission status: - Tilburg University: M.Sc. Econometrics and Mathematical Economics (1-year program, no funding) - Barcelona Graduate School of Economics: M.Sc. Economics (1-year program, half tuition waiver) - Universidad Carlos III de Madrid: Masters in Economic Analysis (2-year program, full tuition waiver and 1200 Euros per month stipend for TA-ship) My interests tend towards microeconomics, quantitative economics, and econometrics, though I realize that I have not completely made up my mind either. I am willing to learn anything, really. My eventual goal is to pursue a PhD in economics in the US or UK, though I am not averse to staying in Europe. Should I choose either Tilburg or BGSE, I am also not averse to the idea of pursuing an additional research masters for a year in order to gain additional research experience and contact with professors for letters of recommendation. What should I do? All things being equal, I feel that I should be in Madrid because of the money; however, I heard that their program was REALLY intense and that it was really hard to keep up (that being said, I am used to the pressure as my undergraduate experience was pretty rough as well). But should I accept such a program, given my future goals? Please advise soon, as I need to inform these schools by the middle of next week! Thanks!

Hey guys, I was recently accepted into the Barcelona GSE MSC International Trade, Finance and Development. I have been reading many of the posts regarding Barcelona GSE and UPF, but I have not been able to find anything very specific regarding this program. I am looking to find a job after I graduate within development/econ policy sector. I am really just looking for any information about the school/program outside of what i can find on the website and related website. Also, maybe regarding job placements after graduation. Thanks!