Faculty of Economics and Business
Master of Science
in Business Economics
Master of Science
in Advanced Business Studies
PhD programme
in Business Economics
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Discover KU Leuven
Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for
nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium’s largest university. Founded in 1425, it is one
of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe.
As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European
Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of programmes in English,
all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research.
The university welcomes more than 40,000 students, of which 16% are international
students from more than 140 countries. KU Leuven’s doctoral schools organise inter -
nationally oriented PhD programmes for over 4,000 doctoral students.
The university is located in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. Leuven is a
modern, bustling and safe student city with a long and rich history. Cultural and recreational
opportunities
abound. KU Leuven’s central location offers a truly international experience.
Major European
capitals such as Brussels, Paris, London and Amsterdam are only a
(very) short train journey away.
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Faculty of Economics and Business
As one of KU Leuven’s 15 faculties, the Faculty of Economics and Business carries out
education and research in five departments:
• Economics
• Marketing and Organisation Studies
• Accountancy, Finance and Insurance
• Managerial Economics, Strategy and Innovation
• Decision Sciences and Information Management
One of the Faculty’s most important assets
is its vast national and international network.
It maintains strong links with the business
and financial community by organising regular
workshops with industry leaders and the European
Commission, situated only 30 minutes from the
campus. Many of the alumni work at European
institutions, and many staff members act as
advisers to various European bodies and
inter national companies. The Faculty's alumni
network offers
excellent communication channels
and networking
opportunities with leading
figures in industry and politics.
External quality assessments prove that the
Faculty of Economics and Business' teaching
is internationally respected and renowned.
This academic reputation attracts students
and scholars from across the globe, creating a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
The Faculty has a truly international outlook, and its alumni can be found all over
the world.
This international focus is also clear in its wide international student exchange network.
The Faculty of Economics and Business participates extensively in the (intra-EU) Erasmus
programme (with 65 partners) and has numerous agreements with leading universities
outside the EU, including: the Wharton School of Business (University of Pennsylvania),
the University of Illinois and Rochester University in the United States, the University of
British Columbia and Queen’s University in Canada, the Indian Institutes of Management
Calcutta and Bangalore in India, the Chinese University and the City
University of Hong
Kong, Tsinghua University and Fudan University in China, the University
of Sydney and the
University of Adelaide in Australia, Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Insper in Brazil,
and the Singapore Management University.
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Why KU Leuven?
The Faculty’s graduate-level and doctoral programmes aim to develop participants’
critical, conceptual, problem-solving and decision-making skills. A graduate degree from
KU Leuven’s Faculty of Economics and Business equips students with fundamental and
conceptual knowledge and analytical tools to cope effectively with the problems of the
current and constantly-changing business and economic environment. Adopting a research
based approach, focus is placed on the disciplines underlying business operations and
economic decisions. This enables graduates to acquire the necessary skills and tools for
coping with current and future challenges.
A variety of teaching methods (lectures, case discussions, exercises, computer-assisted
problem-solving and individual research) is used to enhance students’ educational experience.
Students are expected to participate actively. The Faculty evaluates classroom work,
written assignments and examinations on a regular basis. The workload is demanding,
as to be expected from a high-quality graduate school. The Faculty’s international
credentials and academic reputation guarantee the quality of the programme.
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Master of Science in
Business Economics
The Master of Science in Business Economics programme emphasises the acquisition
of fundamental knowledge and skills in an area of specialisation related to the corporate
world. By combining this programme with initial specialisations from the Bachelor’s
programme, you will develop deeper insight into a broad range of fields and fine-tune
your personal graduation profile. On completing this programme, you will be able to
apply scientific frameworks independently and critically, allowing you to evolve
continuously in a dynamic society and workplace.
Why KU Leuven
KU Leuven occupies a leading position in management and economic research and is
highly ranked by the European Economic Association. Top-level research and education
complement and strengthen each other. The Faculty of Economics and Business' Alumni
Association includes many leaders of industry, ensuring excellent career opportunities for
our graduates.
Profile
You have an entrepreneurial personality with broad socio-economic interests. You are
fascinated by the business world and would like to pursue a management career in
entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, strategy, international business or finance.
Admission requirements
• For applicants with a prior degree obtained at a Flemish education institution,
see admission requirements Master (of Science) in de toegepaste economische
wetenschappen (www.kuleuven.be/ma/mtew)
• For all other applicants, the following requirements apply:
Degree requirements
• Applicants should hold a university Bachelor's degree in Economics or Business
Economics comparable to a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Economics
or Business Engineering from the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven.
By a degree in Business or Economics we mean a broad-based academic education
(with sufficient ECTS in macroeconomics, microeconomics, management, statistics,
mathematics …), not a technical training programme (e.g. marketing or hotel manage ment).
Please note that our faculty has a strong analytical/mathematical approach. In order
to verify whether you have sufficient background knowledge in this respect,
see www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/docs/mbe-prerequisites.pdf
Comparability is evaluated by the Admissions Board on the basis of information
provided by the applicant (see required documents).
Language requirements
Proof of proficiency in English
• All applicants must submit a satisfactory score on one of the following internationally
recognised tests of English language proficiency:
-
TOEFL (minimum score 575 paper-based, 233 computer-based, 90 internet-based)
- IELTS (minimum score 7)
No other proficiency tests will be accepted.
•
An exemption from the TOEFL or IELTS is only possible for applicants with a university
degree or high school degree earned in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand,
United Kingdom or the United States. The certified diploma and transcripts suffice,
provided they confirm that the entire study was completed in English.
Required documents
All applicants must provide the following documents:
• certified copies of degrees, transcripts and, if available, a ranking indication;
• the comparability form with a course description of all relevant courses
(see www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/admissionrequirements);
• two recommendation forms (see www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/
admissionrequirements) completed, signed and posted in a sealed envelope signed
over the lid by the referee to the Faculty of Economics and Business. Forms not provided
in a sealed envelope signed across the lid by the referee will be regarded as void.
The
recommendation forms can also be mailed directly by the referee to
These documents suffice for applicants with a non-Belgian degree from:
• universities which have an exchange agreement with the Faculty of Economics
and Business of KU Leuven
• universities which are in the global top 200 in the most recent Times Higher
Education or QS rankings
Additional information is required for applicants from other universities as it is impossible
for us to reliably assess degree comparability. In those cases a GMAT or GRE result
above the 75th percentile on the quantitative part is required.
The Admissions Board evaluates all applications and has the final say on the admissibility
of the student. Incomplete application files will not be evaluated.
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Application procedure
•
Non-EEA citizens must submit a complete application file by 1 March. EEA citizens
(or non-EEA citizens with a residence permit for Belgium) are strongly advised to
submit their application file before 1 June but can apply until the end of August.
• Tuition fee: ±600 EUR
For more information on how to apply, please visit
www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/prospectivestudent
Programme
The programme starts at the end of September. The academic year is divided into
two semesters, each consisting of 13 teaching weeks, followed by exam revision and
exams. The programme consists of one core course, a major including a Master’s
thesis, a minor and one elective course.
MASTER OF BUSINESS ECONOMICS 60 ECTS
COURSE ECTS
Core Courses 6
•
Strategic Management 6
Master's Thesis 15
Major 24
Students choose one major and select courses for 24 credits within this major.
Major 1: International Business, Strategy and Innovation
•
International Business Strategy 6
• International Management 6
• Competitive Analysis and Strategy 6
• Political Business Strategy 6
• Economics of Global Innovation 6
• Innovation Management and Strategy 6
Major 2: Entrepreneurship
•
Entrepreneurship and New Business Development 6
• The Foundations of Entrepreneurship 6
• Organising for Entrepreneurship 3
• Entrepreneurial Finance 3
• Strategic IP Management 3
• Intrapreneurship 3
Major 3: Financial Economics
•
Core Courses
- Macro Finance 6
- Econometric Methods & Models 6
- Security Pricing and Portfolio Selection 6
• Electives: students select 1 of both electives:
- The Economics of Financial Intermediation 6
- International Business Finance: Forex Markets 6
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Career prospects
Graduates of the Master of Science in Business Economics mostly take up managerial
and/or research positions in business, national and international institution and in
managerial functions at universities. Given the variety of skills acquired, you will be
highly sought after by a wide range of companies (from small firms to multinational
corporations) in a variety of positions and sectors in Belgium or abroad. You can
pursue a career as an auditor, entrepreneur, consultant, financial analyst, financial
manager, project manager, sales manager, marketing manager or stock broker.
This is only a small selection of the many options available to you.
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Major 4: Marketing
•
International Marketing 6
• Brand Management 6
• Marketing Strategy Modelling 6
• Consumer Behaviour 6
Minor 12
Students choose one minor and select courses within this minor for 12 ECTS:
• Strategy and Innovation, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Financial
Economics, Marketing, Accounting and Auditing, Business Research,
Production and Logistics, Economics, Informatics for Business Economics.
Free electives: students choose one free elective course 3
For detailed descriptions of this programme’s courses and for the course
timetable, please consult www.kuleuven.be/ma/mbe
Master of Science in
Advanced Business
Studies
The Master of Science in Advanced Business Studies is mainly designed to offer students
with a background in business or management science an additional and advanced
curriculum in business research methodology. The programme allows participants to
deepen their knowledge in a number of substantive areas, both conceptually and
methodologically.
Its courses are not designed to offer a general management background, but instead to
provide in-depth, specialised treatment of business research methodology. The purpose
of the programme is to familiarise students with current research practices in business
and management studies used in leading academic institutions, international companies
and institutions.
The programme provides excellent preparation for undertaking a PhD in Business Economics,
but it is also ideal for students seeking research-oriented positions outside the university.
Extensive contact with students from different nationalities and cultures adds an extra
dimension to the programme.
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Admission requirements
Degree requirements
Applicants must hold either of the following:
• a Master’s degree in business studies or applied economics
• a Master’s degree in another field, provided that the basics of business have been
covered and the other elements in the application file are outstanding. The applicant
should have a sound mathematical and statistical background.
Academic performance should be above average (e.g. applicants should have obtained
their degree with at least cum laude or with distinction). Admissibility is evaluated by
the Admissions Board on the basis of information provided by the applicant including
certified copies or diploma and transcript etc. (see required documents).
Language requirements
Proof of proficiency in English
• All applicants must submit a satisfactory score on one of the following internationally
recognised tests of English language proficiency:
-
TOEFL (minimum score 575 paper-based, 233 computer-based, 90 internet-based)
- IELTS (minimum score 7)
No other proficiency tests will be accepted.
•
An exemption from the TOEFL or IELTS is only possible for applicants with a university
degree or high school degree earned in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand,
United Kingdom or the United States. The certified diploma and transcripts suffice,
provided they confirm that the entire study was completed in English.
Required documents
All applicants should provide the following documents:
• certified copies of transcripts, degrees and, if available, a ranking indication
• a GMAT or GRE score. A GRE or a GMAT test result above the 90th percentile on
the quantitative part (or on average) normally entails immediate admission, provided
all other requirements are met as well, but this is not an absolute minimum.
• two recommendation forms (see www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/
admissionrequirements) completed, signed, and posted in a sealed envelope
signed across the lid by the referee to the Faculty of Economics and Business.
Forms not provided in a sealed envelope signed across the lid by the referee will
be regarded as void. The recommendation forms can also be mailed directly by
the referee to
• a letter of motivation written and signed by the applicant detailing the choice for
KU Leuven and for this particular programme.
The Admissions Board evaluates all applications and has the final say on the admissibility
of the student. Incomplete application files will not be evaluated.
Application procedure
• Non-EEA citizens must submit a complete application file by 1 March. EEA citizens
(or non-EEA citizens with a residence permit for Belgium) are strongly advised to
submit their application file before 1 June but can apply until the end of August.
• Tuition fee: 1,400 EUR
For more information on how to apply, please visit
www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/prospectivestudent
Profile
As the programme’s courses are at the advanced Master’s level, we stress the importance
of a solid undergraduate background in business economics or management studies.
Students should also have a sound mathematical and statistical background. Students
should have a keen interest in recent analytical developments in business economics
and a desire to work in research positions at universities, in business or in national
and international institutions.
Programme
The programme focuses on the use of business research methodology and stresses a
combination of theory and applications drawn from real business problems in various
management disciplines.
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MASTER OF ADVANCED BUSINESS STUDIES 60 ECTS
COURSE ECTS
Core Courses 6
Students take 3 courses from this group, for a total of 18 ECTS
• Combinatorial Optimisation and Local Search Techniques 6
• Advanced Econometrics 6
• Multivariate Statistics 6
• Advanced Time Series Analysis 6
• Applied Game Theory 3
• Economics of Information 3
• Optimisation: Special Topics 6
• Statistical Modelling 6
• Statistics for Finance and Insurance 6
• Actuarial and Financial Models 6
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COURSE ECTS
Electives 18
Students take electives for a total of 24 ECTS from this group or: One or more
additional core courses - One or more courses at advanced Master’s level, from
other universities.
One or more courses at advanced Master’s level, from other programmes at
KU Leuven, particularly from the Master of Science in Advanced Studies in
Economics programme.
• Architecture and Modelling of Management Information Systems 6
• Asset Prices: Basic Models and Tests 6
• Simulation Theory and Applications 6
• Knowledge Management and Business Intelligence 6
• The Empirics of Financial Markets 6
• Advanced Industrial Economics 6
• Bibliometrics as a Research Field 3
• Economics and Strategy of Innovation 6
• Advanced Applied Econometrics 6
• Survey Methodology 4
• Experimental Design 4
• Multi-agent Systems 4
• Advanced Non-life Insurance Mathematics 6
• Advanced Life Insurance Mathematics 6
• Selected Research Topics 6
• Consumer Behaviour Research 6
• Structural Equations 6
Research Component 24
•
Master’s Thesis 18
The Master’s thesis consists of a research paper in the student’s field of interest
using advanced research methodologies under the guidance of a supervisor.
The thesis should reflect that the student has mastered contemporary
methodological tools used in business economics and is able to apply them
independently. The topic of the Master’s thesis is drawn from one of the following
fields: marketing, organisation studies, operations management, operations
research and business statistics, management informatics, finance, accountancy,
actuarial science or managerial economics, and strategy and innovation.
For detailed descriptions of this programme’s courses and for the course
timetable, please consult www.kuleuven.be/ma/mabs
Before joining KU Leuven, I graduated in management at Bocconi
University, Italy. I had already realised that research was my passion
during my studies thanks to two internship experiences at the United
Nations and at the European Parliament. After graduating, I worked as
a researcher at Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, a leading Italian research
centre for two years. My main research interests are regulation,
privatisation and corporate governance. Given my previous studies in
management, I felt that I needed more specific training in quantitative
methods, and after very careful consideration, I decided to come to
KU Leuven. In fact, I found this Master’s programme to be a truly unique
combination of quantitative methods, applied economics and business
research. Moreover, you have a wonderful environment for learning,
PhD level classes and a very stimulating teaching method, with many
applications not only for research, but also for high-level professions
in banking or consulting. I was also positively surprised by the city of
Leuven, which is very beautiful and offers a very nice and lively
environment for students. In Leuven and at KU Leuven you always feel
welcome and you can enjoy a lot of different activities besides studying.
(Silvia Vitiello, graduate)
Career prospects
A large majority of the graduates of the Master of Science in Advanced Business Studies
programme begin careers in managerial and/or research positions in business, national
and international institutions and universities. Graduates can also obtain exemptions from
coursework in the PhD programme in Business Economics at KU Leuven.
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PhD in Business
Economics
The doctoral programme in Business Economics is an advanced, four-year programme
designed to train future researchers in one of the key fields of management: marketing,
organisation studies, operations management, operations research and business statistics,
management informatics, finance, accountancy, actuarial science or managerial economics
and strategy and innovation. The programme is designed to develop and nurture young
talent and prepare PhD graduates for careers in both academia and international business.
Currently about 150 students with diverse backgrounds and nationalities are enrolled in
the doctoral programme, creating an energetic and stimulating work environment.
The purpose of the programme is to familiarise students with current research practices
in business and management studies used in leading academic institutions, international
business companies and institutions. The programme is designed to prepare PhD graduates
for careers in both academia and international business. PhD students obtain the degree of
Doctor in Business Economics after successfully defending a doctoral dissertation.
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for the doctoral programme depend on the applicant’s
previous studies. The admission to the doctoral programme is granted by the Faculty
Board based on the individual file of the applicant and after consulting with professors
of the department in question. The minimum admission requirements are:
• a Master’s degree (with honours, academic) in Applied Economics, Commercial
Engineering or Commercial Engineering in Information Sciences;
• a Master’s degree (with honours) in Commercial Sciences or Commercial Engineering
obtained at a European institution of higher education with two cycles;
• an equivalent or other academic degree, with honours.
“Honours” refers to the fact that the candidate obtained the level honours at least twice
for the university diplomas mentioned.
Depending on the application, letters of recommendation and a GMAT score of at least
600 may be required. The GMAT score is required for all applicants outside the EU.
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The students select their field of research from the following list:
• accountancy
• actuarial sciences
• managerial economics, strategy and innovation
• econometrics and statistics
• finance
• informatics
• marketing
• operations research
• operations management
• human resources management
Profile
Students should have a keen interest in recent analytical developments in business
economics and a desire to work in research positions at universities, in business or in
national and international institutions.
Application procedure
For information on how to apply, please visit
www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/prospectivestudent
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Programme
Please visit www.econ.kuleuven.be/ond/eng/edu/phd/appliedeconomicsplanning
for a year-by-year overview of the programme.
Career prospects
A large majority of graduates with a PhD in Business Economics pursue careers in both
academia and international business.
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Soon I’ll be halfway through the doctoral programme at the Faculty of
Business and Economics at KU Leuven. When I look back at what I’ve
experienced and learned over the past two years, I can only hope that
the coming years will be just as fascinating and captivating. The doctoral
programme provides me with the opportunity to contribute to the research
community, and the stimulating environment in which I am being trained
as a researcher helps me achieve my ambitions and objectives.
The combination of the intellectual freedom that I am granted as a doctoral
student and the support offered by the faculty encourages me to achieve
my aspirations and to conduct innovative and ground-breaking research.
I feel that a PhD from KU Leuven is a solid basis for a successful academic
career and I can hardly imagine a better choice than the doctoral
programme at the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven.
(Bram Van den Bergh, PhD student)
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Learn more
www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng/edu/prospectivestudent
www.kuleuven.be/ma/mbe
www.kuleuven.be/ma/mabs
www.econ.kuleuven.be/phd
General information
International programmes: www.kuleuven.be/internationalprogrammes
International Office: www.kuleuven.be/english
Faculty of Economics and Business
tel. + 32 16 32 66 12
fax + 32 16 32 66 20
www.econ.kuleuven.be/onderwijshelpdesk
www.econ.kuleuven.be/eng
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This brochure provides the most complete and accurate information available concerning these Master’s
programmes offered at KU Leuven. However, amendments to the composition of this programme may be
approved at any time. The study load of many Master’s programmes may increase from 60 to 120 ECTS
in the future. Consequently, KU Leuven is in no way legally bound by the information provided in this
brochure. The most recent information on all our academic programmes can be consulted at
www.kuleuven.be/coursecatalogue
Last updated: January 2013
Copyright: D/2012/1082/71
DIENST COMMUNICATIE
Oude Markt 13 bus 5005
3000 LEUVEN, België
tel. + 32 16 32 40 10 • fax + 32 16 32 40 14
www.kuleuven.be
v.u.: Isabelle Van Geet, Oude Markt 13 bus 5005, 3000 Leuven