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MSc in Economics and Data Science Course Catalogue

Programme description

UCA’s Master of Science in Economics and Data Science is an innovative, interdisciplinary two-year, 120-ECTS programme that brings together rigorous economic analysis, modern data science, and applied policy research to address complex economic and development challenges.

Designed for a rapidly changing, data-driven world, the programme equips students with the theoretical foundations, technical skills, and analytical judgement needed to understand economic challenges and translate evidence into informed decisions.

Through a combination of economic theory, statistics, econometrics, programming, machine learning, and policy analysis, students will learn to work with complex data, evaluate economic and policy questions, and develop evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges.

With a strong focus on Central Asia and its evolving economic landscape, the programme connects international academic perspectives with regional development priorities. Applied coursework, research projects, and an independent master’s dissertation provide opportunities to explore contemporary economic questions and develop practical research and analytical skills.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in economic analysis, data science, policy research, and consulting across government, international organisations, development agencies, research institutions, and the private sector. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic study and research.

 

List of courses

MSc in Economics and Data Science

Subject Area

Course Code

Title

Core/ Elective

Actual Credits

Semester 1 

MEDS

5103

Statistics I

core

6

MEDS

5124

Research Design and Policy Analysis

core

6

MEDS

5111

Economic Policy I: Microeconomics

core

6

MEDS

5136

Programming and Data Analysis

core

6

MEDS

5101

Mathematical Foundations for Data Analysis

core

6

MSc in Economics and Data Science

Subject Area

Course Code

Title

Core/ Elective

Actual Credits

Semester 2 

MEDS

5202

Applied Econometrics

core

6

MEDS

5238

Applied Data Systems

core

6

MEDS

5213

Economic Policy II: Macroeconomics

core

6

MEDS

5224

Machine Learning for Policy Analysis

core

6

MEDS

5247

Elective I: Public Finance

elective

6

MEDS

5249

Elective I: Natural Resource and Environmental Economics

elective

6

MSc in Economics and Data Science

Subject Area

Course Code

Title

Core/ Elective

Actual Credits

Semester 3

MEDS

 

Programme Evaluation

core

6

MEDS

 

Data Ethics and AI Governance

core

2

MEDS

 

Master’s Thesis Research Practice I

core

10

MEDS

 

Elective II

elective

6

MEDS

 

Elective III

elective

6

MSc in Economics and Data Science

Subject Area

Course Code

Title

Core/ Elective

Actual Credits

Semester 4

MEDS

 

Master Thesis Research Practice II

core

7

MEDS

 

Teaching Practicum

core

3

MEDS

 

Master Thesis Defense

core

20