The globalisation of the world’s economy has affected every country in the world in varying degrees, but its most profound impact, arguably, has been upon the emerging economies of the Asia Pacific region. Over the last decade, the thrust of world economic growth has been in this part of the world, which registered the world’s highest average growth rates and is on course for another high-growth decade to start the next millennium.

At one end of the spectrum are the newly industrialised economies (NIEs) and economies of Northeast Asia, which are fast approaching the level of the advanced economies in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with a sustained pattern of steady economic growth. On the other end are developing countries such as Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos, which are forging new trade and political links with the international community after years of liberation. Between these extremes are the middle-income developing economies such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, which are striving to become the newest NIEs.

As it forges stronger ties with the international community through its expanding economic activity, the Asia Pacific region is compelled to train its human capital in the skills necessary to interface proficiently with its counterparts in other, often more competitive, economies. Competent professionals of the next decade must possess good analytic skills, an understanding of economics, investment theories, and international relations, as well as financial expertise and some legal knowledge. Mastery of this combination of disciplines will enable the next generation of professionals to become world-class human resources for the year 2000 and beyond.

An additional mandate is to respond to the demands of the international business community for economists with both a broad understanding of the technical aspects of international economics and a solid command of methodologies for the analysis of the global economy and the economic, legal and political forces that shape international competition.

The curriculum differs from that of an M.A. in Economics or a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in several significant ways. Offering an insightful understanding of both disciplines, the Programme concentrates upon developing the analytical skills required to support the decision-making process at the international level and upon broadening perspectives of theories and practices relevant to the global economic environment, in various areas such as financial markets, international law, politics and international business strategy.

The student gains exposure to the dynamics of international trade by working closely with professors and specialists from various nations and cultures, the acquisition of linguistic skills, and undertaking independent research assignments and consulting projects. The learning process begins with the curriculum but does not end there. The Programme is supplemented by seminars, conferences and informal meetings with professionals.

To fulfill requirements for the first two semesters, the student must first attend and pass the examinations of Basic and Core Courses. For the final semester, the student must select one of two options: writing a thesis or taking supplementary elective courses. Either option will be examined by the students’ respective supervisors. Upon successful completion of the third semester, the student is awarded a Master Degree in International Economics and Finance.

All students are required to take eight Basic and Core Courses in the first two semesters. The third semester is designated for thesis writing or supplementary elective courses Students who choose the thesis option must pass the Basic and Core Courses in the first two semesters and complete their theses and oral examinations in the third (summer) semester. Students who elect the other option are required to take four additional elective courses in the summer semester to complete a total of 12 courses in the three semesters. Additional semesters (not exceeding four academic years) are designed to accommodate elective course-option students who could not pass all 12 required courses in three semesters as well as those who must elevate their respective GPAXs to the degree requirement of 3.00.

The First Semester runs from June to September, with the last week of each month reserved for final examinations. Required courses are Basic and Core Courses, the foundation for more advanced courses in the Second Semester.

The courses are Quantitative Methods in Economic Analysis, Advanced Economic Theory I, Advanced Economic Theory II, International Finance.

The Second Semester, which runs from October to January, consists of more advanced courses. These include International Trade, International Banking and Financial Markets, Law for International Economics and Finance, Research Method and Workshop in International Economics and Finance.

The Third Semester, which runs from February to May, is devoted to thesis writing for the thesis-option students and elective courses for the elective course-option students.

Thesis-option students must complete all the required courses in the first two semesters, after which they prepare their theses while consulting with a committee of advisors. By the end of the third semester, each student must pass his/her thesis and oral examination.

Elective course-option students also must complete all the required work in the first two semesters before taking four elective courses. These include International Business Economics, Economics of International Investment, Political Economy of International Relations, International Financial and Investment Theory, Individual Study in International Economics* and Finance, Special Topic in International Economics and Finance

Elective course-option students must pass the Comprehensive Examination at the end of the third semester to complete the Program in one year.

For this one-month course, students have the option of completing individual study abroad at universities with which the Program’ cooperates. The study will be supervised by professors proposed by faculty. For further information, please contact the M.A. Programme Administration.

The academic performance of students is assessed according to the rules of the Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, whereby grades A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D, and F are conferred. Students must maintain a GPAX of 3.00 or B average, with successful examination of their theses or performance on their Comprehensive Examinations (depending on which third semester option is selected), in order to be conferred the Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance. The Comprehensive Examination takes place in January, May and September of each academic year.

All students who fulfill the requirements for the M.A Programme are classified as Regular students. Students who fail to maintain a GPAX of 3.00 will be placed on probation for the following semester. Students must have a minimum GPAX of 3.00 in order to be conferred the M.A. degree.

A student can be accepted to the M.A Programme under a special Discretionary Status if he/she has graduated from a discipline other than Economics with a GPAX of between 2.75 and 3.25, or if he/she has graduated from a Faculty of Economics with a relatively low GPAX. To continue in the Programme, Discretionary Status students must attain a GPA of 3.00 or higher for the first semester, at which point they are re-classified as Regular students.

Students who choose the elective-course option (12 courses and the Comprehensive Examination), must pass the Examination within a maximum of two academic years starting from the day of enrollment.

Students who choose the thesis option (eight courses and the thesis) must successfully defend their thesis proposals before the Academic Committee, within a maximum of two academic years starting from the day of enrollment.

Thesis-option students must complete and defend their theses before the Academic Committee within a maximum of four academic years starting from the day of enrollment.

Application Forms can be obtained from the Admissions Office, Centre of International Economics, Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University. Application Forms with all the accompanying documents must be sent to the Admissions Office no later than the end of February.

The following documents must be submitted with the Application Form:

1. Photograph of applicant
2. Photocopy of previous degrees
3. Photocopy of certificates
4. Cheque/money order for $US 25 or 625 baht payable to the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University
5. Official transcript from the college or university previous attended
6. Statement from employer confirming that leave will be granted (if applicable)
7. Copy of identification card
8. Copy of marriage certificate  (only if current name is different from that printed other  documents)
9. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), British Council, or equivalent English language test results
10. Recommendations from two unrelated persons who are able to evaluate academic and/or professional performance
11. Description of current vocation, responsibilities and activities (typed on no more than one A4 page)

The M.A. Programme in International Economics and Finance is open to all university graduates. The applicant must hold at least a bachelor degree or its equivalent from an accredited university, have a good command of the English language (see Part C, No. 3 below), and have a degree GPAX of 3.00 or higher. Special exceptions are made, however, for otherwise qualified candidates. See section on Discretionary Status Students in Part B, No. 5.

A background in economics or related disciplines is expected (a minimum of two economic courses throughout the applicant’s graduate studies). While work experience is not required, candidates with full-time work experience and relevant extra-curricular activities are always much appreciated.

A good command of written and spoken English is required, since all courses are taught in English. A significant part of the language preparation is normally completed prior to entry in the Programme.

The TOEFL or its equivalent is required for all non-native English speaking applicants. Proficiency must be demonstrated by a rating equivalent to a score of 500 or higher on the TOEFL, which indicates an ability to converse in social situations, read texts with full understanding and meet writing needs.

Examination of the student's English proficiency takes place before admission, if necessary, and is administered by the Chulalongkorn Language Center. Details of the language requirements are available from the Office of the M.A. Programme in International Economics and Finance.

Though not compulsory, a third language after the native language and English (second language if English is the native language) is also an asset because it enables students to consult a broader spectrum of reading material for their individual study or thesis research.

The Language Centre offers courses and facilities to students who need further lessons to achieve language proficiency.

For students, who need further study to prepare themselves for the M.A. Programme, the Faculty organises pre-sessional courses on economic subjects annually. Details of the pre-sessional courses are available at the M.A. Programme Office.

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