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M-A in Economics at Kirori Mal College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at Kirori Mal College Delhi?
This M.A. Economics program at Kirori Mal College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, focuses on rigorous theoretical and empirical training. It equips students with advanced analytical tools to understand complex economic phenomena in India and globally. The curriculum emphasizes both foundational economic principles and their application to real-world policy challenges, catering to the evolving demands of the Indian job market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for economics graduates seeking to deepen their quantitative and analytical skills for research, policy analysis, or corporate roles. It also suits individuals with strong mathematical aptitude and a keen interest in economic issues, including working professionals aiming for advanced roles in finance, government, or development organizations. Prerequisites typically include a solid undergraduate background in Economics or a related field.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India across diverse sectors. Roles in economic consulting, data analytics, financial services, public policy, and research are common. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong theoretical foundation also prepares students for PhD studies or roles in international organizations, contributing to India''''s economic growth trajectory.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic Theories and Mathematics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly grasp Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics fundamentals. Leverage online resources like MIT OpenCourseware, NPTEL, and academic journals for deeper understanding. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts and solve problem sets collaboratively, building a strong analytical base for advanced coursework.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, MIT OpenCourseware, Past year question papers, Study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in entrance exams for PhD programs, analytical roles, and securing research assistantships, enhancing your profile for future placements.
Develop Quantitative and Software Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond theoretical econometrics, gain hands-on experience with statistical software. Practice data analysis using R or Python with libraries like ''''statsmodels'''' and ''''pandas''''. Utilize online tutorials and practice datasets to build a portfolio of econometric projects. This will be invaluable for applied economics and data science roles.
Tools & Resources
R/Python programming, Coursera/edX courses on data science, Kaggle datasets, Stata/EViews tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in econometric software is a key differentiator for analytics, research, and consulting jobs, directly improving your employability in India''''s data-driven economy.
Engage in Departmental Research Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Actively attend weekly research seminars organized by the Department of Economics, University of Delhi. These sessions expose you to cutting-edge research and diverse methodologies. Interact with faculty and visiting scholars to understand current economic discourse and identify areas of interest for your future research or specialization.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Journal articles discussed, Networking with faculty
Career Connection
Early exposure to research helps in identifying potential thesis topics, securing mentorships, and preparing for research-oriented roles in think tanks or academia.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specializations through Electives and Projects- (Semester 3)
Carefully select elective courses in areas like Finance, Development, or Public Economics based on your career interests. Undertake small research projects or term papers in these specialized areas. Seek faculty guidance to explore these subjects in depth, potentially leading to a publishable working paper or strong project portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Academic databases (JSTOR, EconLit), Specialized textbooks
Career Connection
Focused specialization makes you a targeted candidate for specific industry roles, such as financial analyst, development consultant, or policy researcher in India.
Seek Internships for Practical Exposure- (Semester 3)
Actively apply for summer or part-time internships at economic research firms, government organizations (e.g., NITI Aayog, RBI), banks, or consulting companies. Gain practical experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing. Internships are crucial for understanding industry demands and building professional networks.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Naukri.com, Internshala
Career Connection
Internships convert into full-time offers or provide valuable experience that significantly enhances your resume for placements in competitive Indian job markets.
Participate in Economic Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Join economics-themed case competitions, essay contests, or data challenges organized by various colleges or industry bodies. Attend workshops on advanced econometric techniques or specific economic modeling software. This hones problem-solving skills, builds confidence, and adds impressive achievements to your profile.
Tools & Resources
College cultural/academic societies, Economic forums, Industry-led workshops
Career Connection
Participation demonstrates initiative and practical skill application, highly valued by recruiters for analytical and problem-solving roles.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Strong Thesis or Research Project- (Semester 4)
Focus on a well-defined research question for your dissertation or capstone project. Conduct rigorous literature review, collect and analyze data, and present your findings effectively. This showcases independent research capability and deep understanding of a specific economic area.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation advisor, Statistical software (Stata, R, Python), Referencing tools (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
A strong thesis can be a conversation starter in interviews, open doors to research roles, or even be a basis for academic publications, demonstrating significant expertise.
Tailor Skills for Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Align your skills and resume with target job profiles. Practice quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and case studies commonly asked in placement interviews for economic consulting, analytics, and finance roles. Attend mock interviews and participate in resume-building workshops offered by the college''''s placement cell.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, Online aptitude tests, Case interview prep books, Company-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Targeted preparation is vital for securing competitive placements in India''''s leading organizations, ensuring you are market-ready upon graduation.
Cultivate a Professional Network- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, industry professionals, and faculty. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and alumni meet-ups. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target fields. A robust professional network can provide mentorship, job leads, and career insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Industry conferences, Informational interviews
Career Connection
Networking is instrumental for discovering hidden job opportunities, gaining industry insights, and securing referrals that are often critical for career advancement in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must hold a B.A. (Hons.) Economics from the University of Delhi with at least 55% marks, OR B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. (Hons.) in any subject or B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. from a recognized University with at least 60% aggregate and 50% in Economics or Mathematics at graduation level, OR M.A./M.Sc. in any subject with 60% aggregate and 50% in Economics or Mathematics at graduation, OR B.Tech./B.E. with at least 60% aggregate. Admission requires qualifying the CUET-PG.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-C001 | Microeconomic Theory I | Core | 4 | Consumer Theory and Choice, Producer Theory and Cost, Market Structures and Equilibrium, General Equilibrium Theory, Welfare Economics |
| MEC-C002 | Macroeconomic Theory I | Core | 4 | Classical and Keynesian Models, Consumption and Investment Theories, Money, Banking and Inflation, Open Economy Macroeconomics, Economic Fluctuations |
| MEC-C003 | Econometrics I | Core | 4 | Classical Linear Regression Model, Violations of Classical Assumptions, Generalized Least Squares, Instrumental Variables, Hypothesis Testing and Estimation |
| MEC-C004 | Mathematical Methods for Economics | Core | 4 | Real Analysis and Functions, Optimization Techniques, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Dynamic Systems |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-C005 | Microeconomic Theory II | Core | 4 | Game Theory Fundamentals, Asymmetric Information, Externalities and Public Goods, Mechanism Design, Auctions and Market Design |
| MEC-C006 | Macroeconomic Theory II | Core | 4 | Economic Growth Theories, Real Business Cycle Models, New Keynesian Economics, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Labor Markets and Unemployment |
| MEC-C007 | Econometrics II | Core | 4 | Panel Data Econometrics, Limited Dependent Variable Models, Time Series Analysis, Non-Stationary Data, Dynamic Panel Models |
| MEC-C008 | Public Economics | Core | 4 | Public Goods and Externalities, Taxation Theory and Policy, Public Expenditure Analysis, Fiscal Federalism, Indian Fiscal System |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-C009 | Development Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of Economic Development, Poverty and Inequality, Human Capital and Health, Institutions and Governance, Globalisation and Development |
| MEC-C010 | Indian Economic Policy | Core | 4 | Growth and Structural Change in India, Agricultural and Industrial Policy, Fiscal and Monetary Policy in India, Trade and Investment Policies, Social Sector Development |
| MEC-E001 | International Trade | Elective | 4 | Classical and Neo-classical Trade Theories, New Trade Theories, Trade Policy and Welfare, International Factor Movements, Multilateral Trade Agreements |
| MEC-E002 | Game Theory | Elective | 4 | Normal Form Games, Extensive Form Games, Repeated Games, Bayesian Games, Mechanism Design |
| MEC-E003 | Environmental Economics | Elective | 4 | Environmental Externalities, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Valuation of Environmental Resources, Environmental Policy Instruments, Climate Change Economics |
| MEC-E004 | Financial Economics | Elective | 4 | Financial Markets and Instruments, Portfolio Theory, Asset Pricing Models, Market Efficiency, Derivatives and Risk Management |
| MEC-E005 | Agricultural Economics | Elective | 4 | Agricultural Production and Supply, Land Markets and Policies, Food Security and Nutrition, Agricultural Price Policy, Rural Development |
| MEC-E015 | Computational Economics | Elective | 4 | Numerical Methods, Simulation Techniques, Dynamic Programming, Agent-Based Modeling, Computational Tools for Economics |
| MEC-E016 | Regional Economics | Elective | 4 | Theories of Regional Growth, Location Theory, Regional Inequality, Urbanization and Economic Development, Regional Policy |
| MEC-E017 | Econometrics of Financial Markets | Elective | 4 | Time Series in Finance, Volatility Models (ARCH/GARCH), High-Frequency Data Analysis, Contagion and Spillovers, Market Microstructure |
| MEC-E018 | Economics of Gender | Elective | 4 | Gender and Labor Markets, Household Bargaining, Gender and Development, Education and Health Outcomes, Gender-Sensitive Policy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEC-C011 | Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Economic Growth, Poverty Traps and Inequality, Human Capital and Health, Institutions and Economic Performance, Role of State in Development |
| MEC-C012 | Open Economy Macroeconomics | Core | 4 | Exchange Rate Determination, Balance of Payments, International Capital Flows, Monetary and Fiscal Policy in Open Economy, International Monetary System |
| MEC-E006 | International Finance | Elective | 4 | Foreign Exchange Markets, Exchange Rate Regimes, International Parity Conditions, Financial Crises, Optimal Currency Areas |
| MEC-E007 | Industrial Economics | Elective | 4 | Market Structure and Performance, Oligopoly Theory, Product Differentiation, Mergers and Acquisitions, Regulation and Competition Policy |
| MEC-E008 | Labour Economics | Elective | 4 | Labor Supply and Demand, Human Capital Theory, Wage Determination, Unemployment and Vacancies, Labor Market Institutions in India |
| MEC-E009 | Health Economics | Elective | 4 | Demand for Health and Healthcare, Health Production Function, Health Insurance, Healthcare Market Failures, Indian Healthcare System |
| MEC-E010 | Urban Economics | Elective | 4 | Urban Growth Theories, Land Use and Rent, Urban Transportation, Housing Markets, Urban Environmental Issues |
| MEC-E011 | Applied Econometrics | Elective | 4 | Causal Inference, Program Evaluation Methods, Difference-in-Differences, Regression Discontinuity, Machine Learning in Econometrics |
| MEC-E012 | Time Series Econometrics | Elective | 4 | Stationary and Non-Stationary Processes, ARIMA Models, Cointegration, Vector Autoregressions (VAR), GARCH Models |
| MEC-E013 | Behavioral Economics | Elective | 4 | Heuristics and Biases, Prospect Theory, Intertemporal Choice, Social Preferences, Nudges and Policy Implications |
| MEC-E014 | Economics of Education | Elective | 4 | Returns to Education, Education Production Function, Financing Education, Education and Inequality, Policy Interventions in Education |
| MEC-E019 | Experimental Economics | Elective | 4 | Experimental Design Principles, Lab and Field Experiments, Behavioral Game Theory, Market Experiments, Policy Applications of Experiments |
| MEC-E020 | Economics of Crime | Elective | 4 | Rational Choice Models of Crime, Deterrence and Punishment, Causes of Crime, Economic Impact of Crime, Crime Prevention Policies |
