student handbook for the master of science programs in · msc student handbook 2 document history...

The rules and regulations recorded in the Student Handbook have been ratified by the Faculty and Program Board. The requirements specified in Appendix 4 are, however, decided by the Vice President Degree Programs as delegated by the Faculty and Program Board. This document is updated on an as-needed basis. The most recent version is published by the Academic Support & Records and posted on the SSE webpage (www.hhs.se) and on the SSE Portal. The document history (below) lists the changes made since publication of the first version of the document. Latest update: 2015-07-03

Student Handbook for the Master of Science Programs in:

International Business (CEMS MIM)

Business & Management

Specialization in Management

Specialization in Marketing & Media Management

Economics

Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis

Specialization in International Economics

Finance

Specialization in Corporate Finance

Specialization in Investment Management

Accounting & Financial Management

VALID FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED FROM YEAR 2012

http://www.hhs.se/

MSc Student Handbook

2

DOCUMENT HISTORY The following changes concerning rules and regulations have been made to the content since the first version of the Student Handbook for the MSc Programs was published on 2012-08-16: 2012-10-01 Chapter 3 Decisions on exemptions from the rule about maximum period of study, postponement of the program start, formal leave of absence, as well as on study pace requirements are made from 2012-10-01 by a counselor who deals with the case. 2012-12-17 Chapter 3 Updated rules of the correction and review of the course grades; updated regulations at the exam; updated graduation requirements for students in MSc-PhD parallel enrollment. Changed availability of XTM during year 1. 2013-10-01 Appendix 4 Degree requirements for the MSc in International Business added. 2014-02-11 Chapter 1 Updated information about the insurance for students; Appendix 4 Updated specified degree requirements for MECON. 2014-05-30 Updated names in the MSc programs’ portfolio (Chapter 1). 2015-01-30 Updated study aids allowed in an examination (Chapter 3). 2015-06-01 Chapter 2 Updated due to changes in the Rules of Procedure for the SSE. 2015-07-03 Updated Appendix 3 Student Pledge Person responsible for the document history: Susanne Hansson, Academic Support & Records ([email protected]).

mailto:[email protected]


3

PREFACE

This MSc Student Handbook is a compilation of information, regulations and guidelines that are relevant to you as a student at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE). It is intended for students enrolled in the Master of Science (MSc) programs in International Business (CEMS MIM), Business & Management (MBM), Economics (MECON), Finance (MFIN), and Accounting and Financial Management (MAFM). The overall purpose is to inform you about what regulations apply and to help you prepare for, and complete your studies. It contains an overview of the curriculum (Chapter 2) for each program, as well as the academic regulations (Chapter 3). These academic regulations govern the relationship between SSE and you. The regulations stipulate and specify the responsibilities and rights you have as a student. One of your basic responsibilities is to stay informed about regulations and guidelines that are in effect during your studies. You will find information about individual courses on the SSE Portal. The Student Support will also provide you with information about various services offered at the school. Pär Åhlström, Vice President Degree Programs Person legally responsible for this document: Pär Åhlström, Vice President Degree Programs ([email protected]).



4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR STUDIES AT SSE ............................................................ 7

1.1 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................... 8

1.2 TEACHING AND LEARNING .............................................................................................................. 8

1.3 SSE PORTAL ....................................................................................................................................... 9

1.4 REGISTRATION AND WITHDRAWAL ................................................................................................. 9

1.5 ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 9

1.6 STUDENT EVALUATIONS AND SURVEYS ......................................................................................... 10

1.7 SERVICES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS .............................................................................................. 11

1.8 SSE ALUMNI ..................................................................................................................................... 11

1.9 STUDENT ASSOCIATION (SASSE) ................................................................................................. 11

1.10 STUDENT INSURANCE .................................................................................................................... 12

2 OVERVIEW OF THE SSE MSC PROGRAMS ............................................................................. 13

2.1 MSC IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (MIB) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ....................................... 15

2.2 MSC IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (MBM) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ................................ 17

2.2.1 Specialization in Management ............................................................................... 17

2.2.2 Specialization in Marketing & Media Management ................................... 18

2.3 MSC IN ECONOMICS (MECON) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION .................................................. 20

2.3.1 Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis .................................................. 20

2.3.2 Specialization in International Economics ......................................................... 21

2.4 MSC IN FINANCE (MFIN) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ................................................................ 23

2.4.1 Specialization in Corporate Finance .................................................................... 23

2.4.2 Specialization in Investment Management ...................................................... 24

2.5 MSC IN ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (MAFM) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 26

2.6 OVERVIEW OF OPTIONAL PROGRAM/SPECIALIZATION COMPONENTS .................................. 27

2.6.1 Student Exchange Program ...................................................................................... 27

2.6.2 CEMS Master in International Management (CEMS MIM) ........................ 27

2.6.3 Executive Trainee Module (XTM) ............................................................................ 27

3 SSE ACADEMIC REGULATIONS ............................................................................................ 28

3.1 PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS .......................................................................................... 28

3.1.1 Degree Requirements .................................................................................................. 28

3.1.2 Maximum Period of Study .......................................................................................... 28

3.1.3 Transfer of Credits ........................................................................................................... 29

3.1.4 Study Pace Requirements .......................................................................................... 30

3.1.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) .................................................................................... 30

3.1.6 Tuition Fees ......................................................................................................................... 31

3.1.7 Academic Misconduct ............................................................................................... 31

3.1.8 Regulations for Optional Program/Specialization Components ........... 31

3.2 COURSE RULES AND REGULATIONS .............................................................................................. 34

3.2.1 Registration and Withdrawal .................................................................................... 34

3.2.2 Rules and Regulations for Course Grading ....................................................... 35

3.3 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ASSESSING STUDENT LEARNING ............................................... 37

3.3.1 Rules and Regulations for Partial Examinations .............................................. 37

3.3.2 Rules and Regulations for Written Examinations ............................................ 38


5

3.3.3 Rules and Regulations for Other Forms of Assessment................................ 43

3.4 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE MASTER THESIS .................................................................... 43

3.4.1 Prerequisites ....................................................................................................................... 43

3.4.2 Time Period and Format .............................................................................................. 43

3.4.3 Writing the Thesis with a Student from a Different

Program/Specialization or University ............................................................................... 44

3.4.4 Writing Abroad or Having a Supervisor from another University ............ 44

3.4.5 Supervisor and Examiner ............................................................................................. 44

3.5 MSC-PHD PARALLEL ENROLLMENT ............................................................................................. 44

3.5.1 Requirements for MSc Graduation for Students in MSc-PhD Parallel

Enrollment ....................................................................................................................................... 45

3.6 DEGREE CERTIFICATE ...................................................................................................................... 46

3.6.1 Application for a Degree ........................................................................................... 46

3.6.2 Turn-around Time ............................................................................................................ 46

3.7 OTHER REGULATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 46

APPENDIX 1: LINKS ................................................................................................................ 47

APPENDIX 2: TRANSITION RULES .............................................................................................. 48

APPENDIX 3: STUDENT PLEDGE ................................................................................................ 49

APPENDIX 4: SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH PROGRAM/SPECIALIZATION FOR

STUDENTS ADMITTED FROM 2012 ............................................................................................ 50

1 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (INCLUDING CEMS MIM) .. 50

1.1 Mandatory Courses ........................................................................................................... 50

1.2 Elective Courses .................................................................................................................. 51

1.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis ............................................................... 51

1.4 Additional Degree Requirements .............................................................................. 51

1.5 Information on Additional CEMS MIM Degree Requirements .................... 52

2 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (MBM) .............. 53

2.1 SPECIALIZATION IN MANAGEMENT .................................................................................. 53

2.2.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses ............................................ 53

2.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) ....... 53

2.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis ........................................................... 53

2.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components ................................. 54

2.2.5 Additional Degree Requirements .......................................................................... 54

2.2 SPECIALIZATION IN MARKETING & MEDIA MANAGEMENT .......................................... 54






3 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN ECONOMICS (MECON) .............................. 56

3.1 SPECIALIZATION IN APPLIED ECONOMIC ANALYSIS ................................................................... 56







6

3.2 SPECIALIZATION IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS ...................................................................... 59






4 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

(MAFM) .............................................................................................................................. 62

4.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses ............................................... 62

4.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) ........... 62

4.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis ............................................................... 62

4.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components ..................................... 63

4.5 Additional Degree Requirements .............................................................................. 63

5 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN FINANCE & ACCOUNTING (MFINA) ............ 64

5.1 SPECIALIZATION IN CORPORATE FINANCE .................................................................................. 64






5.2 SPECIALIZATION IN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ......................................................................... 68







7

1 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR STUDIES AT SSE “The aim of the Stockholm School of Economics is to promote the advancement of business in Sweden through academic education and research” (SSE Charter section 1, §1 1909). More than 100 years have passed since the first students began their studies at SSE, and this aim has remained intact and continues to guide the School's activities and priorities. However, the internationalization of Swedish economic life, globalization in general and the internationalization of higher education have led SSE to extend its outlook, reach and its activities well beyond the borders of Sweden. At present SSE offers the following degree programs:

Three-year Bachelor of Science Program in Business and Economics (Stockholm)

Three-year Bachelor of Science Program in Retail Management (Stockholm)

Two-year Master of Science Program in International Business (Stockholm)

Two-year Master of Science Program in Business & Management (Stockholm)

Two-year Master of Science Program in Finance (Stockholm)

Two-year Master of Science Program in Accounting & Financial Management (Stockholm)

Two-year Master of Science Program in Economics (Stockholm)

Two-year Master of Science Program in General Management (Stockholm)

Four-year PhD Program in Business Administration (Stockholm)

Four-year PhD Program in Economics (Stockholm)

Four-year PhD Program in Finance (Stockholm)

SSE MBA Executive Format (Stockholm)

Executive MBA Program (Riga)

Executive MBA program (Russia)

SSE also offers four double-degree programs at the master's level:

CEMS Master in International Management (CEMS MIM) together with CEMS, the

Global Alliance in Management Education.1

Double-degree program in Finance together with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi,

Italy.

Double-degree program in Economics with the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland.

Double-degree program with Sciences Po, France.

SSE works in close collaboration with the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga), where a BSc program in Economics & Business and executive education programs are offered. The Bachelor of Science programs are intended mainly for those who are recent secondary school graduates with outstanding grades and with limited or no work experience. The Master of Science programs provide an advanced-level education and are intended for students who already hold a bachelor degree. The Doctoral programs are intended for students with a university degree

1 CEMS is a global alliance of leading business schools and multinational companies, see also http://www.cems.org/

http://www.cems.org/


8

in one of the economic disciplines, meanwhile executive education programs are offered for the students with the relevant professional experience.

1.1 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The programs of the Stockholm School of Economics are characterized by an open atmosphere with an emphasis on student attendance and active participation. Students are represented in all decision-making and some advisory bodies. Through your student representatives, you can convey your views on matters, such as program design. You can also convey your views directly to the teachers or the program directors. You are obliged to evaluate each course you attend using a web-based evaluation tool. You have rights, but you also have responsibilities as a student. SSE expects that you follow SSE's code of conduct embodied in a number of policies and governing ordinances. This means that you show respect for other students, faculty, staff and SSE guests and that you act towards others in such a way as to uphold and promote the reputation of the Stockholm School of Economics. SSE's policy states that everyone should be treated equally regardless of religion, ethnicity, sexual preference, social background, disability etc.2 The Faculty and Program Board at SSE handles the matters of discrimination, harassment or grave misconduct. You must be aware of the regulations that apply to studies and examinations as well as the guidelines for being on SSE's premises. For more information about the academic regulations see Chapter 3. When you are admitted to the Stockholm School of Economics, you sign a pledge by which you acknowledge and accept these regulations and SSE's rights to modify them and make decisions based on them (Appendix 3).

1.2 TEACHING AND LEARNING The academic year is divided into four teaching periods, period 1 and 2 in the fall and period 3 and 4 in the spring. Each period ends with an exam period. The fall semester takes place between August and January and the spring semester between January and June. Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, projects and other assignments. Group instruction, projects, and written assignments are common and may be assigned to individuals or groups. While you can book a place in one of the SSE's computer rooms, it is good to have access to your own computer. There is a wireless network at SSE so you can work anywhere. A cornerstone of the pedagogical approach for all MSc programs is attendance and interaction. The learning process is based on close interaction among students and between students and faculty, both of which require substantial presence on the SSE premises. Studies at SSE proceed on a full-time basis and require that you set aside the time needed. It is not recommended to work or pursue other studies at the same time, so these are not acceptable grounds for missing compulsory parts of a program, nor are other voluntary activities, including those within the Student Association (SASSE). In a course that carries 7.5 ECTS credits3

2 Equality at SSE, see more here: http://www.hhs.se/About/Equality/Pages/default.aspx 3 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits; hereinafter referred to as ECTS credits or credits.

http://www.hhs.se/About/Equality/Pages/default.aspx


9

(1.5 ECTS credits are equal to one week of full-time studies) there may be 2-3 in-class teaching sessions a week. A teaching session usually consists of two lectures or seminars (45 minutes each). Generally, students study two courses in parallel, which means that the scheduled instruction is 4-6 lectures or seminars per week (8-12 hours). In addition to this, time should be spent on preparation, group work and the student's individual studying of course material, which together with formal instruction in total is about 40 hours a week.

Teachers and administrative staff are willing to provide help and support, but you are the one responsible for ensuring that your studies are successful. If you experience some problems following the study pace of the program or have difficulty developing good study routines, you may contact a study counselor.

1.3 SSE PORTAL Through SSE Portal (https://portal.hhs.se/) you can conduct functions such as viewing important course and program announcements, registering for courses, checking your schedule, accessing e-mail, and ordering transcripts or letters of enrolment. To access the SSE Portal, please use your SSE registration number as your username. The SSE Portal is the most important information channel at SSE and all important information is uploaded to the Portal.

1.4 REGISTRATION AND WITHDRAWAL Students have to register for all courses, seminar groups, and exams and give notification of withdrawal from any of these on the SSE Portal. Read more in Section 3.2.1. Registering for a course is done on the My upcoming courses page on the SSE Portal or on the course's website during the registration period, which takes place in the term prior to the course being given – usually in April/May for fall courses and November/December for spring courses. You will find the exact dates for each registration period under the Student Support.

1.5 ASSESSMENT Teachers may assess your performance in a course in various ways and by combining different forms of assessment such as written examinations, written assignments, projects, presentations and in some cases formal oral examinations. On the basis of these assessments you receive a grade for each course. Courses are graded on a scale where A, B, C, D, E represent passing grades (with A being the highest grade) and Fx and F represent failing grades. Please see Section 3.2.2 for more information.

Academic requirements are described in Chapter 3 and in Appendix 4.

You will be automatically registered for some courses, but you have to register for other courses on your own. See the academic regulations in Section 3.2.1. Read what regulations apply for registering for exams in Section 3.3.2.

https://portal.hhs.se/


10

Assessment at SSE is based upon explicit Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs). These are formulated for each course and included in each course description. They describe in specific terms what you should know after completing a course. In order to earn a passing grade in a course, you must attain all learning outcomes for that course. In order to ensure fairness and academic integrity, all student performance on assessments is governed by the SSE Disciplinary Regulations. All instances of academic misconduct will be reported and investigated, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken. Read more in Section 3.1.7.

1.6 STUDENT EVALUATIONS AND SURVEYS

Course Evaluations

All SSE courses are evaluated. After you have participated in a course, you are obliged to complete an evaluation of the course where all participants express their opinions anonymously. This is an important tool for maintaining high quality and continuously improving the courses, as well as one factor among others that determines teacher salaries and employment conditions. It also means that students and the teacher in charge can make relevant comparisons between courses and follow developments over time. Course evaluations are posted on the relevant website, as well as compiled quarterly in the quality reports, regardless of the form (or combination of forms) the evaluation has taken.

Other Evaluations

As SSE continuously improves its programs and services, it is also necessary to conduct a range of other evaluations during and after programs. The aim of these evaluations is to align the programs and services with the SSE vision and with student needs. For these reasons, it is of a great importance that SSE receives student input in order to further develop its programs.

Alumni Surveys

As an alumna/alumnus you will also receive surveys from SSE, such as the Placement Report survey, surveys for program rankings and surveys for long-term program development. The Placement Report presents data on SSE's alumni's career paths and is a service to students and prospective students interested in the career potential provided by SSE programs. SSE also conducts surveys as a basis for school and program rankings, which are important for SSE's competitive positioning and for prospective students when they choose schools. Surveys intended for program development purposes may also be distributed, for example to examine the relative importance and usefulness of different program components in a long-term career perspective.

Responding to our surveys is an important way to support SSE and ensure the quality of its future offerings and graduates.

http://www.hhs.se/se/Education/Documents/DisciplinaryRegulations.pdf


11

1.7 SERVICES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS

Academic Support & Records and Program Office

Student counseling, special needs and assistance in resolving student-health issues, formal grade transcripts, degree certificates, examinations, system support, scheduling, statistics, and central course administration are the main areas of responsibility of the Academic Support & Records department. For further information please see under the Student Support on the SSE Portal. Questions concerning program marketing, student recruitment, admissions, central course evaluation, program support, quality assurance, and student exchange are handled by the Program Office.

SSE Library

The SSE Library functions as the principal information resource for SSE students, offering a vast array of printed and digital resources within business and economics. Apart from a major collection of printed books and journals, the library offers printed textbooks and reference collections, electronic books and journals, some 60 databases, reference management tools, and interlibrary loans from other libraries. All students writing their Master thesis can contact the library to arrange the time for individual instruction in the use of the library resources. For more information, please see the Library website (www.hhs.se/library).

IT Services

The IT Support group is available to support you in all IT related issues. You can contact them by phone, email or visit them outside the computer labs at Saltmätargatan, 13-17. For contact information and a list of IT-related services available for you as a student, please see the IT Support page on the SSE Portal. You can also have your laptop configured such that you can access Eduroam, the worldwide internet service for university students, researchers and staff.

1.8 SSE ALUMNI SSE alumni have access to a unique network that is useful both in your personal and professional life. SSE Alumni Office handles alumni affairs and welcomes your thoughts and ideas at [email protected].

1.9 STUDENT ASSOCIATION (SASSE) The Student Association at SSE (SASSE) is a non-political, non-religious organization that has about 2000 members from the BSc, MSc, and PhD programs. SASSE exists thanks to the strong drive and commitment among the students and their wish to have fun and develop as a community. The purpose of SASSE is fundamentally to care for the joint interests of the students, which roughly can be summarized in educational coverage, extracurricular activities, and career services. Please refer to the Master Guide (is sent out to the new students) and the SASSE website (www.sasse.se) for more information.

http://www.hhs.se/library


http://www.sasse.se/




12

1.10 STUDENT INSURANCE All students (including PhD students) registered at SSE are insured by the Stockholm School of Economics via IF (accident insurance) and via ERV (travel insurance). The insurance covers medical treatment and travel due to medical treatment for accidents that occur during SSE and SASSE activities. Students should have a Swedish personal identity number (personnumer) and should be registered in the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). The insurance does not cover accidents outside the SSE premises, and the travel insurance is valid only for the travels organized by the school. Before traveling, students are encouraged to study the conditions for their home and/or travel insurance. If an accident has happened, contact IF (www.if.se) or via phone 0771 815 818. If something happens during the school trip, contact ERV’s assistance company Euro-Alarm, that is open 24/7. Tel: +46 770 456 919.

http://www.if.se/


13

2 OVERVIEW OF THE SSE MSC PROGRAMS SSE provides a range of Master of Science programs. Described in this handbook are MSc in International Business (MIB), MSc in Business & Management (MBM), MSc in Economics (MECON), MSc in Finance (MFIN), and MSc in Accounting and Financial Management (MAFM).

Introduction to the SSE MSc Programs

An overall aim of the SSE MSc programs programs is to provide individuals who have earned a bachelor degree with advanced knowledge, skills and abilities within a specific subject area, as well as a solid foundation for assuming general management positions. The programs combine a strong theoretical base with a high level of practical application.

Graduates will be highly qualified to assume advanced early-career positions in the private sector, non-governmental organizations and the public sector and to immediately contribute to value creation in these positions. The programs also provide an excellent basis for pursuing PhD studies at SSE or other institutions. The language of instruction is English.

Each SSE MSc program consists of two years of full-time studies (120 ECTS credits4). In the MIB, MBM, MECON, MFIN and MAFM programs, students deepen their knowledge in the main subject of their chosen program (60 ECTS credits); either specialize further or broaden their understanding through independent elective courses (30 ECTS credits) and write a Master thesis (30 ECTS credits). It is also possible to participate in the SSE Student Exchange Program, CEMS Program or the Executive Trainee Module (see Section 2.4.3). For some of the programs/specializations an international component is mandatory. Double degree offerings are also available.

The Master thesis is a project with a scope of 30 ECTS credits (i.e. the equivalent of 20 weeks full-time work) where a student must show that he/she can independently identify and analyze a problem and then present and defend a thesis that adheres to the relevant academic conventions. The thesis should pose a theoretical, methodological and/or empirical challenge, illustrating the student's ability to think systematically and critically while also showing an ability to collect, interpret and discuss data and literature. The format will vary across programs but a common feature is academic rigor.

Students interested in pursuing PhD studies at SSE may apply for admission to the PhD program during their first year of the MSc program and may combine the final year of their MSc studies with the first PhD year, so called MSc-PhD parallel enrollment (see Section 3.5).

Since studies are full-time, you must ensure that any other commitments you might have will not interfere with your fulfilling your academic obligations, including (but not limited to) individual studies, exams, class sessions, group work and team-based projects.

All programs begin with the introduction days. Those are intended not only to welcome new students, but also to provide newcomers with an overview of SSE as an institution of higher education and to help all students to understand what to expect from their studies, learn more about their opportunities for the future, and to understand better what SSE expects of them. The introduction days are arranged jointly by SSE and the Student Association at SSE (SASSE).

4 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits; hereinafter referred to as ECTS credits or credits.


14

Governance of SSE MSc Programs The governance and management of SSE MSc Programs are conducted primarily through the following decision-making bodies and positions:

Faculty & Program Board (FPB)

The Faculty & Program Board consists of the following delegates:

The President (chair)

The Vice President Degree Programs

All SSE Heads of Departments

Two student representatives

Two faculty representatives appointed by the Faculty Forum

The Director of Research (adjunct member)

Anyone coopted to the meeting by the President

The Faculty and Program Board decides on the following matters: education issues, recruitment and promotion issues, equality issues, and scholarship and award issues.

Vice President Degree Programs

The Vice President Degree Programs has the overall responsibility for the SSE Degree Programs. Within the framework provided by the FPB the Vice President Degree Programs is responsible for the review, follow-up and coordination of all programs.

Program Committee MSc Programs

The Program Committee MSc Programs consists of the following delegates:

The Vice President Degree Programs (chair)

The Program Directors for all MSc Programs

The Program Director CEMS

Two student representatives

Program Coordinator MSc (adjunct member)

The Program Committee MSc Programs is an advisory body to the Program Directors for MSc Programs. Within the framework provided by the FPB, the focus is the competitiveness, content and quality of the MSc Programs.

Program Directors

Program Directors are responsible for one or more Degree Programs. Within the framework provided by the FPB, the Program Directors are responsible for the content, delivery and quality of their program


15

Student Influence

The Student Association at SSE (SASSE) is represented in all decision-taking bodies at SSE. In addition there is also a focus group for each cohort. They consist of two students for each program/specialization and normally meet twice per semester.

2.1 MSC IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (MIB) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The program provides training that helps students master the challenges of management and strategy in global organizations. The program combines advanced analytical training with active learning in real projects together with SSE and CEMS corporate partners.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) Upon completion of the program, students will possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

To possess deep and integrated understanding of how international firms and organizations function.

To translate international business issues and management challenges into structured, actionable problems, develop solutions and communicate these problems and solutions in a clear and convincing way.

To navigate international firms and organizations and achieve results that benefit the organizations, its stakeholders, and society.

To manage oneself, others and businesses with the highest standards of ethical and social responsibility and professional integrity.

To reflect critically and creatively on experiences in light of previous learning.

Program Overview Year 1: Students follow core courses in management and strategy (45 ECTS credits) and conduct one research project (15 ECTS). Two international trips further expand the international perspective. Year 2: Students follow the CEMS MIM curriculum, which implies two core courses in strategy and management (15 ECTS), independent electives (30 ECTS) and a Business Project (15 ECTS). One semester is spent on exchange at a CEMS partner school. Additional components, such as a CEMS Block Seminar are required for the CEMS MIM certificate but not for the MIB degree.


16

Year 1

Year 2

Program Courses CEMS MIM Core Courses

International Field Trip Independent Electives

Research Project CEMS MIM Exchange Semester

International Study Trip CEMS Business Project

(International Internship)

You can find more information about individual courses on the courses' websites, which can be accessed via the SSE Portal and the SSE's external website.


17

2.2 MSC IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (MBM) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The two year Master of Science program in Business & Management (120 ECTS credits) offers specializations in Management and Marketing & Media Management. The program is based on a unique live pedagogy, where much of the learning takes place in real projects, solving problems for real clients who expect real results. By continuously connecting theory and practice, the program ensures that the students not only learn about creating, developing, running and leading businesses, but also to develop as an individual and refine their management capabilities. Figure 2: Overview of the MBM Program

2.2.1 Specialization in Management The specialization's aim is to enable the students to translate new ideas into direct action and make better decisions. Through live innovation projects, consulting projects, and change projects students are expected to act as a professional consultant and deliver concrete results. In addition, the specialization will deepen the knowledge in the area of management and develop the student as a leader with analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

Upon completion of the program, students are expected to possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

To translate theoretical and research-based knowledge and models into business value.

To understand and deal with the complexities of working in an advisory/consulting role in different contexts.

To reflect critically on learning and personal development in relation to experience gained in practice.

To translate complex business issues and management challenges into structured problems, develop solutions and communicate these problems and solutions in a well-structured and convincing way.

To demonstrate an elaborate understanding of contemporary theories and approaches to leadership and be able to identify and analyze management and leadership issues with the help of these theories.

Business & Management

(MBM)

Management

Marketing and Media

Management


18

Specialization Overview Year 1: Students deepen their knowledge in the main subjects in the specialization Management (60 ECTS credits). Students may also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester), and successful applicants must take 30 ECTS credits in the main subject during year 2 instead. Year 2: Students take independent elective courses (30 ECTS credits) and write a Master thesis (30 ECTS credits). Students can apply for the Student Exchange Program or the CEMS Program and take independent elective courses at one of SSE's partner institutions. Students may also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester).

Year 1

Year 2

Specialization Courses Independent Electives (may be fulfilled through an optional program component)

Executive Trainee Module (optional) Master Thesis

Student Exchange Program (optional)

CEMS MIM Program (optional)

Executive Trainee Module (optional)


2.2.2 Specialization in Marketing & Media Management The specialization comprises mandatory courses in creative business development, brand management, marketing communications, and the management of challenges facing media corporations face today. Along with this the student also learns how to integrate different functions in the firm, and how to ensure that market orientation permeates the entire organization. The mandatory courses are designed to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial execution and to provide tools that help to deal with important business and marketing challenges facing corporations in today's highly dynamic markets. Using research findings to solve real-life business problems – in projects, live cases and internships – is a cornerstone of the learning experience. The specialization intends to prepare students for positions such as product manager, marketing director, business development manager or, sales manager, and to give the necessary foundation for assuming top executive positions later in the career.


The student should be able to demonstrate profound knowledge, skills and abilities both theoretically and practically in the following areas:

Techniques and methods for identifying and acting upon opportunities to create

customer value in different types of markets.

Ways in which different functions in a firm can contribute to creating customer value.


19

Processes by which the different functions in a firm can be integrated to ensure that the

entire organization strives in the same, customer value creating direction, and thereby

achieve the goals of the organization.

Specialization Overview

Year 1: Students deepen their knowledge in the main subjects in the specialization Marketing & Media Management (60 ECTS credits). Students may also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester), and successful applicants must take 30 ECTS credits in the main subject during year 2 instead. Year 2: Students take independent elective courses (30 ECTS credits) and write a Master thesis (30 ECTS credits). Students can apply for the Student Exchange Program or the CEMS Program and take independent elective courses at one of SSE's partner institutions. Students may also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester).

Year 1 Year 2


Executive Trainee Module (optional) Master Thesis




You can find more information about individual courses on the courses' websites, which can be accessed via SSE Portal and SSE's external website.


20

2.3 MSC IN ECONOMICS (MECON) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The two year Master Program in Economics (120 ECTS credits) offers specializations in International Economics and Applied Economic Analysis. Students choose a specialization by complying with the course requirements set for that specialization. For detailed information see Appendix 4. The program combines a rigorous theoretical approach with extensive real-world applications in order to teach you how to solve complex problems in many areas of economics. The program provides a general analytical approach: a way of thinking rather than detailed knowledge about narrowly-defined issues. The objectives of the MSc in Economics are to give students a deep understanding of economics, and to equip them to address challenging economic problems. They will learn how to use economic theory and quantitative methods in solving complex problems on micro, macro and international levels. This will be accomplished through a structured learning environment where a solid theoretical understanding will be acquired during the first part of the program, and where a practically oriented problem-solving ability will be the focus of the second part of the program. Figure 3: Overview of the MECON Program

2.3.1 Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis The specialization puts an emphasis on acquiring theoretical and empirical problem-solving skills that can be applied in a wide variety of settings. The analysis of complex real-world problems increasingly requires the use of solid economic analysis combined with quantitative empirical methods. Thus, the overall objective of the specialization is for students to learn how to use economic theory and quantitative methods in solving complex problems in many areas of economics.


To be able to use advanced economic theory and quantitative methods in solving complex economic problems.

To be able to identify the suitable methods to address such problems.

To have a critical understanding of current debates and issues in economics

Economics (MECON)

Applied Economic Analysis

International Economics

Combined intake


21

Specialization Overview Year 1: Students deepen their knowledge in the main subjects in the specialization Applied Economic Analysis (60 ECTS credits). Year 2: Students take independent elective courses (30 ECTS credits) and write a Master thesis (30 ECTS credits). Students can apply for the Student Exchange Program or the CEMS Program and take independent elective courses at one of SSE's partner institutions. They can also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester).

Year 1 Year 2


Master Thesis




Double Degree Program (optional)


2.3.2 Specialization in International Economics The international specialization focuses attention on the implications of interactions between countries such as international trade and factor movements as well as the reasons why some countries experience more favorable development trajectories than other countries. The Specialization in International Economics (IE) combines a rigorous theoretical approach with extensive real-world applications. You will learn how to use economic theory and quantitative methods in solving complex problems in many areas of economics. One of the requirements of the IE specialization is that students need to fulfill an International Program Component, which may be done either by (i) being accepted and successfully participating in the SSE Exchange Program, (ii) by taking two additional courses in International Economics during semester 3 or (iii) by carrying out an internship abroad (8 weeks). For detailed requirements see Appendix 4.


To be able to use advanced economic theory and quantitative methods in solving complex economic problems.

To be able to identify the suitable methods to address such problems.

To have a critical understanding of current debates and issues in international economics.


22

Specialization Overview Year 1: Students deepen their knowledge in the main subjects in the specialization International Economics (60 ECTS credits). Year 2: Students take independent elective courses (30 ECTS credits) and write a Master thesis in International Economics (30 ECTS credits). Students can apply for the Student Exchange Program or the CEMS Program and take independent elective courses at one of SSE's partner institutions. They can also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester).

Year 1 Year 2


International Program Component *) Master Thesis





*) Can be fulfilled also during year 2 or during the summer. You can find more information about individual courses on the courses' websites, which can be accessed via the SSE Portal and the SSE's external website.


23

2.4 MSC IN FINANCE (MFIN) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The two-year Master Program in Finance (120 ECTS credits) offers two specializations: Corporate Finance and Investment Management. The program combines a rigorous theoretical approach with extensive real-world applications. It is a highly international program where students have access to the SSE student exchange program as well as a wide variety of elective courses. For students enrolled in Corporate Finance (CF) and Investment Management (IM) combined intake, the choice of specialization is made at the end of the first semester of the program and students select their specialization through the appropriate choice of courses along designated pathways. See Appendix 4 for detailed requirements. Figure 4: Overview of the MFIN Program

2.4.1 Specialization in Corporate Finance The specialization provides students with a thorough understanding of corporate finance, while at the same time allowing flexibility to design a personal curriculum that broadens the perspective. The program is designed to teach students how to apply theoretical tools to real life finance problems. This entails helping students understand how the financial markets function, why different instruments and institutions exist and what the basis and consequences of corporate financial decisions are.


To prepare students for a career in investment banking, private equity, commercial banking, financial consulting, governments, international financial agencies, or PhD studies.

Specialization Overview

In the first semester, a foundation is provided for the subsequent specialization through four mandatory courses that are common to the two specializations in Corporate Finance and Investment Management. In the subsequent semesters, there are no mandatory courses for

Finance

Corporate Finance

Investment Management

Combined intake


24

students who specialize in Corporate Finance (CF). Instead, students must select at least four courses from the list of CF core electives (30 ECTS credits). For the four remaining elective courses (30 ECTS credits), students can choose freely between further CF core elective courses, Investment Management (IM) core elective courses, accounting courses, or independent elective courses (open and advanced) offered by other departments. During their second year, students can also apply for the Student Exchange Program or the CEMS MIM Program. They can also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester) or the double degree program with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi (two semesters). Students also write a Master thesis (30 ECTS credits) during the second year. For further information see Appendix 4.

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4

Mandatory Courses Core Elective Courses Core Elective Courses Core Elective Courses

Independent Elective Courses

Independent Elective Courses (may be fulfilled through an optional program component)




Exchange Program (optional)






Master Thesis Master Thesis


2.4.2 Specialization in Investment Management The specialization provides students with a thorough understanding of investment management, while at the same time allowing them flexibility to design a personal curriculum that broadens their perspective. The overall ambition is to prepare students for taking an active part in strategic corporate discussions and in the development of new products and trading practices. It will provide students with a solid academic and analytical foundation for practical decision making in asset management.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) To prepare students for a career in portfolio management, hedge funds, trading, governments, international financial agencies, as well as PhD studies.


25

Specialization Overview In the first semester, the foundation is provided for the subsequent specialization through four mandatory courses that are common across the two specializations in Corporate Finance and Investment Management. In subsequent semesters, there are no mandatory courses for students who specialize in Investment Management (IM). Instead, students must select at least four courses from the list of IM core electives (30 ECTS credits). For the four remaining elective courses (30 ECTS credits), students can freely choose between further IM core elective courses, Corporate Finance (CF) core elective courses, accounting courses, or independent elective courses (open and advanced) offered by other departments. During their second year, students can also apply for the Student Exchange Program or the CEMS MIM Program. They can also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester) or the double degree program with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Italy (two semesters). Students also write a Master thesis (30 ECTS credits) during the second year. For further information see Appendix 4.

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4

Mandatory Courses Core Elective Courses Core Elective Courses Core Elective Courses

Independent Elective Courses







CEMS Program (optional)

CEMS Program (optional)



Master Thesis Master Thesis



26

2.5 MSC IN ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (MAFM) PROGRAM

DESCRIPTION The program adopts an international, corporate perspective on the primary subjects: financial accounting, management control and financial analysis. Company examples are used extensively in order to identify relevant issues and to illustrate the use of theory and models in practice. The program offers a coherent set of courses that cover valuation concepts, accounting theory, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), financial statement analysis, equity and firm valuation, financial risk, management control and capital-budgeting issues. The courses cover both strategic and operational perspectives. There is a focus on the application of theory-based knowledge to important real-world issues. Guest lecturers are regularly invited.


After completing the program, the student will be able to demonstrate advanced abilities (prepare, describe, explain, calculate, interpret, evaluate) within the areas of valuation theory, accounting theory, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), financial statement analysis, equity and firm valuation, financial risk, management control and capital budgeting issues from both strategic and operational perspectives.

Program Overview

Year 1: Students deepen their knowledge in the main subjects in the program Accounting & Financial Management (60 ECTS credits). Year 2: Students take independent elective courses (30 ECTS credits) and write a Master thesis (30 ECTS credits). Students can apply for the Student Exchange Program or the CEMS Program and take independent elective courses at one of SSE's partner institutions. Students can also apply for the Executive Trainee Module (one semester).

Year 1 Year 2

Program Courses Independent Electives (may be fulfilled through an optional program component)

Master Thesis






27

2.6 OVERVIEW OF OPTIONAL PROGRAM/SPECIALIZATION COMPONENTS

2.6.1 Student Exchange Program SSE operates an extensive student exchange program with a number of top ranked universities and business schools around the world. Within the program, there are approximately 80 places yearly for MSc students to go abroad to one of SSE's partner universities. For more information please see the Student Support page on the SSE Portal. Please refer to Section 3.1.8 for rules and regulations for the Student Exchange Program.

2.6.2 CEMS Master in International Management (CEMS MIM) The CEMS MIM is a one-year joint degree program, exclusively open to the master students of the CEMS schools who meet very strict selection criteria, and go on to receive the CEMS degree in conjunction with the degree from their home school. The CEMS program consists of several compulsory elements: an initial one-week block seminar, CEMS courses, a business project, an academic semester abroad, skills seminars and two foreign languages. For more information, please see the Student Support page on the SSE Portal and the CEMS website5. Please refer to Section 3.1.8 for rules and regulations for the CEMS program.

2.6.3 Executive Trainee Module (XTM) The SSE MSc Executive Trainee Module (XTM) is a 20-week module which replaces the independent elective courses (30 ECTS credits) in the program. The module is built on two elements. Firstly, students will be given the opportunity to experience a tailor-made executive trainee program in a company. Secondly, students are required to write a case report on how to solve a real and complex problem of strategic importance to the company. Please refer to Section 3.1.8 for rules and regulations for the XTM module.

5 http://www.cems.org/



28

3 SSE ACADEMIC REGULATIONS This is an unofficial English translation of the SSE academic regulations for the MSc programs MBM, MECON and MFINA. The translation is for informational purposes only and has been prepared solely for the convenience of students, faculty and other interested parties who do not read Swedish. The only official and binding version of the MSc programs' academic regulations is the Swedish version issued on August 16, 2012.

3.1 PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS The rights and obligations of SSE students are formulated below. These rules and regulations govern the relationship between SSE and its students.

3.1.1 Degree Requirements In order to receive an SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree, students must earn 120 ECTS credits.6 These credits consist of 60 credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated by the specified rules for each program/specialization, 30 credits of independent elective courses (open or advanced), and a 30 credits Master thesis. Specified degree requirements for each program/specialization can be found in Appendix 4 to this document. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8, and the specified degree requirements for each program/specialization (see Appendix 4). Once a student has fulfilled the requirements specific to the program/specialization within which he/she is enrolled, that student can apply for the MSc degree certificate (see Section 3.6).

In addition to the credits required to meet the degree requirements (120 ECTS credits), students may earn up to a maximum of 15 credits for additional SSE MSc courses. When students with more than 120 ECTS credits apply for their degree certificate they choose which courses are used to meet the specified MSc degree requirements and which courses will serve as complement to the MSc degree. The complementary courses are not part of the MSc degree and are not listed on the degree certificate, but they are included in a special appendix to that certificate.7

3.1.2 Maximum Period of Study Studies in the MSc programs are full time and students are expected to fulfill the requirements of their program within 2 years. The period of study is defined as starting the day the student enrolls in a program and ending when he/she fulfills all requirements for that specific degree. The maximum period of study for the MSc programs is 3 years. Students are exempted from this

6 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits; hereinafter referred to as ECTS credits or credits. 7 Complementary courses are, however, included in the calculation of GPA (Grade Point Average – see Section 3.1.5).


29

regulation only if especially serious grounds exist.8 Applications for exemptions should be submitted to a study counselor, who takes the decision. Former students in the MSc programs who were deregistered without completing a degree from SSE can be readmitted in competition with other applicants provided that they meet the relevant admission requirements. The credits earned by readmitted students during previous enrollment(s) will not necessarily be counted towards their degree. Decisions about these transfers rest with the Program Director.

Postponement of the Program Start9

Students can, in conjunction with their admission to SSE, apply to postpone their program start. The application supported by the certified documents should be submitted to a study counselor. Postponements are approved if especially serious grounds exist and the decision is made by the counselor who deals with the case. A postponement is given for 12 months, i.e. to the start of the following academic year. Postponement means that students can reenter SSE the following year without having to compete with other applicants. The year of enrollment is considered to be the year the student first registers in the program, but the student has to follow the curriculum from the year he/she starts studying.

Formal Leave of Absence A formal leave of absence within a period of study can only be granted for a full semester or an academic year; the maximum period of study is extended with the corresponding time period. A formal leave of absence is approved if especially serious grounds exist. The application should be submitted to a study counselor who takes the decision.

3.1.3 Transfer of Credits

Transfer of Course Credits – Student Exchange Program & CEMS Program

Course credits earned for studies carried out under the scope of the SSE Student Exchange Program as well as the semester abroad within the CEMS program can be used toward an MSc degree. Transfer of course credits is subject to approval by SSE. A maximum of 30 ECTS credits per semester can be transferred10, but no grades will be stated.

8 Examples of especially serious grounds are hospital stay, death of a family member, parental leave or an illness which prevents the student over a long period from completing her or his studies. Employment and the responsibilities incumbent upon the student are not considered especially serious grounds. An application for exemption based on especially serious grounds must be supported by certified documents. 9 The Program Start is defined as the point of time when the accepted applicant signs the SSE Registration Book. 10 Students, who spend more than one semester abroad within the CEMS Tri-National Track, must contact a study counselor to determine how a suitable credit transfer can be arranged within the framework of the regulations.


30

Transfer of Course Credits and Grades – SSE Programs & Partnership Programs

Transfer of course credits and grades between SSE programs at the same level need the approval of both the Program directors concerned. An SSE course (including its grade) can, however, only be counted towards one SSE degree, and only towards a degree at the level the student was registered in when the courses were taken (with the exception for parallel MSc-PhD enrollment – see Section 3.5). Course credits and grades obtained through SSES (Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) can be counted as independent electives if the course has been approved by the MSc Joint Program Committee. Information on course transfers and grade translations within the double degree programs can be found in Appendix 4.

3.1.4 Study Pace Requirements In the first year, every student is required to earn at least 30 ECTS credits in program’s courses. If no special grounds11 exist, anyone who has fewer than 30 ECTS credits after the August examination period will be deregistered from the program. Applications for exemptions should be submitted to a study counselor, who takes the decision. Students who have passing grades for less than 15 ECTS credits in the first semester will be contacted by the study counselor for help in making a study plan.

3.1.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for all passed courses with a letter grade (A – E) in the following way: for each course the letter grade is converted to a numeric value using A = 5.00, B = 4.00, C = 3.00, D = 2.00 and E = 1.00. Then the values are weighted by the ECTS credits for each course. This is done by multiplying the value by the ECTS credits for each course and then calculating the sum of the products. This sum is then divided by the sum of the ECTS credits to give the GPA as shown in the formula below:

𝐺𝑃𝐴 =∑(𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟) ∙ (𝐸𝐶𝑇𝑆 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠)

∑ 𝐸𝐶𝑇𝑆 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠

The GPA for a student can range from 1.00 - 5.00, with 5.00 being the highest. The GPA also includes any complementary courses taken beyond the 120 ECTS degree requirement. For information about class GPAs and grade distributions, please refer to the www.hhs.se.

11 Examples of special grounds are illness, the illness of a close family member, or other circumstances beyond the control of the applicant, which have prevented him/her from fulfilling the study requirements. Employment, commissions, other studies, etc., do not count as special grounds. An application for exemption based on special grounds must be supported by certified documents.

http://www.hhs.se/


31

3.1.6 Tuition Fees Students from EU/EEA and Switzerland are not charged tuition. SSE charges tuition fees for both the BSc and MSc students who are citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland. The regulations governing tuition fees are specified in a President’s decision on tuition fees (beslut nr 61 – 2012 dnr 60/043-11).

3.1.7 Academic Misconduct SSE has a strict policy on academic honesty, which is formally regulated by the Disciplinary Regulations. The rules and measures that follow from this are enforced by the SSE faculty and management. Some specific examples of what this policy means can be found below:

There is a strict prohibition on using any unauthorized assistance during examinations and other forms of assessment. It is also prohibited to conduct assessed assignments in ways that may mislead an examiner (e.g., presenting work of others as your own). Inappropriate behavior leads, with no exception, to strict disciplinary measures.

A student may not copy and use any text without making clear references to the source. This is applicable to all types of submissions, reports, essays, thesis work, etc. Furthermore, students should never quote anyone without making it clear that it is a quotation. If a student is unsure about the correct procedure, he/she should contact the course director or consult the APA Guidelines.12

If a student is not actively contributing to an academic group assignment, the student may not receive a pass on that particular part of the course. In a group assignment all participants are required to contribute.

Please note that the above include only a few examples. SSE students are obliged to be familiar with the SSE Disciplinary Regulations in their entirety. See also Section 1.1 about SSE policies concerning equal treatment and conduct towards others. Any form of harassment or offensive behavior will lead to strict disciplinary measures. Both academic misconduct and breaches of the rules of conduct specified in the pledge (see Appendix 3) may lead to the following sanctions: warning, suspension, or deregistration from the program.

3.1.8 Regulations for Optional Program/Specialization Components Students can be accepted and participate only in one optional program/specialization component. Due to the predefined curricula of the programs, double degree students are not entitled to apply for any optional program/specialization component.

Student Exchange Program

Students apply to the SSE MSc exchange program during their first year of studies, and it is open to students in the MIB, MBM, MECON, MFIN and MAFM programs. The application deadline is

12 http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/



http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/


32

usually in late January (see the SSE Portal for detailed information about the application process). The student spends one semester, or a corresponding period, at the partner university, either the fall or spring semester of the second year of studies. Students are required to study full-time during their exchange semester. The maximum allowed transfer from an exchange to an SSE MSc degree is 30 ECTS credits. Transfer of credits is subject to approval by SSE (see the SSE Portal for further information), and SSE may decline transfer of course credits beyond the MSc degree requirements (see Section 3.1.3). Grades on the courses taken within the frameworks of the Student Exchange Program are not translated into the SSE grading scale. Consequently they are not included in the GPA. MSc students who have participated in the SSE student exchange on the BSc level are welcome to apply for the student exchange program on the MSc level. Students enrolled in the CEMS MIM program (including all students in MSc in International Business) which includes a semester of studies abroad, are not permitted to participate in the MSc student exchange program.

If a student has been absent from his/her studies during most of the first year due to especially serious grounds13, and has as a consequence of this received an exemption from the deregistration rules, he/she may apply for the exchange program during the second year. That student will then be assessed on academic results accrued during the second year only. If a student has accepted a place within the Student Exchange Program but fails to attend, an additional application to the exchange program will not be considered, unless the reason for the prior non-attendance derived from especially serious grounds14.

CEMS Master in International Management (MIM)

Students in the MBM, MECON, MFIN and MAFM programs apply to the CEMS MIM program during their first semester of SSE studies. TOEFL/IELTS/CAE/BEC15 is an application requirement for all students. More information about the application to CEMS MIM is available on the SSE Portal and from the CEMS Office ([email protected]) Participation in the CEMS program may prolong the duration of the Master program. For CEMS core courses, CEMS electives, Block Seminars, Business Project and Skills Seminars offered as part of the CEMS MIM program at SSE, standard SSE study regulations apply. Similarly, SSE's code of conduct and disciplinary regulations apply also to studies in the CEMS MIM program at SSE. Up to 30 ECTS credits from the CEMS program can be counted as independent elective courses in the MSc program (see Section 3.1.3). Additional regulations and requirements for CEMS MIM students are described in the CEMS MIM Student Guide, which can be obtained from the SSE CEMS Office. CEMS MIM students

13 Examples of especially serious grounds are hospital stay, death of a family member, parental leave or an illness which prevents the student over a long period from completing her or his studies. Employment and the responsibilities incumbent upon the student are not considered especially serious grounds. An application for exemption based on especially serious grounds must be supported by certified documents. 14 Se the footnote above. 15 Test of English as a Foreign Language, various formats.



33

also sign a student pledge that provides guidance for professional conduct in interaction with corporate partners and in the CEMS Business Project. Specific CEMS MIM regulations include:

Once admitted to the CEMS program, a student cannot postpone acceptance or

attendance.

A minimum workload of 24 ECTS credits earned per semester is required to continue in

the program.

A maximum of 15 ECTS credits of independent elective courses and skills seminars can be

earned before or after the MIM year.

Graduation from the home school's MSc program is a necessary requirement for

graduation from the CEMS MIM program.

Executive Trainee Module (XTM)

The XTM module is open for students in the MBM, MECON, MFIN and MAFM programs. It is a full semester component (30 ECTS credits), in which hands-on learning at a company is integrated into traditional academic training. XTM replaces the independent elective courses within a program/specialization. The module requires a general BSc-level familiarity with the basic concepts of strategy, organization, management, accounting and finance. XTM is available in the following programs/specializations and the following semesters: SSE MSc – Executive Trainee Module (XTM) Semester

1 2 3 4 MSc in Business & Economics (intake 2009-2011)

Accounting and Financial Management √ √ Economics √ √ Finance √ √ Management √ √ Marketing & Media Management √ √

MSc in International Business (intake 2013-) n/a n/a n/a n/a MSc in Business & Management (intake 2012-)

Management √ √ √ Marketing & Media Management √ √ √

MSc in Economics (intake 2012-)

Applied Economic Analysis √ √ International Economics √ √

MSc in Accounting & Financial Management √ √


34

MSc in Finance (intake 2012-) Corporate Finance √ √ Investment Management

MSc in General Management

n/a

n/a

√

n/a

√

n/a

The application deadline for XTM is in March and September every year (please see the SSE Portal for the exact dates). The grade given is Pass/Fail, and is based on seminar participation (10 %), learning journal (20 %), and a written project (70 %). The assessment activities cover all ILOs. For more information about the participating companies and the application process see the SSE Portal.

3.2 COURSE RULES AND REGULATIONS

3.2.1 Registration and Withdrawal Students must be registered for courses and seminar groups in order to take part in lectures and seminars. For examination registration, see Section 3.3.2. Registration is done on the My upcoming courses page on the SSE Portal, or on the course's website during the registration period in the semester immediately prior to the course being given – usually in April/May for fall courses and November/December for spring courses. Students are automatically registered for the courses (but not seminar groups) in their first semester. After this, every student must register for the courses he/she plans to attend. Students who wish to register for more than 15 ECTS credits within the same period must contact a study counselor. This will be approved if the student has a good study track record i.e. has taken all courses on time with grades above average. For some courses the number of participants is limited. In those cases the course director is responsible for the selection of students. Students are not allowed to register for courses for which they do not meet specified prerequisites. If a student is uncertain about course prerequisites, he or she has to consult with the course director in a timely manner.

For first-year students who wish to enroll in independent elective courses, the following applies in addition to the above rules:

Students within a specific program/specialization have priority to required courses within

their program/specialization.

Independent elective courses cannot be taken instead of first-year specialization courses.

The first-year course requirements must always be fulfilled, regardless of additional

coursework taken on by the student.


35

Second year students have priority over first year students to all independent elective

courses16 except language courses, SSES (Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) and

business law courses.

Students are obliged to withdraw from courses they do not intend to complete as soon as possible but no later than three weeks after the period started. For late registrations please see the SSE Portal.

3.2.2 Rules and Regulations for Course Grading17

Examiner

The examiner for the course (usually the course director) bears the responsibility for conducting the examination and making decisions on grades.

Grades

With a few exceptions students receive a course grade using the scale A-F below. In other cases a Pass/Fail grade is given.

Symbol Verbal Equivalent

Passing Grades E Sufficient D Satisfactory C Good B Very good A Excellent Failing Grades F Fail

Fx Fail – Further work is required before a grade can be given. Please note that students can only be awarded an E for the specific course component where further work is required. The grades for the other course components are not affected.

An examiner may use one or more forms of assessment to evaluate students' performance in a course. A student must receive a Pass on all Intended Learning Outcomes to pass the course. Individual work must constitute at least half of the total assessment for a course. This does not preclude the possibility of written assignments and project work in groups constituting more than half of the course requirements. However, in such cases, the assignment of grades for these assessments must be designed in such a way that the examiner can assess the work of individual students. Note that once a passing grade has been awarded, assessment cannot be repeated to raise the grade. This applies both to examinations as well as to other forms of assessment at SSE.

16 This priority does not apply to courses which are required for the specializations in Corporate Finance and Investment Management. 17 These examination regulations also apply to relevant parts of the student's Master thesis.


36

Correction and Review of a Course Grade Grading decisions cannot be appealed. However, as described below, the calculation or recording of a grade may be corrected, and, in the case of obvious errors, review of the grade is possible.

Correction of a Course Grade

After students have received their course grade, the grade may be corrected if the result was incorrect due to an entry error, accounting error or similar mistake by the examiner or other staff member at SSE. In such cases, the correction can be either to the benefit or detriment (including a Fail grade) of the student. A correction to the detriment of a student entails a mistake that is obvious to both the examiner and the student, and the student is given an opportunity to express his/her view prior to the amendment. The student is to be informed regardless of whether the amendment is to his/her benefit or detriment.

Review of a Course Grade

Request for the review of a course grade should be presented to the examiner, who will solely consider such requests in cases when the awarded grade is clearly wrong, and/or a manifest error of assessment has been made. Such a review request requires that the mistake is discovered without any further assessment, and that this mistake initially led to the clearly wrong grade. This process entails no further obligation for the examiner to make a new unbiased assessment of a student's answer or other work. Example of such error can be that the examiner overlooked parts of an answer. The review and correction of the grade may result in a higher or lower grade. The review request must be thoroughly motivated, indicating the grounds for review, and must be presented in writing (by post or e-mail) to the examiner as soon as possible, but no later than two weeks after the course grade has been posted. Please note that if a student takes possession of a corrected examination, he/she forfeits the right to request a review.

Posting of Grades

Course grades are posted on the SSE Portal under My Results, after a student has passed all of a course's assessments and met all the requirements.

Grade Distribution

Grading for each course is based on the principle of “absolute grades”, which are in turn rest upon the achievement of Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO). Over a longer time span, grading for all courses is individually expected to conform to the target grade distribution given below. Grade distribution for a particular course at a particular point in time can deviate from the intended long-term grade distribution. SSE does not force a distribution curve onto individual courses, but teachers are expected to adjust ILOs and the assessment of ILOs so that the distribution of grades is consistent with the target distribution and acceptable variation (see the table below).


37

Marks (Maximum 100)

Grade Verbal Equivalent Target Distribution for passing grades

Acceptable Variation

50 – 51 E Sufficient 1% 0 – 3% 52 – 54 D Satisfactory 4% 0 – 6% 55 – 69 C Good 45% 40 – 60% 70 – 84 B Very good 40% 35 – 45% 85 – 100 A Excellent 10% 5 – 15%

Examiners, who choose to use quantitative marks for grading different assessments, including written examination, must use the table above for converting the total of those marks to course grades in the form of SSE letter grades. An E is the minimum grade required for a student to pass a course and earn credits.

3.3 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ASSESSING STUDENT LEARNING Student performance in a course can be evaluated by using different assessment forms, for example: a written examination, written assignments, projects, thesis, oral presentations, class participation or oral examination. Below is a description of the regulations that apply to these partial examinations.

3.3.1 Rules and Regulations for Partial Examinations

Results on Partial Examinations

Partial examinations are assessed by the examiner or by a person appointed by the examiner. Student performance is assessed and summarized in a mark (or a letter grade A to F, or FX) for each partial examination. If the mark fulfills the demands for a Pass (P), the student has passed that partial examination. Achievements not fulfilling the demands for a Pass grade will result in a Fail (F) for that particular partial examination, or a result (Fx) which demands further work in order to receive a Pass. Note that supplementary work due to an Fx grade only can result in the lowest mark needed to pass for that partial examination (or the letter grade E). Students are entitled to receive information about their results for each individual assessment, and the maximum grades possible for each partial examination.

Publishing of Results on Partial Examinations Results are published on the SSE Portal (SSE Course Web).

Period of Validity for Results on Partial Examinations A Pass on exams (written, oral or take-home) and MSc theses will remain valid as long as the course (same course number) is offered at SSE.


38

For other partial examinations, collectively known as coursework, e.g. assignments, projects and class participation, results are valid for one year from course start. An examiner can decide to extend the validity. Written assignments or projects that are not returned to the student, unless communicated otherwise, are to be stored by the relevant department, center or the equivalent for a period of one year from the date the material in question was submitted.

Exemptions Requirements can in exceptional cases be fulfilled after the course has ended. An examiner, or a person appointed by an examiner, can assign the student one or more special tasks, for instance, in the form of one or more written reports. These tasks have to be completed and handed in before a specified deadline.

3.3.2 Rules and Regulations for Written Examinations

Registration for Examinations In order to take an examination in a course, students must first be registered for the course in question. Students must also be registered for the examination. Students who are registered in a course for the current semester are automatically registered to take its examination the first time it is offered (hereafter the main examination date). Students must register for any other examination dates themselves. Registration and withdrawal are done via the SSE Portal on the My Courses page no later than three working days prior to the examination. Note that students are not permitted to take an examination for a course prior to the main examination date for the version of the course that the student is enrolled in (for instance, students cannot take a retake examination in August before the course starts in period 1 of the same year).

Number of Examination Occasions Students are allowed to take an examination for the same course five times without a passing grade. To take an examination for the same course more than five times, students must be granted an exemption from a study counselor. Note that both the maximum period of study (Section 3.1.2) and the study pace requirements (Section 3.1.4) supersede the right to take the same examination five times. If a student has not earned a passing grade after taking an examination three times, it is recommended that he/she contacts a study counselor. The counselor should also be contacted if a student has not earned a passing grade in several courses in the same semester. The scheduling of retake examinations is complex and the schedule itself crowded. Therefore multiple retake examinations may be scheduled at the same time. It's the student's responsibility to check the examination schedule and plan their studies so this can be avoided. The examination schedule is normally published about six months in advance.


39

Number of Examination Occasions for a Course Whenever a course is held two examination occasions are offered (one main examination date and one retake) within a year of the start of the course. On these occasions, the scope and content of examination are unchanged. The next time a course is given, the syllabus may be modified, which can affect the scope and content of the examination. This in turn may mean that one or more coursework assessments that were part of the overall assessment the last time the student took the course, may no longer be relevant or that new assessments have been added.

Discontinuation of Courses

Mandatory Courses

For mandatory courses, opportunities to take an examination must be made available to students during their entire maximum period of study. If a mandatory course is no longer being held, alternative courses are to be offered so that students can meet their requirements for completing the degree. In such cases, the department must inform students who have not passed the examination that the course in question will no longer be offered. Students who have completed parts of the examination for a previous mandatory course cannot normally be given credit for those grades in the course(s). The course director for the alternative course determines which modules are still valid and which need to be redone or supplemented.

Elective Courses

When an elective course is being offered for the last time, two additional examination dates must be provided normally in the retake periods in January and August. The department must inform students who have not passed the examination that the course will no longer be offered and refer them to the regular retake and the two additional dates.

Examination Off Campus With the exception of take-home examinations, students are not allowed to be examined in SSE courses at a site off campus. However, if there are especially serious grounds18, the Program Director in consultation with the examiner involved can allow a written examination to be held at another site. An application should be submitted to the Program Director and the Course Director in a timely manner (at least one month ahead of time). Exchange students from foreign universities where SSE has organized student exchanges whom have pursued studies at SSE, are entitled to take any remaining SSE examinations after they return to their home institution. The course administrator/examiner then works in collaboration with the

18 Examples of especially serious grounds are hospital stay, death of a family member, parental leave or an illness which prevents the student over a long period from completing her or his studies. Employment and the responsibilities incumbent upon the student are not considered especially serious grounds. An application for exemption based on especially serious grounds must be supported by certified documents.


40

International Student Office to take any measures necessary to ensure examinations can be held. For instance, there must be an examination monitor who can guarantee that the conditions set for examination have been met. Examinations may only be held at embassies, hospitals, police stations, universities or in similar locations. It is the duty of the relevant examiner to ensure that the formats of examination are satisfactory.

Lost Examination

If a student's written examination (or parts of it) is lost, and it can be proved that SSE is responsible for the loss, the student will be offered a new examination date within a week unless the student requests to have the examination later.

Regulations at the Exam

The examination monitor is empowered to reprimand and/or dismiss anyone who does not follow the following regulations or any other regulations that are in effect.

Seat for the examination: Students taking the examination are to sit in the seat assigned

to them after signing up for the examination (this is posted on the SSE Portal under My

Courses as of midnight on the day of the examination and on lists by the entry at

Sveavägen, 65 and outside the examination rooms). Students who have not registered

should consult the Office of Examinations & Records and may take the examination if

there are seats available. The examination monitors are obliged and empowered to turn

away anyone who has not registered in time and to direct the student to the Office of

Examinations and Records.

Identification: Only students with a valid ID are allowed to enter the examination room

and to take an examination. Valid ID includes: driver's license, passport, national ID card,

Swedish national ID card, bank ID, student ID card from the student's home university

(applies to exchange students) or the equivalent. Students without identification will be

instructed to take the examination the next time it is held. Students who have taken an

examination, but did not show a valid ID will not have their examination graded. Taking

an examination without showing a valid ID qualifies as attempt to pass the

examination occasion and the result recorded is a Fail.

Study aids allowed in an examination: The examiner determines, within the limits set by

the Faculty & Program Board, what study aids are allowed at an examination. This may

include tables, formula sheets, legal texts, course literature, or dictionaries. Only two

calculator models, the CASIO FX-82ES, CASIO FX-82ES PLUS, CASIO FX-85 ES, and

CASIO FX-85ES PLUS are allowed in an examination (older models are also accepted –

see the SSE Portal for a complete list). Students taking an examination are not allowed to

bring or use study aids other than those indicated on the information sheet accompanying

the examination.

Attendance in the examination room: Late arrivals of up to 30 minutes are permitted.

No one may therefore leave the examination room until 30 minutes after the start of an


41

examination. This also applies to students who submit blank answer sheets. Visits to the

bathroom are allowed; although not before 30 minutes after the start of an examination.

Only one student at a time may leave the room. The bathroom located closest to the

examination hall must be used. The monitors check prior to, and during the

examination to ensure that no study aids are available in the bathrooms.

Personal effects: Bags, coats, pencil and glasses cases, cell phones, tablets, and other

communicative and receptive equipment - regardless of form or technique – as well as any

other means than those allowed are to be placed on location, designated by monitors.

Examinee is reminded on his/her duty to find out what aids are allowed in the exam, and

that only means approved beforehand by the examiner may be brought to the exam. The

examinee is required, on the monitor’s request, to show the carried study aids and personal

effects. Draft paper is provided at the request of the examinee by monitor. After writing

time has begun, it is not allowed to take out any material from clothing or other belongings

without permission from the monitor. It is not permitted to leave course literature or any

other objects that might be used as prohibited study aids for the examination in the

corridor or any other place in close proximity to an examination hall.

Prohibited equipment: No mobile phones (they should be turned off and left in a bag or

in a place determined by the monitor), hand-held computers, MP3 players or

datebooks/planners may be brought into an examination hall or brought along on a

bathroom visit. The examinee is specifically reminded that under current regulations the

communication and the electronic equipment during writing time must be completely

turned off.

Individual examination sheets and examination cover: In written examinations, the

requisite examination sheets and examination cover are to be used. Students should limit

their text to the writing space indicated on the sheets. Students may not bring or use their

own writing paper. Students who fail to observe this regulation will not have their

examination graded. Completed examination sheets are to be covered so that they cannot

be seen by other students taking the examination.

Examination language: If the examination questions and instructions are written in

English, then the answers must also be in English.

Submitting an examination: When a monitor informs students that the time allotted for

the examination is over, students must stop writing. All papers that are to be handed in

should by that time be labeled with the student's name and enrollment number. Anyone

who continues to write and fails to hand in their examination despite the monitor's warning

will not have their examination graded. Students who do not want to submit answers

should only hand in the examination cover with their name and registration number written

on it (no answer sheets). Such students are considered to have used one attempt to pass

that examination, which means that the examination will be recorded as a fail. The

examination is considered submitted when the student has handed in the examination

(filled in or blank) to the monitor. A submitted exam cannot be withdrawn.

Students taking the examination are to check that the right examination with that day's date is included with the examination cover. In general, students taking an examination can keep the information sheet. In some cases, the information sheet must be returned in the examination cover


42

folder; otherwise, there is a risk that the student will not have his/her examination graded. The examiner decides if the information sheet must be handed in and his/her instructions also apply to students who take the examination but do not complete it. These instructions are generally found on the information sheet.

Examiner's Presence at Written Examinations The examiner or someone appointed by the examiner must be present at SSE and available for questions and, if necessary, make corrections to the questions during the examination. If study aids are allowed, this examiner or his/her replacement is encouraged at the same time to check that the students taking the examination are using the proper study aids.

Grading Period Grades for a written examination held during the regular examination period are normally to be reported within eleven working days of the examination. If an extended grading period has been granted19, those students affected are to be informed of this, preferably at the time of the examination.

Examination Review A review of the examination in a suitable form, or a posting of the answers, is to be provided for every course. The review or posting of answers should take place within fourteen working days, calculated during the term, of the posting of examination grades.

Obligation to Return Examinations Examinations are to be returned to a student upon request. This service is limited to office hours or opening hours for the department or equivalent. If an examination is returned to the student, the right to request a review or correction of the grading decision is forfeited. Examinations that are not picked up by the student are to be kept by the relevant department, center or equivalent unit for one year from the date of the examination.

19 Exemptions are granted by the Program Director.

Disciplinary measures may be taken against any student who attempts any form of academic dishonesty during an examination or any other assessment. The disciplinary measures are warning, suspension and expulsion (see Disciplinary Regulations). If the attempt of academic dishonesty has been ascertained, it results normally that the academic performance is not assessed by the examiner; the decision is made by the examiner.


43

3.3.3 Rules and Regulations for Other Forms of Assessment

Rules Pertaining to Oral Examinations

Another person from the department or the equivalent, in addition to the examiner and student, must be present whenever there is an oral examination.

Rules Pertaining to Take-Home Examinations

For take-home examinations, the same regulations apply, where relevant, as for written examinations. It is the examiner's duty to ensure that the take-home exam is assessed based on individual performance. Not handing in a take-home examination on time is equivalent to submitting blank answer sheets at an examination, unless especially serious grounds exist.20

Time Frame for Completing Different Formats of Examination

Other forms of assessment should normally be completed during the course and prior to the examination. However, a student may take an examination without having completed the other assessments required during a course. Information about examination results is to be given to students even if they have not completed every format of examination for the course.

3.4 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE MASTER THESIS

3.4.1 Prerequisites In order to commence writing the Master thesis the student must have passed at least 45 ECTS credits of mandatory courses and core electives within their program/specialization.

3.4.2 Time Period and Format The thesis work can take place both in the spring or in the fall. The thesis work starts at the beginning of the semester and ends at the end of the semester. The examiner can also allow a student to stretch out the thesis work over a full academic year. The preferred format is that the students work in pairs. In addition to writing and submitting the thesis, examination requirements for the Master thesis also include attendance at thesis presentation seminars, presenting your own thesis and acting as discussant on another Master thesis. The exact requirements as well as the required length of a thesis, deadlines, etc. are decided by the faculty member responsible for a program's/specialization's thesis process.

20 Examples of especially serious grounds are hospital stay, death of a family member, parental leave or an illness which prevents the student over a long period from completing her or his studies. Employment and the responsibilities incumbent upon the student are not considered especially serious grounds. An application for exemption based on especially serious grounds must be supported by certified documents.


44

The thesis shall be presented to a seminar group convened by the faculty member responsible for a program's/specialization's thesis process, who also decides on the format of these seminars. The thesis must be published in accordance with the SSE procedures (see the SSE Portal), and made available for the faculty member responsible. All theses will be published in a database and will be scanned using a computer program to detect plagiarism.

3.4.3 Writing the Thesis with a Student from a Different Program/Specialization or

University Students from two different SSE MSc programs/specializations can write a joint thesis only if the faculty members responsible for thesis processes within each program/specialization and the main supervisors involved approve the planned collaboration. Arrangements for supervision and examination must be decided by the involved faculty. Students are not permitted to write the Master thesis together with students from other schools.

3.4.4 Writing Abroad or Having a Supervisor from another University Students may write a thesis abroad only if allowed to do so by the faculty member responsible for the thesis process and the thesis main supervisor. Students who do write their thesis while abroad must nevertheless interact with their supervisor as agreed and must fulfill all other obligations related to the thesis process (specified in Section 3.4 and Appendix 4) as if they were on location at their home campus (Stockholm). SSE does not delegate responsibility for supervision to faculty at other universities.

3.4.5 Supervisor and Examiner The Head of the program/specialization or the faculty member responsible for a program's/specialization's thesis process appoints a main supervisor and an examiner (usually upon completion of the thesis). The process by which this is done may vary across programs/specializations and the students are expected to be proactive in this process, e.g. by keeping the main supervisor updated on the progress of the thesis. The program/specialization provides tutoring, support with methods etc. but the basic rule is that the students work independently. A special methods tutor may be appointed in addition to the main supervisor. No faculty member can examine a thesis he/she has supervised.

3.5 MSC-PHD PARALLEL ENROLLMENT MSc students can be admitted into the SSE PhD program in the second year of their MSc studies, through MSc-PhD parallel enrollment. When admitted to the PhD program, the MSc student


45

begins in the PhD program the following fall semester instead of continuing his/her second year studies within the MSc program. Participation in any optional program/specialization components (for ex. student exchange program, XTM, CEMS MIM, Double Degree program) automatically excludes the opportunity for admission to the MSc-PhD parallel enrollment, and vice versa. Please note that this arrangement requires a timely and successful application to the SSE PhD program. For further information, please contact the PhD Program coordinator.

3.5.1 Requirements for MSc Graduation for Students in MSc-PhD Parallel Enrollment For the MSc students who apply to the SSE PhD program during their first year of MSc studies, and who are accepted into the PhD program in parallel to their second year in the MSc program, the requirements to graduate from the Master program, and receive the MSc degree, are:

1. Completed studies (60 ECTS credits) in the first year of the MSc program.

2. A thesis of 30 ECTS credits, written in the SSE PhD program but also examined within the

MSc program. The thesis must be written and submitted no later than three years from the

date of admission to the MSc program.

a) The MSc thesis requirement is fulfilled through a research essay, research report

(including working papers, conference articles and journal articles) or PhD

dissertation plan. Whereas a report is a completed study, an essay allows greater

freedom in design, content and contribution, essentially encompassing any type of

research document that can meet overall 30 ECTS requirement.

b) Supervision is to be provided by the main PhD supervisor.

c) The research essay/research report/PhD dissertation plan is submitted to the

faculty person responsible for MSc thesis examination in the relevant MSc

program/specialization, who is responsible for assessing whether it fulfills the

quality and scope requirements that are commensurate with that of an MSc thesis.

d) The grading scale for the research essay/research report/PhD dissertation plan is

Pass/Fail.

e) Because of the characteristics of the essay/report/plan described above, it is not to

be included in the SSE Library holdings.

3. PhD courses of 30 ECTS credits in total that are specified as independent elective courses

in the MSc program.

a) In Economics or Finance, any of the courses of the PhD program may be counted

as independent elective courses within the MSc program. The grading scale for the

courses transferred from the SSE PhD Program in Economics or Finance is “Pass

with Distinction/Pass/Fail”.

b) In Business Administration, only the compulsory courses in the SUBS (Stockholm

Uppsala Business Studies) program may be counted as independent elective courses

within the MSc program. The grading scale for the courses transferred from the

SSE PhD Program in Business Administration is “Pass/Fail”.


46

3.6 DEGREE CERTIFICATE

3.6.1 Application for a Degree Student who has fulfilled the academic requirements for a MSc degree (see Appendix 4 for specified requirements) and would like to obtain a degree certificate, should do the following:

Fill in the form “Application for a Master Degree”.

Submit the completed form to the Office of Examinations & Records.

The application form and further information are available on the Student Support page on the SSE Portal. The degree certificate shows the title of the degree and the courses successfully completed (with grades). The graduation date is the date on which the student has passed his/her last course or thesis examination. The student will be informed via e-mail when the degree certificate is ready to be picked up at the Office of Examinations and Records. Upon request, the degree certificate can also be sent by registered mail.

3.6.2 Turn-around Time Turn-around time for a degree certificate, provided that all grades have been reported, is normally 4-16 weeks depending on when during the year the application is received. Applications are processed in order, strictly according to the date of receipt. No priority is given. A degree certificate will only be issued once.

3.7 OTHER REGULATIONS

The student pledges to commit no copyright infringement by making copies of works protected by copyright or making such works available to the public.

The first time the student logs in to the SSE Portal, he/she accepts the terms of the IT agreement in effect at SSE.

The Stockholm School of Economics, Handelshögskolan i Stockholm and Handelshögskolan, SSE, and HHS are important and valuable Trademarks and Trade names of the Stockholm School of Economics. These distinctive signs, and other registered trademarks of Stockholm School of Economics, may under no circumstances be used in connection with personal e-mail mailings, as an address on Facebook, or in other similar contexts in a way that suggests that the use is authorized by the Stockholm School of Economics.

The student allows SSE to convey his/her contact information to a third party. This is done very restrictively and mainly applies to recruitment and surveys and similar measures where the aim is to provide information useful to society. When requested by a third party to provide information on an SSE student (current or former), SSE will only confirm whether a student is or has been enrolled and the dates for that enrollment, also what degree (if any) the student has received at SSE.


47

APPENDIX 1: LINKS Disciplinary Regulations Guidelines for Providing Support for People with Special Needs Equality at SSE


https://portal.hhs.se/StudentSupport/SpecialNeeds/Documents/SSEGuidelinesDisabilities.pdf

http://www.hhs.se/About/Equality/Pages/default.aspx

48

APPENDIX 2: TRANSITION RULES

1. Transfer from MSc2009-2011 to MSc2012 TO BE DECIDED

2. Course Transfers TO BE DECIDED


49

APPENDIX 3: STUDENT PLEDGE

PLEDGE

By accepting admission as a student in the Master of Science program in (name of the program and specialization) at the Stockholm School of Economics (120 ECTS credits), as decided by the Stockholm School of Economics' Admissions Board, I hereby pledge:

- to accept and follow the SSE regulations stipulated in the Student Handbook for the program as determined by the authorized School body,

- to respect the disciplinary regulations adopted for the program and accept the consequences that may arise should I infringe upon these regulations, as determined by the authorized School body,

- in using shared resources such as the library and IT, to follow the stipulated regulations and not infringe or abet in any infringement upon the intellectual property rights of others,

- to present my original Bachelor degree certificate, in both the original language and an official English translation (if the original language is something other than Swedish or English), no later than December 15 (for students with BSc degree from other universities than SSE),

- to apply for the SSE BSc degree certificate no later than December 15 (for SSE BSc graduates only),

- if I am a citizen of a country outside of the EU/EEA and Switzerland and am not excluded from paying the tuition fees at SSE, to execute the relevant tuition payments within the time frames given by the School,

- to otherwise conduct my studies with respect for my fellow students, teachers and other staff members, and to act towards others in such a way as to uphold and promote the reputation of the Stockholm School of Economics.

During your years of study at the Stockholm School of Economics the school will process personal data about you. The data will be collected and used in conjunction with evaluation, quality improvement and development of the school, as well as to communicate with you during and after your years at SSE. According to the Personal Data Act you need to give your consent to the school to handle your personal data. Data will be stored for no longer than three years after your graduation with the exception of your alumni contact information that will be kept and updated at the school.

Personal data needed for the operation of the school i.e. to plan courses or give grades is permitted processing of personal data according to the Personal Data Act. All data and personal data handled at SSE is confidential and is not disclosed to any unauthorized party or party outside SSE.

I hereby give my consent that the school can handle personal data about me as described above.

I assure that all documents submitted in connection with my admission are valid and accurate.

Stockholm, August 20__

______________________________________ Signature

______________________________________ Name (printed)

______________________________________ Date of birth

Appendix 4 to the Student Handbook for the MSc Programs

50

APPENDIX 4: SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH

PROGRAM/SPECIALIZATION FOR STUDENTS ADMITTED FROM 2012 The specified requirements in Appendix 4 are decided by the Vice President Degree Programs by delegation of the SSE Faculty and Program Board.

1 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (INCLUDING CEMS

MIM)

In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree in International Business, students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 90 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and elective courses, a Research Project encompassing 15 ECTS and a CEMS Business Project also encompassing 15 ECTS. MIB integrates most but not all degree components for the CEMS Master in International Management. Students are advised to pay particular attention to ensuring that they also fulfill all CEMS MIM degree requirements in addition to the MIB degree requirements.

1.1 Mandatory Courses The following eight courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 45 ECTS credits and should be taken during semester 1 and 2:

ECTS credits Course nr. Course Name

6 6110 The Shaping of Global Markets

6 6111 The Lean Enterprise

3 6112 Ethics and CSR

7.5 6106 Industry Clusters and Firm Competitiveness

7.5 6113 Innovation Processes, Capabilities and Networks

5 TBD Leadership and Governance in the Global Firm

5 TBD Becoming an MNC

5 TBD Sourcing and Demand Chain Management

Total 45 ECTS credits

In addition, a Research Project is a mandatory component during semester 2.

ECTS credits Course nr. Program Component Name

15 TBD International Business Research Project


The following two courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 15 ECTS and should be taken during semester 3 and 4. Both are CEMS core courses and can be replaced by corresponding CEMS core courses taken at a CEMS host school during a CEMS semester abroad.


51


7.5 6108 Strategic Innovation and Growth

7.5 6109 Cross Cultural Negotiations


In addition, a CEMS Business Project is a mandatory component during semester 4.

ECTS credits Course nr. Program Component Name

15 9476 CEMS Business Project


Please see Section 3.1/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the MSc program.

1.2 Elective Courses During semester 3 and 4 students choose 30 ECTS credits of elective courses. In order to fulfill CEMS degree requirements, most of these courses should be CEMS-accredited. Electives encompassing 22.5 ECTS should be taken during semester 3 and electives encompassing 7.5 ECTS should be taken during semester 4. Language courses do not meet this elective requirement. Successfully completed language courses will appear in a document in addition to the degree certificate. If non-CEMS-accredited electives are taken while on a semester abroad, these have to be approved by SSE in order to qualify towards SSE degree requirements. Please refer to the Student Portal for more detailed information on credit transfer from exchange semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet specified knowledge requirements for electives they sign up for. Please see the SSE Portal for information on available elective courses at SSE, their requirements, and which courses are available as CEMS elective courses.

1.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis The thesis requirement is fulfilled through two different projects. During semester 2, students conduct a Research Project (15 ECTS) and during semester 4 they conduct a CEMS Business Project (15 ECTS), together fulfilling the requirements for a Master thesis in International Business (30 ECTS).

1.4 Additional Degree Requirements Additional Degree Requirements are language proficiency corresponding to the CEMS Language Requirements, a ten-week International Internship, the International Field Trip, the International Study Trip as well as completion of an exchange semester at a CEMS School. Language Requirements


52

The degree requirements mirror the CEMS MIM requirements regarding three languages. One is English (requirement met by TOEFL score or equivalent plus satisfactory completion of Business Communication Skills Seminar in semester 3). The second is an additional CEMS language (requirement met by mother tongue status, successful degree-level university study in the language, CEMS BCS exam result of B2 (or commercial equivalent) or successful completion of an accredited course at a CEMS school. The third language has an extension and exposure requirement (which can be met through a 5 ECTS course, a significant period of working in the language, or A2 results on a commercial exam). International Trips During semesters 1 and 2, students are required to participate actively in an International Field Trip and an International Study Trip. Exchange Semester at a CEMS partner school During semesters 3 or 4, students are required to complete an exchange semester at one of the CEMS partner schools. The exchange semester should encompass courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, not including the CEMS Block Seminar and Skills Seminars. In order to meet CEMS MIM degree requirements, students have to take at least 24 ECTS of CEMS-accredited courses during each of the semesters 3 and 4 (CEMS semesters 1 and 2), including the Block Seminar and Skills Seminars. International Internship An internship of ten weeks outside of Sweden is required.

1.5 Information on Additional CEMS MIM Degree Requirements In order to also fulfill degree requirements for CEMS Master in International Management, students have to pass additional CEMS MIM program components such as the CEMS Block Seminar (3 ECTS), Responsible Leadership Seminar (1 ECTS), the Business Communication Skill Seminar (1 ECTS) and other Skill Seminars (1 ECTS). For a complete account of CEMS MIM degree requirements, please consult the CEMS MIM Student Handbook.


53

2 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (MBM)

2.1 SPECIALIZATION IN MANAGEMENT In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree (Specialization in Management), students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 60 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated below, 30 ECTS credits independent elective courses (open or advanced), and 30 ECTS credits for writing a Master thesis. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the approved optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3, and the specified degree requirements below.

2.2.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses The following seven courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 60 ECTS credits and should be taken during semester 1 and 2:


7,5 1301 Analyzing Innovative Operations

7,5 1302 Business Plan Project

7,5 1303 Business Development Project

7,5 1304 Organizing

15 1307 Change Management - Live

7,5 1310 Leadership

7,5 1309 Organizations and Society



2.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) During semester 3 and 4 students can choose up to 30 ECTS credits of independent elective courses either from within their own specialization, or from other MSc specializations' offerings of such courses. Language courses as well as approved courses at SSES (the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) may also be counted as independent elective courses. Please see the SSE Portal to find out which courses are available as the independent elective courses.

2.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis During semester 3 or 4 students write their Master thesis in Management.


54

Please see Section 3.4/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the Master thesis.

2.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components Concerning Optional Program Components there are no additional regulations beyond those stipulated in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3.

2.2.5 Additional Degree Requirements There are no additional requirements beyond those stated above.

2.2 SPECIALIZATION IN MARKETING & MEDIA MANAGEMENT In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree (Specialization in Marketing & Management), students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 60 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated below, 30 ECTS credits independent elective courses (open or advanced), and 30 ECTS credits for writing a Master thesis. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the approved optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3, and the specified degree requirements below.

2.2.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses The following three courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 60 ECTS credits and should be taken during semester 1 and 2 of the program:


30 2308 XL

15 2302 Strategic Marketing and Business Development

15 2304 Media Management



2.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) During semester 3 and 4 students can choose up to 30 ECTS credits of independent elective courses either from within their own specialization, or from other MSc programs' offerings of such courses. Language courses as well as approved courses at SSES (the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) may also be counted as independent elective courses.


55

Please see the SSE Portal to find out which courses are available as independent elective courses.

2.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis During semester 3 or 4 students write their Master thesis in Marketing and Media Management Please see Section 3.4/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the Master thesis.

2.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components Concerning Optional Program Components there are no additional regulations beyond those stipulated in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3.



56

3 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN ECONOMICS (MECON)

3.1 SPECIALIZATION IN APPLIED ECONOMIC ANALYSIS In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree (Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis), students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 60 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated below, 30 ECTS credits independent elective courses (open or advanced), and 30 ECTS credits for writing a Master thesis. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the approved optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3, and the specified degree requirements below. Student specializing in Applied Economic Analysis may also apply for the double degree program with the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland – see below.

3.1.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses The following four courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 30 ECTS credits and should be taken during semester 1 of the program:


7,5 5301 Advanced Mathematics for Economic Analysis

7,5 5302 Advanced Microeconomics

7,5 5303 Advanced Macroeconomics

7,5 5304 Econometrics


During the subsequent semesters 2, 3 and 4 students shall choose core elective courses in total at least 30 ECTS credits from the following list:


7,5 5319 Health Economics

7,5 5314 Applied Econometric Time Series

7,5 5316 Behavioral Economics

7,5 5309 Dynamic Macroeconomic Analysis

7,5 5310 Labor Markets

7,5 5308 Market & Institutions

7,5 5311 International Trade

7,5 5315 Development Economics

7,5 5317 Economic and Political Analysis of Emerging Markets


57

7,5 5318 Advanced Analysis of China’s Political Economy


Please note that this list is subject to change. Please see Section 3.1/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the MSc program.

3.1.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) During the subsequent semesters 2, 3 and 4 students can choose up to 30 ECTS credits of independent elective courses either from within their own specialization, or from other MSc programs' offerings of such courses. Language courses as well as approved courses at SSES (the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) may also be counted as independent elective courses. Please see the SSE Portal to find out which courses are available as independent elective courses.

3.1.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis During semester 3 or 4 students write their Master thesis in Applied Economic Analysis Please see Section 3.4/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the Master thesis.

3.1.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components Students enrolled in MECON may apply in the beginning of the second semester for the MSc Double Degree program with University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland. SSE students accepted to the program will spend year 1 at SSE and year 2 at HSG. Students who successfully fulfill the requirements will receive an MSc Degree in Economics with a specialization in Applied Economic Analysis (SSEAEA) from SSE and an MSc Degree in Economics (HSGECON) or in Quantitative Economics and Finance (HSGQEF) from HSG. Students who participate in a SSE Double Degree program cannot participate in the MSc Exchange Program, CEMS MIM or the Executive Trainee Module.

Application Procedure and Selection Criteria The application process is administered by the Department of Economics, further information can be found at SSE's website. The selection of SSE students admitted to the double degree program will be based on:

The academic performance in the MSc program so far and in the previous bachelor degree.

Motivation and interest in the program.

Proficiency in English (equivalent to C1 as defined by the European Framework).

The selected students will be directly contacted by the MSc Program director or the secretary of the specialization.


58

Degree Requirements for the SSE Students

Year 1 Courses at SSE To qualify for the Double Degree program, a SSE student has to take eight courses in his/her first year at SSE for a total of 60 ECTS, with each course being worth 7,5 ECTS. Students spending their first year at SSE are required to complete a total of 60 ECTS credits in Economics in accordance with HSG and SSE requirements.

Year 2 Courses at HSG While at HSG in the second year, the student is required to take:

Compulsory and elective courses (36 ECTS credits): Students pursuing the HSGQEF

take 9 compulsory courses and students pursuing the HSGECON take 6 compulsory

courses and 3 elective courses in economics.

Context courses (6 ECTS credits): Students take one course in Leadership skills (3

ECTS) and one course in Critical thinking and cultural awareness (3 ECTS).

Thesis (30 ECTS credits): SSE requires a thesis amounting to 30 as opposed to 18 ECTS

at HSG. To fulfill this requirement, SSE students spending their second year at HSG will

write a thesis encompassing 30 ECTS with the support of two supervisors: one from SSE

and one from HSG. Students will submit their thesis to both institutions, according to their

specific given rules and deadlines provided. The thesis is graded independently at respective

institution. SSE students will defend their thesis at SSE and attend the required thesis

seminars (during their first year) to fulfill SSE examination requirements.

Degree requirements for the HSG Students

Year 1 Courses at HSG Students spending their first year at HSG pursuing the HSGECON (HSGQEF) are required to complete a total of 58 ECTS credits in Economics and take two context courses worth 6 (12) ECTS in accordance with HSG and SSE requirements.

Year 2 Courses at SSE While at SSE in the second year, the student is required to take:

Compulsory and elective courses (37,5 ECTS credits): Students pursuing the

HSGQEF takes 5 elective courses in economics and students pursuing the HSGECON

take 5 compulsory courses in economics.


at HSG. To fulfill this requirement, SSE students spending their second year at HSG will

write a thesis encompassing 30 ECTS with the support of two supervisors: one from SSE

and one from HSG. Students will submit their thesis to both institutions, according to their

specific given rules and deadlines provided. The thesis is graded independently at respective

institution.


59

Concerning other Optional Program Components there are no additional regulations beyond those stipulated in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3.


3.2 SPECIALIZATION IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree (Specialization in International Economics), students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 60 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated below, 30 ECTS credits independent elective courses (open or advanced), and 30 ECTS credits for writing a Master thesis. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the approved optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3, and the specified degree requirements below. Students need to fulfill an International Program Component, which may be done either by (i) being accepted and successfully participating in the SSE Exchange Program, (ii) by taking two additional courses (in total 15 ECTS) in International Economics during semester 3 or (iii) by carrying out an internship abroad (8 weeks). See Section 2.2.5 below. Student specializing in International Economics may also apply for the double degree program with the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland – see below.

3.2.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses The following six courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 45 ECTS credits and should be taken during semester 1 and 2 of the program:


7,5 5301 Advanced Mathematics for Economic Analysis

7,5 5302 Advanced Microeconomics

7,5 5303 Advanced Macroeconomics

7,5 5304 Econometrics

7,5 5311 International Trade

7,5 5315 Development Economics


In addition, students shall choose core elective courses in total at least 15 ECTS credits from the following list:


60


7,5 5319 Health Economics

7,5 5314 Applied Econometric Time Series

7,5 5316 Behavioral Economics

7,5 5309 Dynamic Macroeconomic Analysis

7,5 5310 Labor Markets

7,5 5308 Market & Institutions

7,5 5317 Economic & Political Analysis of Emerging Markets

7,5 5318 Advanced Analysis of China’s Political Economy



3.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives)

During semester 3 and 4 students can choose up to 30 ECTS credits of independent elective courses either from within their own specialization, or from other MSc programs' offerings of such courses. Language courses as well as approved courses at SSES (the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) may also be counted as independent elective courses. Please see the SSE Portal to find out which courses are available as independent elective courses.

3.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis In addition to the general rules for writing a Master thesis, students in the specialization in International Economics should write their thesis in the field of International Economics, broadly defined. The thesis is written during semester 3 or 4. Please see Section 3.4/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the Master thesis.

3.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components Students enrolled in MECON may, in the beginning of semester 2, apply for the MSc Double Degree program with University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland. SSE students accepted to the program will spend year 1 at SSE and year 2 at HSG. Students who successfully fulfill the requirements will receive an MSc Degree in Economics with a specialization in International Economics (SSEIE) from SSE and a MSc Degree in Economics (HSGECON) or in Quantitative Economics and Finance (HSGQEF) from HSG. Students who participate in a SSE Double Degree program cannot participate in the MSc Exchange Program, CEMS MIM or the Executive Trainee Module. For the detailed application process, selection criteria, and degree requirements for the SSE students and the HSG students please refer to the Section 2.1.4 of the Appendix 4 above.


61

3.2.5 Additional Degree Requirements In addition to the general rules for a SSE MSc Degree the students in the specializing in International Economics need to fulfill an international program requirement during the program. The international program requirement can be fulfilled in any of the following ways:

The most common way to fulfill the requirement is by successfully participating in the SSE

Student Exchange Program (i.e. the transfer of 30 ECTS credits); applications to the

program are handled on a competitive basis (see Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3).

The requirement can alternatively be fulfilled if the students have taken two out of the

following four courses; 5308, 5317, 5318 (see the previous table) or 9993 (Japan in the

Global Economy: Advanced Analysis) in addition to the required 8 courses in economics

as stated above.

The requirement can alternatively be fulfilled through an international internship

(minimum 8 weeks), which the student arranges herself or himself and which has to be

approved by the Program Director. The internship is done in addition to the required

course work, i.e. it renders no ECTS credits, and is best carried out during the summer

between year 1 and year 2.

The requirement can alternatively be fulfilled through the Executive Trainee Module,

provided that at least 8 weeks of the traineeship is carried out outside of Sweden, and that

it is approved by the Program Director.


62

4 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL

MANAGEMENT (MAFM)

In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree in Accounting & Financial Management, students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 60 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated below, 30 ECTS credits independent elective courses (open or advanced), and 30 ECTS credits for writing a Master thesis. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the approved optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3, and the specified degree requirements below.

4.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses The following eight courses corresponding to a total of 60 ECTS credits are mandatory courses and should be taken during semester 1 and 2.


7,5 3301 Financial Accounting

7,5 3302 Management Control

7,5 3303 Financial Analysis

7,5 3304 Corporate Valuation

7,5 3305 Financial Accounting from a Preparer Perspective

7,5 3306 CFO Challenges in Multinational Companies

7,5 3307 Advanced Financial Analysis

7,5 3308 Current Issues in Accounting and Financial Management



4.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) During semester 3 and 4 students can choose up to 30 ECTS credits of independent elective courses either from within their own program, or from other MSc programs' offerings of such courses. Language courses as well as approved courses at SSES (the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) may also be counted as independent elective courses. Please see the SSE Portal to find out which courses are available as independent elective courses.

4.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis During semester 3 or 4 students write their Master thesis in Accounting & Financial Management


63

Please see Section 3.4/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the Master thesis.

4.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components Concerning Optional Program Components there are no additional regulations beyond those stipulated in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3.

4.5 Additional Degree Requirements There are no additional requirements beyond those stated above.


64

5 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN FINANCE & ACCOUNTING (MFINA)

5.1 SPECIALIZATION IN CORPORATE FINANCE In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree (Specialization in Corporate Finance), students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 60 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated below, 30 ECTS credits independent elective courses (open or advanced), and 30 ECTS credits for writing a Master thesis. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the approved optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3, and the specified degree requirements below. Student specializing in Corporate Finance may also apply for the double degree program with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Italy – see below.

5.1.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses

The following 4 courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 30 ECTS credits and must be taken during semester 1 of the program. Please note that there are special requirements regarding courses 3301 and 3310, see the table below:


7,5 4317 Portfolio Choice & Asset Pricing

7,5 4318 Fixed Income & Derivatives Markets

7,5 4319 Corporate Finance

7,5 3310 Accounting & Financial Statements Analysis

or


For students with little knowledge in accounting, the compulsory accounting course is Accounting and Financial Statements Analysis (3310). This course is not open to students with a BSc specialization in Accounting and Financial Management from SSE, or with equivalent background (minimum 30 ECTS credits in Accounting and Financial Management). These students must instead take the course Financial Accounting (3301). During the subsequent semesters (2, 3 and 4) students must choose core elective courses amounting in total to at least 30 ECTS credits from the following list:


7,5 4320 Quantitative Methods in Corporate Finance

7,5 4312 Mergers & Acquisitions: Financial Aspects


65

7,5 4310 Venture Capital & Private Equity

7,5 4306 International Financial Management

7,5 4322 Corporate Transition and Restructuring

7,5 4307 Banking & Financial Intermediation

7,5 4316 Financial Stability & Regulation


Please note that list is subject to change. Please see Section 3.1/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the MSc program.

5.1.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) During the subsequent semesters (2, 3 and 4) students can choose up to 30 ECTS credits of independent elective courses either from within their own specialization, or from other MSc programs' offerings of such courses. Language courses as well as approved courses at SSES (the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) may also be counted as independent elective courses. Please see the SSE Portal to find out which courses are available as independent elective courses.

5.1.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis During semester 3 or 4 students write their Master thesis in Corporate Finance Please see Section 3.4/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the Master thesis.

5.1.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components Students enrolled in Corporate Finance may, in the beginning of semester 2, apply for the MSc Double Degree program with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Italy. SSE students accepted to the program will spend year 1 at SSE and year 2 at Bocconi. Students who successfully fulfill the requirements will receive an MSc Degree Certificate in Finance from both institutions. Students who participate in a SSE Double Degree program cannot participate in the MSc Exchange Program, CEMS MIM or the Executive Trainee Module. Holders of an Italian bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply.

Application Procedure and Selection Criteria Application must include the following documents:

A copy of your bachelor degree

An updated SSE transcript

Your CV


66

A one-page motivational letter in English

GMAT and/or GRE, and TOEFL (optional for students with a BSc degree from SSE)

If you are also applying for a student exchange, please indicate whether the exchange or the

Bocconi-SSE Double Degree Program will be your first choice if eligible for both.

The application process is administered by the Department of Finance and further information may be obtained from the Department Secretary. The selection of SSE students admitted to the double degree program will be based on:

Academic performance in the MSc program so far and in the BSc degree

Motivation and interest in the program

Proficiency in English (equivalent to C1 as defined by the European Framework)

The selected students will be directly contacted by the MSc Program director or the secretary of the specialization.

Degree requirements for the SSE Students

Year 1 Courses at SSE Students spending their first year at SSE have to take the following courses: During the first semester, they take the 4 mandatory courses:

Portfolio Choice and Asset Pricing (7,5 ECTS),

Fixed income and Derivatives Markets (7,5 ECTS),

Corporate Finance (7,5 ECTS)

Accounting and Financial Statements Analysis (7,5 ECTS) or the more advanced Financial

Accounting. Either course is fine with Bocconi.

During the second semester, students have to take four finance electives of which at least one has to be (one of the two) quantitative course(s). The list of finance electives in the second semester is: Quantitative Methods in Corporate Finance (7,5 ECTS)

Quantitative Modeling of Asset Prices (7,5 ECTS)

International Financial Management (7,5 ECTS)

Risk Management (7,5 ECTS)

Behavioral Finance and Trading (7,5 ECTS)

M&A: Financial Aspects (7,5 ECTS)

Corporate Transition and Restructuring (7,5 ECTS)

The list of these courses may change over the years, but there will always be electives in either area.


67

Year 2 Courses at Bocconi University While at Bocconi during their second year, students must take 5 elective courses for a total of 30 ECTS credits overall, 24 of which are needed to comply with Bocconi requirements and an extra 6 to comply simultaneously with SSE requirements: Among these five electives, they must choose:

Financial Institution and Markets Law (6 ECTS) to satisfy the Bocconi requirement.

Risk Management (6 ECTS) to satisfy the Bocconi requirement, unless students did take

the Risk Management course in their second semester at SSE.

To qualify for the SSE Corporate Finance specialization, they must choose at least two corporate finance electives such as e.g., private equity and venture capital or structured and project finance. The course choice must be approved by the MSc Program director. Similarly, to qualify for the SSE Investment Management specialization, they must choose at least two investment electives such as e.g., applied numerical finance or asset management. (If a student takes Risk Management it counts as an investment elective.) Again, the course choice must be approved by the MSc Program director. In addition, students are required to take:

Foreign languages (8 ECTS credits): The Double Degree requires all students to take two

language examinations. For SSE students, the first language should be English at level C1,

while the second language should be Italian. The minimum level required for Italian will be

level A2, but student will have the chance to select a higher level (B1 business or B2

business) if they wish so. The selected foreign languages must not include the student´s

mother tongue.


credits at Bocconi. To fulfill this requirement, SSE students spending their 2nd year at

Bocconi will write and defend their thesis at Bocconi, in compliance with its calendar and

regulations, and do not need to defend their thesis or attend seminars at SSE. In addition,

students are asked to write a second (shorter) essay making up for the remaining 12 ECTS

credits. Only the 12 ECTS essay will be graded by an SSE examiner, but both essays should

be submitted at SSE as one document under a common title.

Internship (8 ECTS credits): In order to be awarded the Bocconi degree, students will have

to take a full-time internship of at least 10 weeks, or 16 weeks part time. The internship can

be carried out in Sweden, in Italy or in any other country. The internship will have to be

formally recognized and accepted by the Master of Science director at Bocconi.

Degree requirements for the Students of Bocconi University

Year 1 Courses at Bocconi University Students spending their first year at Bocconi must take all the compulsory courses of the first year at Bocconi.


68

Year 2 Courses at SSE In the second year at SSE, they must take four electives (7,5 ECTS each) and write a master thesis (30 ECTS). To satisfy the specialization requirements, students have to take at least two electives of either chosen specialization. Hence, if a student wants to specialize in Investment Management, he/she must choose at least two of the following three courses:

Investment Strategies (7,5 ECTS)

Financial Stability and Regulation(7,5 ECTS)

Professional Seminars in Investment Management (7,5 ECTS)

Similarly, if a student wants to specialize in Corporate Finance, he/she must choose at least two of the following three courses:

Banking and Financial Intermediation (7,5 ECTS)

Venture Capital and Private Equity (7,5 ECTS)

Financial Stability and Regulation (7,5 ECTS)

The list of these courses may change over the years, but there will always be electives in either area. Furthermore, it is recommended – though not required - that students write the thesis in the area they specialize. Finally, students also must take an internship, for details see above. Concerning other Optional Program Components there are no additional regulations beyond those stipulated in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3.


5.2 SPECIALIZATION IN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT In order to receive a SSE Master of Science (MSc) degree (Specialization in Investment Management), students must earn 120 ECTS credits. These credits consist of 60 ECTS credits of courses divided between mandatory courses and core elective courses as stipulated below, 30 ECTS credits independent elective courses (open or advanced), and 30 ECTS credits for writing a Master thesis. The requirement for independent elective courses (open or advanced) can also be fulfilled through successful participation in one of the approved optional program components – i.e. the MSc exchange program, a semester abroad within the CEMS program, or by completing the Executive Trainee Module (XTM) according to the rules in Section 3.1.8/Chapter 3, and the specified degree requirements below. Student specializing in Investment Management may also apply for the double degree program with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan – see Section 3.2.4.


69

5.2.1 Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses The following 4 courses are mandatory courses corresponding to a total of 30 ECTS credits and must be taken during semester 1 of the program. Please note that there are special requirements regarding courses 3301 and 3310, see the table below:


7,5 4317 Portfolio Choice & Asset Pricing

7,5 4318 Fixed Income & Derivative Markets

7,5 4319 Corporate Finance

7,5 3310 Accounting & Financial Statements Analysis

or


For students with little knowledge in accounting, the compulsory accounting course is Accounting and Financial Statements Analysis (3310). This course is not open to students with a BSc specialization in Accounting and Financial Management from SSE, or with equivalent background (minimum 30 ECTS credits in Accounting and Financial Management). These students must instead take the course Financial Accounting (3301). During the subsequent semesters (2, 3 and 4) students shall choose core elective courses amounting in total to at least 30 ECTS credits from the following list:


7,5 4304 Quantitative Modeling of Asset Prices

7,5 4321 Risk Management

7,5 4309 Investment Strategies

7,5 4314 Behavioral Finance and Trading

7,5 4306 International Financial Management

7,5 4323 Professional Seminar in Investment Management

7,5 4316 Financial Stability and Regulation


Please note that this list is subject to change.


5.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) During the subsequent semesters (2, 3 and 4) students can choose up to 30 ECTS credits of independent elective courses either from within their own specialization, or from other MSc programs' offerings of such courses. Language courses as well as approved courses at SSES (the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship) may also be counted as independent elective courses.


70

Please see the SSE Portal to find out which courses are available as independent elective courses.

5.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis During semester 3 or 4 students write their Master thesis in Investment Management Please see Section 3.4/Chapter 3 for general rules and regulations for the Master thesis.

5.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components Students enrolled in Investment Management may, in the beginning of semester 2, apply for the MSc Double Degree program with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Italy. SSE students accepted to the program will spend year 1 at SSE and year 2 at Bocconi. Students who successfully fulfill the requirements will receive an MSc Degree Certificate in Finance from both institutions. Students who participate in a SSE Double Degree program cannot participate in the MSc Exchange Program, CEMS MIM or the Executive Trainee Module. Holders of an Italian bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply. For the detailed application process, selection criteria, and degree requirements for the SSE students and the students of Bocconi University please refer to the Section 3.2.4 of the Appendix 4 above.
