Double degree in Economics with the University of St.Gallen

SSE has partnered with the University of St.Gallen (HSG), one of Europe’s leading business schools, to offer a double degree opportunity in Economics at the Master level.

Double degree with the University of St.Gallen

The double degree program spans two academic years. Students complete their first year at SSE and their second year at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). The program is available exclusively to students enrolled in the MSc program in Economics. By combining the strengths of both institutions, students gain a strong academic foundation, international experience, and a broader perspective on economics that can support careers in business, government, or academia.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded two degrees: the Master of Science degree in Economics from SSE and either the Master of Arts in Economics or the Master of Arts in Quantitative Economics and Finance from HSG. To be eligible for the double degree, students must meet the academic requirements of both institutions.

Students are selected for the double degree program through a competitive process during the first year of the MSc program. The selection is conducted by the Department of Economics at SSE.

Double degree structure

Year 1 - Studies at SSE

To be eligible for the double degree program, students must complete 60 ECTS during their first year at SSE.

In the first semester, students take the four mandatory courses in Advanced Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Advanced Microeconomics, Econometrics, and Advanced Macroeconomics. During the second semester, students complete elective courses within the MSc program in Economics.

Year 2 - Studies at the University of St.Gallen

Master of Arts in Economics

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Economics at the University of St.Gallen complete the following coursework:

  • 4 ECTS Advanced Macroeconomics I (core)
  • 4 ECTS Advanced Macroeconomics II (core)
  • 4 ECTS Advanced Microeconomics I (core)
  • Minimum 12 ECTS of field electives (maximum 26 ECTS)
  • Additional core electives as required
  • 6 ECTS of Contextual Studies

Master of Arts in Quantitative Economics and Finance

Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Quantitative Economics and Finance complete the following coursework:

  • 4 ECTS Advanced Mathematics (core)
  • 4 ECTS Theory of Finance (core)
  • 4 ECTS Statistics (core)
  • Minimum 8 ECTS of field electives in Finance or Econometrics
  • Minimum 4 ECTS of field electives in Economics
  • Additional core electives as required
  • 9 ECTS of Contextual Studies

Master thesis (30 ECTS)

SSE requires a Master thesis worth 30 ECTS, compared with 18 ECTS at the University of St.Gallen.

Students in the double degree program write a single thesis worth 30 ECTS under the supervision of two faculty members: one from SSE and one from the University of St.Gallen.

The thesis must be submitted to both institutions in accordance with their respective regulations and deadlines. The thesis is assessed independently by each institution.

To fulfill SSE's degree requirements, students must defend their thesis at SSE and participate in the required thesis seminars during their studies.

Please note that all students participating in the double degree program are required to write an individually authored thesis.

Application and admission

Application period

Fall / Winter 2026

Application requirements

The HSG-SSE double degree program is only open to SSE's MSc in Economics students. The application should include course transcripts for the program, a CV and motivation letter, and other materials. Holders of a Swiss passport are not eligible to apply.

The selection is based on:

  • Academic performance in the MSc program to date, as well as in previous degrees, together with other merits and the motivation letter

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

Applications are submitted through our online application platform. Log in and follow the application instructions. Selected students are notified by the MSc program head or the secretary.