Overview
The MSc in Economics and Finance – Applied Economics and Finance (MSc AEF) at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a two-year, full-time Master’s programme combining economics, finance, mathematics and quantitative analysis. The programme is designed for students who want to understand financial markets, economic conditions and data-driven business decisions.
Important: The current two-year MSc AEF has its last intake in 2026. CBS is introducing a new one-year, 75-ECTS programme from 2027 as part of its master’s programme reform.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Copenhagen Business School |
| Programme | MSc Economics and Finance – Applied Economics and Finance |
| Duration | 2 years |
| ECTS | 120 |
| Format | Full-time |
| Language | English |
| Students | 135 |
| International Students | 71% |
| Average Age | 24.8 years |
What Is the MSc Economics and Finance?
The programme focuses on understanding how companies operate in changing economic environments and how financial decisions can be made using economic models, financial theory and quantitative data.
Students develop skills in economics, finance, econometrics, statistics and mathematical analysis, with an emphasis on applying these tools to real business and financial problems.
Curriculum & Structure
The programme has a strong quantitative focus, with the current structure divided approximately into:
| Area | Programme Focus |
|---|---|
| Economics & Mathematics | 45% |
| Finance | 55% |
Students work with economic models, statistics and econometrics to analyse markets, risk and business performance. The finance component covers areas such as corporate finance, portfolio management and financial risk.
Key Learning Areas
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Corporate finance
- Financial markets and investment decisions
- Econometrics and statistical analysis
- Quantitative methods
- Financial risk analysis
- Economic modelling
- Data-driven decision-making
The programme aims to balance theoretical foundations with practical applications. Students first build their understanding of models and concepts before applying them to real-world examples.
Electives & Academic Flexibility
During the third semester, students can choose electives related to their interests. CBS offers electives across a wide range of subjects, and students may also take relevant courses at other Danish universities.
This allows students to develop a more specialised academic profile before completing the final part of the Master’s programme.
Study Experience
The programme has a strong academic and quantitative focus. CBS notes that the first semester can be demanding, with many lectures and challenging subjects.
Students coming from economics or business backgrounds are generally familiar with the required concepts. Applicants from other backgrounds should be comfortable with statistics, mathematics, basic optimisation, microeconomics, macroeconomics and corporate finance.
Student Profile
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Students | 135 |
| Male / Female | 66% / 34% |
| Average Age | 24.8 years |
| Foreign Students | 71% |
Career Opportunities
The programme prepares students for careers where economics, finance and quantitative analysis are important. Graduates develop the ability to analyse financial information, evaluate risk and support business decisions using data.
Potential career areas include:
- Finance
- Investment and financial analysis
- Risk management
- Economic analysis
- Quantitative analysis
- Corporate finance
- Financial consulting
- Business and market analysis
CBS highlights two key skill areas: finance and economics, and quantitative analysis. Students learn to use econometric models and statistical methods to analyse empirical data and support business decisions.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree before the programme begins and must meet CBS’s language and academic requirements.
The academic requirements are particularly important because CBS evaluates applicants based on their undergraduate preparation.
The selection considers:
- Quantitative Methods
- Economics
- Finance
- Depth and breadth of relevant coursework
- Overall academic performance
Meeting the formal requirements does not guarantee admission because the programme has a limited number of study places.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency must meet CBS’s accepted language-test requirements. For the 2026 admission round, CBS lists a TOEFL iBT score of 94 under the previous scoring scale, with the applicable section requirements.
Applicants should check the current CBS admissions page for the exact test rules applicable to their test date.
Student Job in Denmark
The programme can be combined with a student job. CBS notes that most students work a maximum of around 15 hours per week to maintain enough time for their studies.
Important: Last Intake in 2026
The current MSc Economics and Finance – Applied Economics and Finance has its last intake in 2026.
CBS is reorganising its Master’s portfolio because of the Danish master’s programme reform. From 2027, CBS will introduce more one-year full-time Master’s programmes and part-time programmes.
FAQs
How long is the CBS MSc Economics and Finance?
The current Applied Economics and Finance programme is a two-year, 120-ECTS full-time Master’s.
Is the programme taught in English?
Yes. The current programme is taught entirely in English.
Is the programme quantitative?
Yes. Economics, mathematics, statistics and econometrics are important parts of the programme.
What background is suitable for the programme?
Most students enter with a background in economics and/or business administration. Students from other backgrounds should have a good foundation in mathematics, statistics, microeconomics, macroeconomics and corporate finance.
When is the last intake for the current programme?
The current MSc Applied Economics and Finance has its last intake in 2026. CBS plans a new one-year, 75-ECTS programme from 2027.
Final Takeaway
The Copenhagen Business School MSc Economics and Finance – Applied Economics and Finance is a quantitatively focused Master’s combining economics, finance, mathematics and data analysis. It is particularly structured around understanding economic conditions, financial decisions, risk and empirical data.
For students considering this specific programme, the most important point is that 2026 is its final intake. CBS is changing its Master’s structure from 2027, so applicants should check the new programme options if they plan to start after 2026.
