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 Associate Dean of the MSc 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 Student Services 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: 2013-01-29
Student Handbook
for the
Master of Science Programs in:

Business & Management
Specialization in Management
Specialization in Marketing & Media Management

Economics
Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis
Specialization in International Economics

Finance & Accounting
Specialization in Accounting & Financial Management
Specialization in Corporate Finance
Specialization in Investment Management


Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 3 PREFACE


([email protected]) 1
https://portal.hhs.se/
2
https://portal.hhs.se/StudentSupport/Pages/default.aspx
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 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 10
1.6 STUDENT EVALUATIONS AND SURVEYS 10
1.7 SERVICES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS 11
1.8 SSE ALUMNI 12
1.9 STUDENT ASSOCIATION (SASSE) 12
1.10 STUDENT INSURANCE 12
2 OVERVIEW OF THE MSC PROGRAMS IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT, ECONOMICS, AND
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING 13
2.1 MSC IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (MBM) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 16
2.1.1 Specialization in Management 16


5 3.3.3 Rules and Regulations for Other Forms of Assessment 42
3.4 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE MASTER THESIS 42
3.4.1 Prerequisites 42
3.4.2 Time Period and Format 42
3.4.3 Writing the Thesis with a Student from a Different
Program/Specialization or University 43
3.4.4 Writing Abroad or Having a Supervisor from another University 43
3.4.5 Supervisor and Examiner 43
3.5 MSC-PHD PARALLEL ENROLLMENT 44
3.5.1 Requirements for MSc Graduation for Students in MSc-PhD Parallel
Enrollment 44
3.6 DEGREE CERTIFICATE 45
3.6.1 Application for a Degree 45
3.6.2 Turn-around Time 45
3.7 OTHER REGULATIONS 45
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 2012 50
1 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (MBM) 50
1.1 SPECIALIZATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (CEMS MIM) 50
1.2 SPECIALIZATION IN MANAGEMENT 50
1.1.1 Specialization Courses (Mandatory Courses and Core Elective
Courses) 50
1.1.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) 51

2.2.5 Additional Degree Requirements 58
3 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN FINANCE & ACCOUNTING (MFINA) 58
3.1 SPECIALIZATION IN ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 58
3.1.1 Specialization Courses (Mandatory Courses and Core Elective
Courses) 59
3.1.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) 59
3.1.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis 59
3.1.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components 59
3.1.5 Additional Degree Requirements 60
3.2 SPECIALIZATION IN CORPORATE FINANCE 60
3.2.1 Specialization Courses (Mandatory Courses and Core Elective
Courses) 60
3.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) 61
3.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis 61
3.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components 61
3.2.5 Additional Degree Requirements 64
3.3 SPECIALIZATION IN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT 64
3.3.1 Specialization Courses (Mandatory Courses and Core Elective
Courses) 65
3.3.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) 66
3.3.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis 66
3.3.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components 66
3.3.5 Additional Degree Requirements 66
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 7 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR STUDIES AT SSE

Global Alliance in Management Education.
 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.
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.
3
CEMS is a global alliance of leading business schools and multinational companies, see also http://www.cems.org/
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 8 In addition to its bachelor and master, SSE has doctoral programs for students with a university
degree in one of the economic disciplines as well as executive education programs for students
with relevant professional experience. SSE also runs educational programs in St. Petersburg and
Moscow, Russia, and Riga, Latvia (executive education). 1.1 STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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.
4
For further information please see the Equal Treatment of Students Policy 2011, available at
http://www.hhs.se/se/About/Jamlikhet/Documents/Equal%20Treatment%20of%20Students%20Policy%202011.
pdf
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 9 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 credits
5
(1.5
ECTS credits are equal to one week of full-time studies) there may be 2-3 in-class teaching

Students have to register for all courses, seminar groups, and exams and give notification of
withdrawal from any of these on the SSE Portal (login is required). 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 on the Student Support
7
website, which
can be accessed via the SSE Portal (login is required).

5
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits; hereinafter referred to as ECTS credits or credits.
6
See https://portal.hhs.se/
7
See https://portal.hhs.se/StudentSupport/Pages/default.aspx
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.
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 10

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 8
Available at https://portal.hhs.se/StudentSupport/Documents/DisciplinaryRegulations.pdf (login is required in
order to access the document).
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 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
11
. 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
12
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.

9
https://portal.hhs.se/StudentSupport/Pages/default.aspx
1.10 STUDENT INSURANCE

SSE students are insured by the Student Association (SASSE). The insurance covers medical
treatment and travel due to medical treatment for accidents that occur during SSE and SASSE
activities. The insurance does not cover accidents outside the SSE premises. Before traveling,
students are encouraged to study the conditions for their home and/or travel insurance. Upon
arrival students may apply for the personal number at the Swedish Tax Agency and obtain the
registration within the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.

13
See www.sasse.se
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 13 2 OVERVIEW OF THE MSC PROGRAMS IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT,
ECONOMICS, AND FINANCE & ACCOUNTING

SSE provides a range of Master of Science programs. Described here are the MSc in Business &
Management (MBM), the MSc in Economics (MECON) and the MSc in Finance & Accounting
(MFINA).

Figure 1: Overview of Program Specializations for the MBM, MECON, and MFINA
14 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 specializations 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 orientation days. The orientation days 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.
Here you will learn more about the program and about routines and regulations at SSE. The


Associate Dean, MSc Programs

The Associate Dean is responsible for the overall quality, content and development of the MBM,
MECON and MFINA programs.

MSc Joint Program Committee

The MSc Joint Program Committee consists of the following delegates:

 The Associate Dean, MSc Program
 Program directors for MBM, MECON and MFINA
 One representative from each institution
 Two student representatives
 The Director of Student Services (coopted)

The MSc Joint Program Committee advises the MSc Associate Dean and Program directors. It
also serves to coordinate and consolidate decisions taken on policies within and across the MSc
Programs.

Program Directors and Heads of the Specialization

Program directors are responsible for educational programs on any of the school's program
levels. Within the framework provided by the Faculty and Program Board, program directors are
responsible for the content, quality and budget of their programs.

For the MBM, MECON and MFINA programs, program directors are usually selected amongst
the heads of the specialization, and have a specific responsibility to coordinate between
specializations within a program.



Figure 2: Overview of the MBM Program (2012)
2.1.1 Specialization in Management

The specialization's aim is to enable you to translate new ideas into direct action and make better
decisions. Through live innovation projects, consulting projects, and change projects you will be
expected to act as a professional consultant and deliver concrete results. In addition, the
specialization will deepen your knowledge in the area of management and develop you 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. 15

an optional program component)
Executive Trainee Module (optional)
Master Thesis

Student Exchange Program (optional)

CEMS MIM Program (optional)

Executive Trainee Module (optional)

You can find more information about individual courses on the courses' websites, which can be
accessed via the SSE Portal
16
and the SSE's external website
17
. 2.1.2 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 you also learn 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 you 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.


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
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)

You can find more information about individual courses on the courses' websites, which can be
accessed via SSE Portal
18
and SSE's external website

to equip you to address challenging economic problems. You 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 (2012)

2.2.1 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.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

 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


Double Degree Program (optional)

You can find more information about individual courses on the courses' websites, which can be
accessed via the SSE Portal
20
and the SSE's external website
21
. 2.2.2 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 being accepted and successfully participating
in the SSE Exchange Program, or by carrying out an internship abroad (8 weeks). For detailed
requirements see Appendix 4. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

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

International Program Component
*)

Master Thesis

Student Exchange Program (optional)

CEMS MIM Program (optional)

Executive Trainee Module (optional)

Double Degree Program (optional)

*)
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
22
and the SSE's external website
23
.

22
https://portal.hhs.se/
23
www.hhs.se/Education/MSc/MScBE/Pages/default.aspx

extensively in order to identify relevant issues and to illustrate the use of theory and models in
practice.

The specialization 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. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

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.
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 23 Specialization Overview

Year 1: Students deepen their knowledge in the main subjects in the specialization Accounting &
Financial Management (60 ECTS credits).


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. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

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 24
https://portal.hhs.se/
25
www.hhs.se/Education/MSc/MScBE/Pages/default.aspx
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 24

Independent Elective
Courses (may be
fulfilled through an
optional program
component) Executive Trainee
Module (optional)
Executive Trainee
Module (optional) Exchange Program
(optional)
Exchange Program
(optional) CEMS MIM Program
(optional)
CEMS MIM Program
(optional) Double Degree
Program (optional)
Double Degree
Program (optional)


www.hhs.se/Education/MSc/MScBE/Pages/default.aspx
Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 25 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. 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,
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.


(optional)
Exchange Program
(optional) CEMS Program
(optional)
CEMS Program
(optional) Double Degree
Program (optional)
Double Degree
Program (optional) Master Thesis
Master Thesis

You can find more information about individual courses on the courses' websites, which can be
accessed via the SSE Portal
28
and the SSE's external website
29
.