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 VALID FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED FROM YEAR 2012 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 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. Person responsible for the document history: Natalia Antsiferova, Student Services (Natalia.Antsiferova@hhs.se). Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 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 Business & Management (MBM), Economics (MECON) and Finance & Accounting (MFINA). 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 specialization and the programs' 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 1 . The Student Support website 2 will also provide you with information about various services offered at the school. Stockholm, August 2012 Magnus Mähring Associate Dean, MSc programs Person legally responsible for this document: Magnus Mähring, Associate Dean, MSc programs (Magnus.Mahring@hhs.se) 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 2.1.2 Specialization in Marketing & Media Management 17 2.2 MSC IN ECONOMICS (MECON) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 19 2.2.1 Specialization in Applied Economic Analysis 19 2.2.2 Specialization in International Economics 20 2.3 MSC IN FINANCE & ACCOUNTING (MFINA) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 22 2.3.1 Specialization in Accounting & Financial Management 22 2.3.2 Specialization in Corporate Finance 23 2.3.3 Specialization in Investment Management 24 2.4 OVERVIEW OF OPTIONAL PROGRAM/SPECIALIZATION COMPONENTS 26 2.4.1 Student Exchange Program 26 2.4.2 CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) 26 2.4.3 Executive Trainee Module (XTM) 26 3 SSE ACADEMIC REGULATIONS 27 3.1 PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS 27 3.1.1 Degree Requirements 27 3.1.2 Maximum Period of Study 27 3.1.3 Transfer of Credits 28 3.1.4 Study Pace Requirements 29 3.1.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) 29 3.1.6 Tuition Fees 30 3.1.7 Academic Misconduct 30 3.1.8 Regulations for Optional Program/Specialization Components 30 3.2 COURSE RULES AND REGULATIONS 33 3.2.1 Registration and Withdrawal 33 3.2.2 Rules and Regulations for Course Grading 34 3.3 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ASSESSING STUDENT LEARNING 36 3.3.1 Rules and Regulations for Partial Examinations 36 3.3.2 Rules and Regulations for Written Examinations 37 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 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 1.1.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis 51 1.1.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components 51 1.1.5 Additional Degree Requirements 51 1.2 SPECIALIZATION IN MARKETING & MEDIA MANAGEMENT 51 1.2.1 Specialization Courses (Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses) 51 1.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) 52 1.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis 52 1.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components 52 1.2.5 Additional Degree Requirements 52 2 SPECIFIED DEGREE REQUIREMENTS - MSC IN ECONOMICS (MECON) 52 2.1 SPECIALIZATION IN APPLIED ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 52 2.1.1 Specialization Courses (Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses) 54 2.1.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) 54 2.1.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis 54 2.1.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components 55 2.1.5 Additional Degree Requirements 56 2.2 SPECIALIZATION IN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS 56 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 6 2.2.1 Specialization Courses (Mandatory Courses and Core Elective Courses) 57 2.2.2 Independent Elective Courses (Open and Advanced Electives) 57 2.2.3 Specific Guidelines for the Master Thesis 57 2.2.4 Additional Rules for Optional Program Components 58 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 “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. SSE offers the following degree programs:  Three-year Bachelor of Science Program in Business & Economics (Stockholm)  Three-year Bachelor of Science Program in Retail Management (Norrtälje)  Two-year Master of Science Program in Business & Management (Stockholm)  Two-year Master of Science Program in Finance & Accounting (Stockholm)  Two-year Master of Science Program in Economics (Stockholm)  Two-year Master of Science Program in General Management (Stockholm)  Two-year Master of Science Program in Business & Economics (Stockholm, intake 2009- 2011)  Two-year MBA Program in Executive Format (Stockholm, St. Petersburg, Riga)  Four-year PhD Program in Business Administration (Stockholm)  Four-year PhD Program in Economics (Stockholm)  Four-year PhD Program in Finance (Stockholm)  A variety of executive education programs (Stockholm, St. Petersburg, Riga) SSE also offers three double-degree programs at the master's level:  CEMS Master in International Management (CEMS MIM) together with CEMS 3 , the 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 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 and the Heads of the specializations. 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. 4 The Faculty and Program Board at SSE handles 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. 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 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 at Student Services. 1.3 SSE PORTAL Through SSE Portal 6 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 (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 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. 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. 8 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 can 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 8 Available at https://portal.hhs.se/StudentSupport/Documents/DisciplinaryRegulations.pdf (login is required in order to access the document). [...]... 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 12 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 2 OVERVIEW OF THE MSC PROGRAMS IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT, ECONOMICS, AND FINANCE & ACCOUNTING SSE provides a range of Master of Science programs. .. 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: ∑ ∑ The GPA for a student can range from 1.00 - 5.00, with 5.00 being the highest The GPA also includes... They consist of two students for each program/specialization and normally meet twice per semester 15 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 2.1 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 in Marketing & Media Management. 15 The program is based on a unique... 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 Programs (2012) Introduction to the SSE MSc Programs An overall aim of the MSc in Business & Management (MBM), the MSc in Economics (MECON) and the MSc in Finance & Accounting (MFINA) programs is to... Program as part of their SSE MSc admission process 48 Test of English as a Foreign Language, various formats 45 31 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs 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 also sign a student pledge that provides guidance for professional... 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 her/his view prior to the amendment The student is to be informed regardless of whether the amendment is to her/his benefit or detriment Review of a Course... 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 the specialization in International Business. .. Dean for each of the following four program levels: BSc, MSc, MBA (including GM), and PhD Two faculty representatives appointed by the Faculty Forum Anyone coopted to the meeting by the President (e.g the Academic Vice President, Senior Executive Vice President, Director of Communications, HR Director, Director of Student Services, CEO of IFL) 14 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs The. .. 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 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits; hereinafter referred to as ECTS credits or credits Student Handbook for the Master of Science Programs. .. Programs in Business & Management (MBM), Economics (MECON) and Finance & Accounting (MFINA), available at http://www.hhs.se/Education/Pages /Student- Handbook. aspx 35 Complementary courses are, however, included in the calculation of GPA (Grade Point Average – see Section 3.1.5) 33 34 27 Student Handbook for the MBM, MECON & MFINA Programs maximum period of study for the MSc programs is 3 years Students . of the first version of the document. Latest update: 2013-01-29 Student Handbook for the Master of Science Programs in: Business & Management. student at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE). It is intended for students enrolled in the Master of Science (MSc) programs in Business & Management