ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
School of Economics
Overview
The Economic and Financial Information Systems (SIEF) track is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education at the intersection of economics, finance, and information technology. The program begins with a study of economic and financial fundamentals, including macroeconomics and financial models (VAR, VECM), before focusing on quantitative subjects such as econometrics and stochastic calculus.
The IT component of the program is also central. Students learn about information systems, algorithms, and programming (Python, VBA, JavaScript), as well as database management and data warehousing. New technologies are explored through big data, data mining, data visualization, and artificial intelligence. Finally, the program includes the study of information system environments, covering IS modeling and design, network and data security, as well as the legal aspects related to personal data protection (GDPR).

The Benefits of the Training Program
- DOUBLE MAJOR IN ECONOMICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
- TRAINING IN CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES
- OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A MASTER'S DEGREE (MASTER 2) THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP
Objectives
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To enable students to acquire dual expertise: proficiency in quantitative methods applied to economics and finance, and proficiency in the associated computer tools.
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To provide training in the modeling and analysis of economic and financial data, including through econometrics, forecasting methods, and stochastic calculus.
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Develop proficiency in information technology: databases, data warehouses, programming, big data, data mining, data visualization, and artificial intelligence.
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To provide training in understanding and designing information systems within a complex economic and financial environment.
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Raise awareness of IT and legal security issues, including cybersecurity and compliance with regulations such as the GDPR.
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Prepare students to work in a digital environment, integrating information, data, and technologies for economic and financial decision-making.
Expertise and Skills
Expertise
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Analyze and model economic and financial data
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Apply quantitative methods: econometrics, stochastic calculus, forecasting
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Work with and manage databases and data warehouses
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Develop and program computer applications and tools (Python, VBA, JavaScript)
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Perform big data and data mining analyses, and visualize data (Streamlit, Power BI)
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Implement forecasting and artificial intelligence models, including LLMs
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Designing and Modeling Information Systems
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Ensure data and system security and comply with regulations (GDPR)
Skills
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Mastery of Quantitative and Statistical Methods Applied to Economics and Finance
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Ability to collect, organize, and analyze complex data
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Ability to design and manage information systems
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Programming skills and proficiency in using advanced computer tools
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Ability to integrate digital technologies and AI into economic and financial analysis
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Understanding Security and Regulatory Compliance Issues
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Ability to make data-driven decisions in a digital environment
International Dimension
Starting in their second year, students can spend a year (two semesters) at one of the 60 universities with which the School of Economics has partnerships through the ERASMUS+, inter-university agreements, and CHARM-EU exchange programs.
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
Master’s programs at the School of Economics are structured over two years and four semesters and are based on an assessment system designed to measure students’ learning progress in a gradual and comprehensive manner. At the end of each semester, the skills, competencies, and knowledge acquired in each course unit (UE) are assessed in one of two ways: through continuous assessment or a final exam.
Continuous assessment allows for regular monitoring of student progress through various forms of evaluation: proctored exams, graded tutorials, presentations, projects, document analyses, and active participation in class. This approach encourages regular attendance, consistent work, and the gradual acquisition of skills.
The final exam, on the other hand, consists of a written or oral test administered at the end of the semester. Its purpose is to assess the student’s overall mastery of the concepts taught and their ability to apply their knowledge in a structured and in-depth manner.
Special Features
Students with disabilities, young entrepreneurs, and elite athletes can receive personalized support.
This may take the form of academic accommodations, pedagogical adjustments, or specific rights, in order to enable students to best balance their personal or professional commitments with their university studies. Depending on the situation, these measures may include an adapted class schedule, modified assessment procedures, attendance accommodations, individualized support, or dedicated support services.
Open on an alternating basis
The apprenticeship program is based on the principle of alternating between academic and practical instruction provided at the university and the acquisition of practical skills at a workplace. The frequency of this alternation varies depending on the program but follows a schedule established in advance.
The apprenticeship contract is a special type of employment contract that allows the student to hold dual status: as a student and as a full-fledged employee of the company.
APPRENTICESHIP AVAILABLE IN THE MASTER 2 SIEF PROGRAM
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/carriere/formation-en-apprentissage/
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Possible |
|---|---|
Duration of the internship | A maximum of 924 hours, or 6 months |
Internship Abroad | Possible |
A true immersion in the professional world, it allows students to apply the knowledge they’ve acquired in class, discover how organizations operate, and compare theory with practice. To get the most out of it, thorough preparation is essential: learn about the host organization, define your goals, draw on what you’ve learned, and prepare for professional demands.
All Master's programs offer the opportunity to complete an internship.
In the first year of the master's program, an internship is possible but optional. It must be related to the program.
The internship may begin at the end of the second-semester exams or take place during university breaks. In any case, it must end no later than August 31, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in a Bachelor’s program, a first-year Master’s program, or a University Diploma program.
In the second year of the Master's program, the internship is required.
The start date is set in consultation with the academic advisor, generally between February and March, to align with the academic calendar and the requirements for the final thesis. Regardless of the period chosen, the internship mustend no later than September 30.
Program
The program lasts 2 years, or 4 semesters
120 ECTS
Apprenticeship available during the second year of the Master's program
Theoretical Econometrics
5 creditsMarket Finance
4 creditsMonetary and Financial Macroeconomics
3 creditsForecasting Methods
5 creditsAlgorithms and Programming
3 creditsData Mining and Big Data
Data Warehouse
The Economics of Bancassurance
3 creditsChoose one of the following two options:
Financial English 1
2 creditsSpanish 1
Introduction to Stochastic Calculus
4 creditsCorporate Finance
4 creditsIntroduction to SAS / Excel VBA
2 creditsVBA Programming
3 creditsEconometrics of Qualitative Variables
3 creditsTime Series Econometrics
5 creditsTechnical Analysis
2 creditsApplied Econometrics Project
5 creditsOptional
Choose one of the following two options:
Financial English 2
2 creditsSpanish 2
2 credits
Designing an Information System (IS)
3 creditsDatabase Management
2 creditsProgramming Techniques
2 creditsData Mining and Big Data
3 creditsPoll
2 creditsIT Law (Polytech)
2 creditsData Warehouse
3 creditsModeling an IS (Information System)
3 creditsExploratory Statistics (SAS)
1 creditComputer Skills (VBA)
1 creditData Visualization Design
2 creditsEconometrics
3 creditsSecurity
3 credits
Choosing Between an Internship and a Thesis
30 creditsChoose one of the following two options:
M2 SIF Internship
30 creditsResearch thesis as part of a research track
30 credits
Introductory Research Seminars
Optional
Admission
Admission Requirements
- For the Master 1 program: Applicants must hold or be in the process of earninga bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, bac+3) in economics or a related field, recognized in France or Europe.
- For the Master 2 program: Applicants must have completed at least 4 years of higher education (Bac +4 / 240 ECTS) in fields related to economics or similar disciplines. A strong academic record and, in some cases, professional experience are highly valued.
Registration Procedures
First year of the master's program
If you wish to apply for admission to the first year of a master's program, you must submit your application through the Mon Master platform .
Second year of the master's program
To gain admission to the second year of the master's program based on academic equivalence, the ecandidat application process is required.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/candidatures/candidatures-et-admissions/
Target Audience
Students from the Montpellier Academy, the Occitanie region, France, and abroad.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are set each year by the Ministry of Higher Education. They are accompanied by the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).
The entire program is free for students receiving scholarships.
Capacity
Recommended Prerequisites
A strong background inmicroeconomics, macroeconomics, mathematics, statistics, and econometrics is essential. Depending on the intended career path, certain course options may be particularly valuable.
And then
Continuing Education
Master’s degree graduates can continue their studies, notably bypursuing a Ph.D. in economics, either in France or abroad, particularly those interested in research or higher education. Additional specialized programs (university degrees) may also be considered depending on one’s career goals.
Employment Placement
The Master’s in Economic and Financial Information Systems (SIEF) prepares students for a rapid and successful transition into high-value-added careers at the intersection of economics, finance, and computer science. Graduates can pursue careers asfinancial data analysts, data analysts, information systems consultants, risk analysts, or specialists in big data and artificial intelligence applied to finance and economics. They are also well-suited to work in banks, insurance companies, consulting firms, financial institutions, and companies that use advanced information systems. Their international outlook and mastery of digital technologies enhance their employability in a digitized and competitive economic and financial environment.
https://osipe.edu.umontpellier.fr/masters/