Program Comparison
Which format
fits your study?
Economic indicators are not simple. Different learners come with
different starting points — some need structured guidance, others want to go deep
independently. These programs are designed around that reality, not around a one-size
approach.
Choosing the right format affects how much you actually retain. Passive exposure rarely
sticks — the programs below differ in how actively they engage you with the material.
3
Program tiers
12
Core topics covered
4
Weeks per module
Tier 1
Foundation
Structured entry into economic indicators — GDP, CPI, unemployment
rates, and how they interact in real policy contexts.
CA$290
per module · 4 weeks
View program
Most chosen
Tier 2
Applied Analysis
Goes beyond definitions — you work through real data sets, interpret
central bank reports, and discuss findings with a small peer group.
CA$490
per module · 4 weeks
View program
Tier 3
Deep Research
For those who want to produce their own analysis — guided research
track with instructor review and structured peer critique sessions.
CA$790
per module · 4 weeks
View program
Feature by feature — what each tier includes
Read through the rows that matter most to you. Not every feature is
equally important for every learner.
| Feature | Foundation | Applied Analysis | Deep Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content & Structure | |||
| Core indicator modules (GDP, CPI, employment) | |||
| Video lectures with structured notes | |||
| Reading materials — primary sources | Curated list | Annotated sources | Full archive access |
| Indicator deep-dives (trade balance, yield curves) | |||
| Interaction & Discussion | |||
| Discussion forum access | |||
| Live group sessions | Bi-weekly | Weekly | |
| Peer analysis critique | |||
| Instructor Q&A access | Async only | Async + live | Priority + 1-on-1 review |
| Assessment & Output | |||
| Knowledge checks per module | |||
| Written analysis submission | |||
| Guided research project with instructor review | |||
| Certificate of completion | |||
What actually
separates these tiers
Format The Foundation tier is self-paced within a 4-week window — you
work through material on your own schedule. Applied Analysis adds structured live
touchpoints that create accountability and force you to articulate your understanding to
others.
Depth Reading a definition of the yield curve
is different from interpreting an actual Bank of Canada report and explaining what it
signals about rate expectations. Tiers 2 and 3 are built around that difference.
Output If you want to produce analysis rather than just consume it, the
Deep Research track gives you the structure to do that — with someone actually reading
and responding to your work, not just auto-grading it.
Switching between tiers mid-program is possible with a 7-day notice before the next
module starts. There is no penalty for starting at Foundation and moving up.
Group size
Applied Analysis groups are capped at 14 participants to keep
discussion substantive.
Instructor ratio
Deep Research maintains one instructor per 8 participants for
meaningful feedback.
Async flexibility
All recorded sessions are available within 24 hours for
participants in different time zones.
Material access
Post-module access to all materials is retained for 12 months
after completion.
Who tends to choose each path
Foundation — for building a baseline
Participants who choose Foundation are typically approaching economic indicators for the
first time in a structured way. They may have encountered terms like CPI or trade
deficit in news coverage but want to understand the mechanics behind them.
Ingrid Lahti, a policy assistant from Winnipeg, described it as "the first time I could
actually follow an interest rate announcement without feeling lost."
Self-directed learners
Applied Analysis — for working with data
This tier suits people who already have some familiarity with economic concepts and want
to move from passive understanding to active interpretation. The peer sessions are where
most participants say the real learning happens.
Participants often work in adjacent fields — public administration, financial reporting,
urban planning — where economic context matters but isn't their primary specialisation.
Deep Research — for producing original analysis
Participants in this track want to write, argue, and be challenged on their reasoning.
The guided research project is the centrepiece — it requires choosing a specific
indicator relationship and building a structured analysis around it.
Rémi Audet, a graduate student from Québec City, used his project to examine housing
starts as a leading indicator — work he later submitted as part of a university seminar
paper.
Research-oriented
Questions about which tier fits you?
The contact page has a direct line to the program team — they can walk through the differences based on your specific background.