Overview The MSc programme in Transportation Economics trains you in scientific methods and analytical tools to understand, model and solve current transport-related problems. Instruction is in English and the curriculum places strong emphasis on quantitative and policy-relevant approaches from economics, econometrics and data science to address issues such as emissions, congestion, safety and spatial planning.
Specialisations You select two of the following five specialisations, each building domain-specific expertise in transportation economics:
Study options and flexibility Beyond the two chosen specialisations you can deepen your knowledge through supplementary modules. These may include additional transport-economics courses as well as selected economics and transport-engineering classes. The programme also allows you to develop language skills or to include a vocational internship within your studies, offering a high degree of flexibility to tailor the degree to your interests and career goals.
Programme requirements (study-structure points)
Curriculum overview
This master’s degree is organised in a modular format over four full-time semesters (an extended part-time track runs over eight semesters). The programme awards a total of 120 ECTS: at least 90 ECTS come from taught modules and coursework, and the Master's thesis with oral disputation contributes 30 ECTS. Examinations for modules are taken throughout the study period, and the thesis is normally completed in the final semester (or in semesters seven/eight for part-time students).
Core content and learning outcomes
In the first semester you build a shared methodological foundation (25 ECTS of compulsory modules plus a 5 ECTS supplementary course). These core modules cover operations research and logistics, methods for transport policy, spatial economics and the environment, theoretical multivariate statistics, and methods in data analytics. Together they develop strong quantitative, analytical and policy-evaluation skills that are essential for advanced work in transport economics. The second semester moves into two chosen specialisations: you deepen your expertise through four in-depth modules (20 ECTS) and add 10 ECTS of supplementary electives from other transport-related areas (economics, transport engineering, languages, or selected courses from other programmes), supporting an interdisciplinary perspective.
Research, mobility and professional practice
The third semester serves as a mobility window and centres on a research project (15 ECTS) within one of your chosen specialisations; this research-oriented work is intended to prepare you for the Master’s thesis and to develop independent scientific research skills. For the remaining 15 ECTS you may choose additional elective modules or complete a vocational internship, which can be national or international. The programme explicitly supports study abroad: students can transfer up to 15 ECTS from modules taken at a partner university and can arrange the research project and internships in coordination with supervisors. The final semester is dedicated to the 30 ECTS Master’s thesis (including the disputation), ideally building directly on the third-semester research module — a pathway that also gives valuable preparation for doctoral study.
Key requirements (concise)
You should hold a first university degree that is recognised in Germany and qualifies you for a specific profession, or an equivalent degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education. Appropriate academic backgrounds include economics, transportation economics, or a STEM discipline (for example mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, or engineering). Degrees in other fields are also considered when they have a clear quantitative focus.
In addition to the degree, you must have demonstrable subject knowledge in economics and business-related areas, as well as solid quantitative skills. Typical areas of required competence include mathematics and statistics, econometrics, operations research, programming and data analytics. These competencies ensure you can cope with the programme’s quantitative and analytical demands.
International degrees must be equivalent to German qualifications; if you are unsure about recognition or equivalence, check the university’s admissions information or contact the admissions office for guidance. Full details and assessment procedures are available on the programme’s admissions webpage.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates gain the analytical, econometric and data-analytic skills needed for roles in transport and logistics companies, public transport authorities, consultancy firms, and governmental or international organisations dealing with transport policy, emissions, congestion and regional planning. Typical positions include transport economist, policy analyst, data analyst for mobility services, logistics planner, and consultants in environmental and spatial impact assessment.
For those aiming at research or academia, the programme’s strong methodological focus and the option to align the research module and master’s thesis provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies. The combination of economics, statistics and computational methods also prepares graduates for quantitative roles in adjacent sectors such as urban planning, infrastructure financing, and mobility technology companies.