Master of Science in Economics

Program overview

This two-year, English-language Master of Science programme trains students to analyse economic problems rigorously, apply relevant theoretical frameworks, and use formal and empirical methods to develop creative solutions. Coursework combines advanced micro- and macroeconomic theory with empirical techniques and policy-oriented perspectives, equipping graduates to assess the political and social consequences of economic activity.

Students choose one of several specialisation tracks—Innovation and Change; Economics and Strategy; World Economy; Public Economics; Macroeconomics and Financial Markets; Regional Dynamics (requires German DSH-2); or General Economics. Each track has mandatory core classes and a selection of elective modules, allowing you to tailor the programme toward professional or research goals. The degree concludes with a Master’s thesis written within the chosen specialisation and linked to one of the school’s main research themes.

Key requirements and structure

• Full-time duration: 2 years (standard completion time)
• Core/basic courses required for all students:
  • General Key Qualifications (e.g., German language course)
  • Empirical Methods
  • Approaches to Economic Science
  • Advanced Microeconomics
  • Advanced Macroeconomics
• Choice of one specialisation area; each specialisation includes compulsory core courses plus optional courses
• Master’s thesis must be completed inside the chosen specialisation and should address one of the faculty’s primary research topics
• Note: the Regional Dynamics specialisation requires German language proficiency at DSH-2 level

If you aim for a career in policy analysis, research, or advanced economic practice, this programme provides a solid mix of theoretical grounding, empirical training, and specialised study to support those pathways.

Curriculum overview

The MSc Economics curriculum combines rigorous core theory with empirically driven methods and a chosen specialisation. In the first semester you build a foundation with Empirical Methods, Approaches to Economic Science, Advanced Microeconomics and Advanced Macroeconomics, plus one elective from your specialisation area. This front-loaded core ensures you gain both the quantitative tools and the theoretical frameworks needed for advanced economic analysis.

In semesters two and three you deepen both breadth and depth: each semester features two basic courses, two further courses in your specialisation, and a seminar that develops presentation, critical discussion, and research skills. Semester four is dedicated to finalising specialised coursework (one course) and completing the Master’s thesis, which is the program’s capstone research project.

Key modules and expected learning outcomes

• Empirical Methods: acquisition of applied quantitative and statistical techniques for data analysis and empirical testing of economic hypotheses.
• Approaches to Economic Science: exposure to methodological and philosophical foundations of economic research.
• Advanced Microeconomics and Advanced Macroeconomics: advanced theoretical training enabling formal modelling and policy-relevant analysis at micro and macro levels.
• Specialisation-area courses: focused, in-depth knowledge in the chosen field (e.g., finance, labour, development), preparing you for specialist roles or further research.
• Seminars and Master’s thesis: development of independent research skills, critical literature review, scientific writing, and oral communication through seminar work and the thesis.

These components together aim to produce graduates who can: apply empirical methods to real-world questions, construct and analyse advanced economic models, communicate research findings clearly, and carry out independent, policy-relevant research.

Important program notes

• Semesters 1–4 follow the sequence described above, with seminars in semesters 2 and 3 and the Master’s thesis in semester 4.
• For part-time students, all time limits stated in the study regulations are doubled.

Graduates obtain a solid quantitative and theoretical foundation suitable for careers in economic research, policy institutions, international organisations, consulting, and financial institutions. The programme's empirical training and specialised electives prepare students for roles that require data-driven analysis and economic modelling.

The degree also provides an appropriate qualifying background for doctoral studies in economics or related fields for students who wish to pursue academic research.