Master of Science in Economics

Overview The Master of Science in Economics is a two-year, English-language programme that trains students in rigorous, quantitative economic analysis. It emphasizes precise, model-based thinking and the use of statistical and econometric tools, together with computing, to derive and test quantitative conclusions about economic phenomena. The curriculum is designed for students who want to approach economic problems with logical clarity and empirical rigor.

You will gain a solid theoretical grounding in economic modelling and learn to identify limitations, test alternative hypotheses, and refine models to better match reality. Teaching and supervision are strongly research-oriented: coursework and theses are linked to active research, and top student projects are expected to contribute new insights to the field. Students who choose appropriate coursework can also prepare for later admission to a doctoral programme.

Studying in Berlin adds an international dimension: courses are delivered in English, the student body is diverse, and the university maintains many global partnerships that support exchange opportunities. The faculty regularly reviews programmes to help ensure students can complete their studies within the standard two-year period. The programme offers considerable curricular flexibility, which gives you freedom to shape your studies but also requires self-motivation and careful planning.

Key facts and expectations

• Duration: 2 years (standard period of study)
• Language of instruction: English (all courses offered in English)
• Strong quantitative focus: comfort with statistics, econometrics and computational tools expected
• Theoretical emphasis: ability to work with and critique formal economic models
• Research orientation: readiness to engage with research-led teaching and write a research-quality master’s thesis
• Pathway to a doctorate: option to prepare for PhD study by selecting suitable courses
• International environment: based in Berlin with many international students and partner universities worldwide
• Student profile: requires initiative and independence to make flexible study choices and complete the programme within the standard period

Curriculum overview

The program combines a compact set of core modules with a broad catalogue of specialized electives and a required interdisciplinary component. Core work amounts to 32 CP, made up of a compulsory econometrics module and the 20-CP master's thesis. The bulk of study time (78 CP) is spent on specialized elective modules drawn from four catalogues that let you build depth in micro/macro theory, applied economics, and methodological tools. In addition there is a mandatory 10-CP interdisciplinary elective area (ÜWP) whose achievements are recorded but do not contribute to the numeric grade.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Econometric Methods (12 CP): a compulsory course that equips students with the statistical and econometric tools needed to read current research, perform empirical analysis, and carry out an original master’s thesis. This module is explicitly designed to prepare you for research-oriented work and for applying quantitative methods in professional practice.
• Master’s thesis (20 CP): an independent research project in which you apply theoretical and empirical methods learned during the program to a focused question; this thesis represents a substantial portion of the core credit load.
• Specialised electives (total 78 CP): these allow targeted profiling across four catalogues:
  • Catalogue A — Micro- and Macroeconomics (12 CP): advanced courses in core theory to broaden or complement prior training.
  • Catalogue B — Economics (18 CP): in-depth, research-related topics taught often in smaller groups to work on current issues.
  • Catalogue C — Economics and Methodology (30 CP): at least 24 CP must come from economics modules; at least 6 CP must be chosen from methodological subjects (statistics, econometrics, information systems). Modules from A and B not yet taken may also be chosen here.
  • Catalogue D — Business and Economics (18 CP): modules from the School of Business and Economics (economics, business administration, quantitative methods); useful for recognising coursework from exchange semesters or for an applied economics focus.
• Grading rules and interdisciplinary elective: from the specialised electives, the 58 CP corresponding to your highest-graded modules are used in the calculation of the overall degree grade. The interdisciplinary ÜWP (10 CP) is mandatory, ungraded, and cannot be substituted by additional faculty modules; any grade a course in the ÜWP carries is not included in the final grade calculation.

Practical note: an example study plan (in German) is provided by the faculty as a suggestion but is not compulsory.

Requirements and credit distribution (concise)

• Core modules: 32 CP
  • Econometric Methods: 12 CP (compulsory)
  • Master’s thesis: 20 CP
• Specialised electives (catalogues A–D): 78 CP total
  • Catalogue A (Micro- and Macroeconomics): 12 CP
  • Catalogue B (Economics, in-depth): 18 CP
  • Catalogue C (Economics & Methodology): 30 CP
    • ≥ 24 CP from Economics modules
    • ≥ 6 CP from methodological modules (statistics, econometrics, information systems)
    • Modules from A/B not yet completed may be chosen here
  • Catalogue D (Business and Economics): 18 CP
• Grading of electives: 58 CP of the highest-graded specialised elective modules count toward the overall grade
• Interdisciplinary elective (ÜWP): 10 CP, mandatory, ungraded (not included in final grade calculation)

Graduates are prepared for quantitatively demanding roles where analytical, statistical and econometric skills are essential. Typical career destinations include research institutes, central banks and other public policy institutions, international organisations, economic consultancies, financial institutions and data-driven roles in the private sector (e.g. economic analysis, forecasting, risk analysis, and quantitative consulting).

The programme's strong research orientation and the option to choose courses aimed at preparation for a doctoral programme also make it a suitable pathway for students seeking academic or research careers (PhD programmes, university or think-tank research positions).