This two-year, English-taught Master's in Economics at Trier University is an international, interdisciplinary program geared toward students who want a wide-ranging perspective on economics with a clear European focus. The curriculum blends application-oriented and research-driven courses, placing strong emphasis on empirical methods so graduates gain practical skills in data analysis alongside theoretical grounding.
Students receive solid training in economic theory and econometrics and can broaden their studies by choosing courses from related departments such as Business, Political Science, and Sociology. The mix of methods, theory and cross-disciplinary electives prepares graduates for roles across the private and public sectors and also provides the academic foundation needed to pursue PhD studies.
Program features and requirements (key facts)
This two-year, full-time MSc in Economics begins with a shared first semester where all students take three rigorous core courses: Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. From the second semester onward you specialise in one of several thematic tracks — European Political Economy; International Labour Markets and Innovation; International Finance; Applied Statistics and Econometrics; European Economic Integration (available to double-degree students); European Social Security and Health Systems (note: some courses in this track are taught only in German); and Environment and Sustainability. Starting in the second semester you also have the flexibility to enrol in courses offered by other departments to broaden your profile.
The programme culminates in a fourth-semester Master’s thesis that demonstrates your capacity to carry out independent, policy-relevant or methodological research. Graduates leave with advanced theoretical and empirical training: deeper knowledge in micro- and macroeconomic theory, strong econometric and data-analysis skills, and specialised expertise in their chosen field. The degree is conferred based on the credit points accumulated during the programme together with the assessed Master’s thesis. For a full semester-by-semester module overview and detailed course descriptions, consult the programme website (PDF download available).
Key points / programme requirements
This master’s programme requires applicants to hold a completed undergraduate degree that provides a solid foundation in economics. Eligible backgrounds include a Bachelor’s degree (or an internationally recognised equivalent) in Economics or in Social Sciences; other degree programmes are considered if they include sufficient economics content to prepare you for graduate study.
If your undergraduate qualification was earned outside Germany, the university will assess whether it is equivalent to the required German Bachelor’s degree. Check the programme’s official page for precise details on what counts as “sufficient background” and any supporting documents you must submit. If anything is unclear, contact the admissions office early so you can prepare transcripts and explanatory documents in time.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 September 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in both the private and public sectors, including economic analyst positions, consultancy, policy advisory roles, and data-driven positions in finance and industry. The programme's strong empirical and econometrics focus equips students for jobs requiring quantitative modelling and applied research skills.
The degree also qualifies students for entry into PhD programmes and research careers at universities, think tanks, central banks, and international organisations (e.g., EU institutions, OECD). Elective specialisations enable targeted career paths in areas such as social security and health policy, environmental economics, or international finance.