This programme examines the historical roots and development of economic systems to answer big questions: what drives long-term growth, why do some countries prosper while others lag, how and why do economies collapse and recover, and what role do institutions and states play? You will study how theoretical models and historical narratives shape economic outcomes and trace the emergence and transformation of capitalism across time.
You will explore concrete case studies such as the Great Depression, long-run growth trajectories, sovereign debt crises, and the impact of global economic linkages on business structures — all approached from the perspective of economic history research. The course emphasizes both rigorous historical analysis and modern empirical methods, giving you tools to support arguments with quantitative evidence while sharpening your capacity for scholarly discussion.
For international students, this Master’s offers a strong foundation for careers in research, policy analysis, international organizations, archive-based or data-driven historical work, and roles in public and private sectors that require historical-economic insight. Teaching is delivered in English, and the programme is well suited to students who enjoy interdisciplinary study at the intersection of history and economics.
To succeed in the programme:
This Master's curriculum is organised to give you firm theoretical foundations in economic history while also letting you shape a specialised profile. The programme combines core foundational courses, a convergence module for students coming from different undergraduate backgrounds, taught modules on methods and skills, a sustained research and debate component, a practical internship, and a broad set of electives. The overall design aims to equip students with both disciplinary knowledge and the flexibility to pursue individual academic and career interests.
Core teaching includes three modules that establish the essentials of economic history, plus two modules that ensure every student shares the same basic understanding of key methods and concepts. Three additional modules focus on methodological training, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches specific to economic history. A research and debate module runs across three semesters to develop sustained research skills and engagement with current scholarly debates, and a mandatory internship gives you a chance to apply what you have learned in a practical context and refine your career profile.
Learning outcomes emphasize a robust grasp of economic-historical knowledge, competence in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the ability to engage critically with current research, and practical experience through the internship. Electives allow you to deepen expertise in areas that match your interests and career goals. If you want personalised guidance, the programme coordinators are available for academic advice and to arrange campus visits. You can also download a programme overview from the university website: http://www.he.uni-bayreuth.de/en/profile/index.html
Key curriculum components and requirements
The Master’s programme evaluates applicants differently depending on whether your Bachelor’s degree was earned in Germany or abroad. In general, admission favours graduates with a strong quantitative or historical background—typically a Bachelor’s in Economics, History, or Philosophy & Economics—and a final grade of 2.5 (“gut”) or better in the German grading scale. If your qualification does not exactly meet this benchmark you are still encouraged to apply; however, you may face additional assessment steps (for example, an interview) or be offered conditional admission until specific prerequisites are completed.
A faculty admission committee reviews each application individually before the enrolment step. For German degrees, certain Bachelor programmes from other German universities are recognised as comparable, but admission can carry conditions (for example, required completion of specified Bayreuth modules within one year). For international (non‑German) degrees, the committee assesses whether your curriculum and grades indicate a likelihood of success equivalent to that of a University of Bayreuth graduate with a 2.5 (“gut”) or better. Related degrees (e.g., majors in Political Science, Ethnology, or Statistics with a minor in Economics) can also be admitted, typically subject to conditions.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are well prepared for careers that require rigorous historical-economic analysis and empirical skills: roles in research institutes, public administration, international organisations, financial institutions, consultancy, cultural institutions and archives. The programme’s mix of quantitative tools, historical knowledge and an internship component also provides a solid foundation for doctoral study (PhD) in economic history, economics or related social sciences.
The internship and applied modules help you build a professional profile attractive to employers in both the public and private sectors, while the methods training equips you for data-driven roles and policy analysis.