This Master of Science programme is designed to prepare graduates for both academic careers and high-level roles in organizations that require strong analytical abilities. The curriculum is research-oriented and quantitatively demanding, combining rigorous training in core economic theory with opportunities to specialise according to your interests. Students conduct supervised research with internationally recognised faculty, engage with current debates in the discipline, and learn to interpret and critique complex economic models and theoretical results.
You will deepen your mathematical, statistical and econometric foundations while also developing practical programming skills used in modern economic analysis. The course mix includes both research-focused and applied classes, enabling you to explore different paths before committing to a specialisation. Teaching and project work foster the ability to design, carry out and critically assess economic research.
The programme takes place in a lively research environment and attracts a diverse cohort — students come from more than 20 countries — which enhances peer learning and international perspectives. Proximity to numerous research institutes in Bonn creates opportunities for hands-on experience and potential employment in academic and policy-oriented research settings.
Typical academic background and skills expected
Core areas and sample advanced modules you can expect
Program structure and core modules
This two-year MSc programme is worth 120 ECTS in total: 30 ECTS from basic modules, 60 ECTS from advanced modules (which include a 15‑ECTS research seminar), and 30 ECTS for the Master’s thesis. Both basic and advanced lecture modules are normally 7.5 ECTS each. The curriculum is staged so that the first semester consolidates quantitative foundations and core economic theory, semesters two and three allow you to specialise across multiple fields, and the fourth semester is devoted to an independent thesis.
First-semester foundation and basic modules
In semester one you take a compulsory course, Mathematics for Economists, and choose three of four basic modules (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Finance, Econometrics). Mathematics for Economists covers real analysis, difference and differential equations, dynamic optimisation and formal proof writing to give a rigorous mathematical toolkit. The basic modules deepen the core concepts from undergraduate study while introducing the mathematical and econometric methods needed for more advanced work.
Advanced modules, research training and thesis
During semesters two and three you build an individual profile by selecting advanced courses across at least two (and up to four) areas of economics. More theoretical and methodological options focus on economic modelling and advanced statistical/econometric methods and typically involve hands‑on work with software such as MATLAB, R, Python and Stata. Applied streams emphasise real‑world use of microeconomic theory in management, financial markets and investment problems. A major element in the third semester is the 15‑ECTS research seminar: you review current research, design and write a research paper and present it to peers — practical preparation for the 30‑ECTS Master’s thesis completed in semester four.
Key learning outcomes
Graduates leave with advanced quantitative and analytical skills, practical experience with econometric and programming tools, and the ability to design and carry out an independent research project. The programme trains you to formulate and solve theoretical models, perform empirical analysis with modern software, communicate research findings, and produce a substantial thesis based on original work.
Programme facts and requirements (concise)
This program requires a strong academic foundation in economics plus solid quantitative skills. Applicants should hold a university-level undergraduate degree in economics (or a closely related subject) and must have achieved a final overall grade that, when converted to the German scale, is at least "good" (2.3). If your degree and grading system come from another country, check how your final grade would convert or contact the admissions office for guidance.
In addition to the degree and grade, the program expects applicants to have taken and mastered core quantitative courses. Typical evidence is clearly documented coursework in calculus, linear algebra, statistics and econometrics; this prepares you for the mathematical and empirical work in the master’s curriculum.
Admission requirements (summary)
If you are unsure whether your degree is considered equivalent or how your grade converts, contact the admissions office for clarification and documentation requirements.
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for academic careers (including progression to PhD programmes) as well as for analytical and leadership roles in public institutions, international organisations, central banks, research institutes, consulting firms and the private sector. The programme’s rigorous training in mathematical economics, econometrics and programming equips students for positions requiring advanced quantitative and empirical skills such as economic researcher, data analyst, policy analyst, or financial economist.
Through the research seminar, thesis work and links with local research institutes, students gain hands-on research experience and professional contacts that improve employability in both research-oriented and applied roles. Alumni are well-placed for roles in academia, think tanks, governmental agencies, international organisations, and analytical functions in industry and finance.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz — Mainz
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — Berlin
University of Hohenheim — Stuttgart
TU Dortmund University — Dortmund