This double-degree master’s pairs two leading universities so you spend one year at each institution and earn two qualifications: a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Cologne and a Master of Arts in Economics from Keio University in Tokyo. The programme is taught in English and is designed for students who want a thorough, internationally oriented training in economics.
The curriculum centers on how governments, firms, institutions, households and individuals allocate scarce resources. You will build broad methodological skills and engage with multiple theoretical perspectives, learning to construct and use conceptual models independently to assess and predict how policies and market conditions affect economic behaviour.
Because the programme is explicitly international, you will study cross-national links and global effects, preparing you to tackle complex economic problems in an interconnected world and to benefit from diverse academic environments and networks across Germany and Japan.
Key facts and application notes
This two-year, integrated double degree programme combines the Master of Science in Economics at the University of Cologne and the Master of Arts in Economics at Keio University. Students spend the first year at the University of Cologne and the second year at Keio University; credit recognition between the institutions is built into the structure. A research-focused Master's thesis is completed during the second year, and on successful completion graduates receive both the MSc (University of Cologne) and the MA (Keio University).
The curriculum is designed to give a strong quantitative and theoretical foundation in the first year, followed by opportunities to specialise and apply those methods in the second year. At the University of Cologne students develop methodological expertise in mathematics, econometrics, and micro- and macroeconomics. The two universities’ complementary course offerings then allow students to deepen a chosen area of economics and practice empirical and theoretical application, culminating in the joint-recognised thesis. Beyond technical skills, the programme exposes students to two academic systems and international perspectives that enhance research capacity and professional mobility.
Key modules
Learning outcomes
Applicants must meet both an overall academic requirement and one of two subject-specific credit conditions. Your completed Bachelor's degree must be evaluated as at least 2.7 in the German grading scale (i.e., grade equal to or better than 2.7). The programme assesses subject background by ECTS credits — if your degree comes from outside the European Credit Transfer System, the university will check equivalence against these thresholds.
When counting preparatory coursework, only modules that teach mathematical or statistical methodology will be accepted for the Statistics/Mathematics requirement; courses that are purely software or application-focused do not qualify. For full details and a complete list of accepted modules, consult the programme website or the admissions office.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates leave with strong quantitative and analytical skills, international experience and two recognised master’s degrees—qualities valued in academia, central banks, government ministries, international organisations (e.g. IMF, World Bank, OECD), think tanks, consulting firms and the private sector (finance, data analytics, multinational corporations). The programme prepares you for roles in economic research, policy analysis, consulting and data-driven decision making.
The combination of methodological training and cross‑country exposure also positions alumni well for doctoral study in economics or related fields, as well as for careers that require the ability to compare policy effects and market responses across different institutional settings.