Economic Behaviour & Governance (EB&Go)

Overview This Master’s degree builds on the main research strengths of the Institute of Economics, concentrating on behavioural economics and governance with a strong emphasis on applied research. The programme develops deep theoretical knowledge in behavioural economics and governance while linking those theories to real-world questions and policy challenges.

Teaching and training Students are introduced to advanced theoretical frameworks and to rigorous empirical methods, and are trained to use these tools to investigate and address contemporary economic-policy issues. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for research-oriented work by combining conceptual foundations with applied analytic skills.

Career prospects and language options Graduates leave equipped for a wide range of roles in government and public administration, supranational organisations, multinational firms, research institutions and higher education. Many courses are offered in English and the master’s thesis can be written in English, so the programme can be completed entirely in English. German-speaking students also have the option to take up to two-thirds of their credits in German.

Requirements / key facts

• Programme focus: behavioural economics, governance, and applied empirical research
• Instruction language: many courses in English; entire programme and thesis can be completed in English
• German-language option: German-speaking students may obtain up to two-thirds of credits in German
• Career pathways: public sector, supranational organisations, multinational firms, research and academia
• Admission details (e.g., entry qualifications, language certificates): not specified in the provided description — check the university’s admissions information for exact requirements and application procedures

Curriculum overview

This master's curriculum combines rigorous quantitative training with behavioural and governance-focused economics. Core modules in econometrics, mathematics, micro- and public economics build a solid theoretical and empirical foundation, while specialised courses in behavioural and experimental economics train you to examine real-world decision-making. Seminar work and applied modules emphasise presentation, teamwork and independent research skills, culminating in a master's thesis that can either be an independent project or part of ongoing research at the Institute of Economics.

Key learning outcomes include advanced quantitative and causal-analysis techniques, the ability to design and interpret economic experiments, and the capacity to evaluate public- and corporate-governance interventions. Graduates leave with transferable skills in data analysis, policy evaluation, academic writing and oral communication—preparing them for research-oriented careers, roles in governance and policy assessment, or further doctoral study.

Core modules and requirements

• M1 Intermediate Econometrics — deepen understanding of econometric models and methods for analysing complex data structures.
• M2 Mathematics for Economists — review and strengthen the mathematical foundations used in economic analysis.
• M3 Intermediate Microeconomics — advanced study of microeconomic models with emphasis on market and corporate governance issues.
• M4 Intermediate Public Economics — examine public choice theory and multi-level governance; tools for assessing state intervention and public-sector governance.
• M5 Intermediate Behavioural Economics — critically evaluate standard microeconomic assumptions and explore the complexities of human decision-making.
• M6 Foundations in Experimental Economics — learn how to design, run and interpret economic experiments.
• M7 Evidence-Based Economic Policy — study how scientific evidence informs policy, apply causal analysis methods, and assess the governance of academic research.
• M8 Research Methods — introduction to advanced quantitative techniques for economic analysis.
• M9 Seminar: Economic Behaviour meets Governance — tackle interdisciplinary topics, sharpen problem-solving and presentation skills, and practise teamwork.
• M10 Seminar in Economic Behaviour — apply behavioural economics to specific research questions; prepares students for doctoral-level research in behavioural science.
• M11 Seminar in Governance — explore governance across public, market, corporate and non-profit sectors and develop critical thinking and research communication.
• M12 Topics in Corporate Governance — cover business-administration concepts and methods to analyse corporate problems, perform market research and understand firm responses to policy.
• M13 Additive Skills — opportunities to broaden personal competencies beyond economics and enhance labour-market prospects.
• Master Thesis — conduct independent research or contribute to ongoing research projects at the Institute of Economics; demonstrate mastery of subject matter and research methods.

Graduates are well placed for roles in government and public administration, supranational organisations, multinational companies, research institutes and academia. The combination of behavioural theory, experimental techniques and empirical methods also equips students for positions that require rigorous policy evaluation and data-driven decision-making.

For those aiming at further research, the programme’s emphasis on research methods and thesis work provides solid preparation for doctoral studies in economics or related social sciences.