The global financial crisis of 2008 underscored how crucial it is for decision-makers in banks, regulatory bodies and central banks to have a deep grounding in economic theory, risk-management instruments and modern empirical methods. This MSc brings together the school’s strengths in economics, finance and econometrics to train graduates who can tackle these challenges with rigorous analytical tools.
You will develop practical, research-oriented skills for working with financial and economic data, including hands-on use of standard econometric and statistical software (Matlab, GAUSS, SAS, Stata). The programme covers asset pricing theory and the role of derivatives such as options and futures—explaining both how they can improve social welfare and why they pose potential risks to individual investors and financial stability. Coursework builds methodological competence across theory, econometrics and programming, preparing you for careers in private and public financial institutions or for further academic study.
Key learning outcomes / requirements
Language of instruction: English.
The programme combines compulsory core training with flexible specialisation and elective study to let you shape your own research profile. You must complete the core offerings in the three pillars—economics, finance and econometrics—after which you can focus on advanced field courses tailored to your interests. Elective options let you either deepen a chosen specialism or broaden your background with complementary and interdisciplinary subjects.
Practical, hands‑on learning is embedded throughout the course list: many classes include lab sessions where you learn to apply econometric and statistical software (Matlab, GAUSS, SAS, Stata) for empirical analysis and to implement numerical methods used in finance and economics. The programme culminates in a research‑based Master’s thesis that carries substantial weight and is designed to produce original quantitative results.
This master's programme requires a related bachelor’s degree and evidence of solid foundational training in economics, finance and quantitative methods. Admissions expect applicants to have completed an undergraduate programme equivalent to roughly three years of study (preferably 180 ECTS) and to meet the German grading threshold specified below. International applicants should note that the stated grade refers to the German grading scale (where lower numbers indicate better performance).
Candidates must demonstrate intermediate-level competence across core areas of the curriculum and will be evaluated through a competitive selection process. Shortlisted applicants will take part in individual interviews with faculty; if you apply from abroad, those interviews will generally be conducted by video conference.
For details on application deadlines, required documents and submission procedures, please see our website.
Requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in private financial institutions, regulatory agencies, central banks, and consulting firms where strong quantitative, econometric and programming skills are in demand. The programme’s focus on asset pricing, risk management and empirical methods also suits roles in risk management, trading analytics, economic research and financial regulation.
For students aiming at academia, the methodological grounding and the substantial Master’s thesis provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies in economics or finance. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical software experience enhances employability both in Germany and internationally.