This English-language MSc programme delivers advanced training in economics at an international standard, preparing graduates for careers in academia as well as in public and private organisations. A double-degree option with the University of Nottingham (Master of Science) is available, allowing students to receive qualifications from both institutions. The curriculum and thesis work are geared toward equipping you with the analytical tools and empirical methods used at the research frontier.
Teaching and supervision draw on a strong research base: the faculty includes internationally recognised scholars who have secured two European Research Council grants and a research school funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Students can engage with current research topics through coursework and their master’s thesis — examples of active research areas include the effect of ICT adoption on firm organisation, heterogeneous-agent macroeconomics, and international taxation via the affiliated research school.
The department combines a long academic tradition (it is the oldest economics department in Germany, with a history of around 200 years) with modern, research-driven teaching. Class sizes are small, students receive close supervision on seminar papers and MSc theses, and research assistantships are available. Course offerings address pressing policy issues; samples include E411 Economics of Taxation, E434 Advanced Macroeconomics II (and corresponding paper on fiscal policy during the COVID pandemic), E437 Computational Macroeconomics (spillovers of war), and E471 Empirical Topics in International Trade (and associated papers). The University of Tübingen is also one of 12 German universities of excellence and hosts a leading machine learning cluster, which enriches interdisciplinary opportunities.
Key facts / application notes
This MSc in Economics is designed for maximum flexibility and is described as the most versatile economics programme in Tübingen. You can follow a research-oriented track or build a tailored study plan from a set of focused specialisations. That flexibility makes the programme suitable whether you aim for a career in research, policy, international organisations, or the private sector.
You can specialise in one of four pathways or choose not to specialise and assemble a personalised curriculum:
The programme also offers a double degree route with the University of Nottingham. With this option you graduate with two recognised master’s degrees within the same overall study period as the single MSc. The double degree boosts academic credentials, provides exposure to different teaching cultures and research perspectives, and expands professional networks across institutions—advantages that many employers and research programmes value.
Key modules / components
Typical learning outcomes
Program options (concise)
For specific course lists, credit requirements or admission criteria, consult the programme’s official information—those details are set by the university and may change by intake.
You should hold a completed bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics or a closely related subject. The program requires a solid academic record (see grading requirement below) and a background in core economic subjects and quantitative methods. Applications from international students whose degrees use different credit or grading systems should check the program website for information on how equivalence is assessed.
In addition to the academic qualifications, applicants are expected to have intermediate-level knowledge of key economics and quantitative topics. For full details on application steps, required documents, deadlines and any possible exceptions, consult the program’s official webpage.
Winter Semester (International)
1 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for academic careers (PhD studies and research) as well as roles in the public sector, international organisations, consultancy, finance and the private sector. The programme’s emphasis on econometric and computational methods, combined with supervised thesis work, equips students to perform policy analysis, data-driven research and economic modelling.
Completing the double degree option further boosts international employability by providing cross-border experience, broader networks and an additional credential from the University of Nottingham—attributes valued by employers in global and interdisciplinary environments.