Master of Science in Economics Leipzig University

The MSc Economics at Leipzig University is a research-oriented Master’s programme that provides rigorous training in economics with a strong emphasis on analytical, quantitative, and evidence-based approaches. It combines a solid foundation in economic theory with advanced methodological training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and research methods. Students can specialise in Economic Policy or Quantitative Economics, enabling them to focus either on applied policy fields or on advanced empirical methods.

The programme equips students to analyse economic relationships, critically evaluate data and arguments, and develop scientifically grounded solutions to complex economic problems. They gain strong mathematical, statistical, and econometric skills as well as practical experience with research software such as R and Stata. The curriculum also fosters academic writing and presentation skills, while a flexible elective area allows for interdisciplinary study.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its international and research-oriented profile. It can be completed entirely in English and offers opportunities such as a semester abroad, study options at Keio University in Tokyo, or a double degree with Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne for highly qualified students. In addition, students may undertake a research internship, working on an independent project under academic supervision.

Graduates are well prepared for careers in the private sector (e.g. banking or insurance), public administration (including ministries and central banks), research institutions, NGOs, and international organisations. The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies and an academic career.

The MSc Economics at Leipzig University comprises 120 ECTS credits and can be completed over four semesters. The curriculum includes 40 ECTS credits of compulsory modules, 30 ECTS credits of compulsory elective modules, 30 ECTS credits in the free elective area, and a Master’s thesis worth 20 ECTS credits.

First semester: students begin by building a strong analytical and methodological foundation in economics. They take the following modules:

• Advanced Microeconomics (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Econometrics and Statistics (10 ECTS)
• One compulsory elective module (10 ECTS)

Second semester: students continue their core training and deepen their chosen profile through further compulsory elective modules:

• Advanced Macroeconomics (10 ECTS)
• One compulsory elective module (10 ECTS)
• One compulsory elective module (10 ECTS)

Third semester: students complete the free elective area, which can also be achieved by spending a semester abroad. The free elective area may consist of modules from the faculty of business and economics or other faculties at Leipzig University:

• Free elective modules / semester abroad (30 ECTS)

Fourth semester: students complete the final research phase of the programme:

• Research Methods in Economics (10 ECTS)
• Master's thesis (20 ECTS)

Following the compulsory modules, students have the option to specialise in Economic Policy or Quantitative Economics.

For the specialisation in Economic Policy, at least 30 ECTS credits must be chosen from the following modules:

• Topics in International Economic Policy (10 ECTS)
• Advanced Public Economics (10 ECTS)
• European and International Monetary Policy (10 ECTS)
• International Economic Policy (10 ECTS)
• Financial Intermediation (10 ECTS)
• Seminar on Economic Policy (10 ECTS)

For the specialisation in Quantitative Economics, at least 30 ECTS credits must be chosen from the following modules:

• Spatial Econometrics (10 ECTS)
• Empirical Public Economics (10 ECTS)
• Time Series Analysis for Macroeconomics and Finance (10 ECTS)
• Multivariate Data Analysis and Data Mining (10 ECTS)
• Applied Topics in Monetary Economics (10 ECTS)
• Microeconometrics (10 ECTS)
• Seminar Applied Econometrics (10 ECTS)

For the full course organisation, please see the linked PDF.

Degree-awarding partners:

• Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France)

Non-degree awarding partners:

• Keio University in Tokyo (Japan)

Students may undertake a research internship, working on an independent project under academic supervision.

Application period for applicants with a German higher education degree:

• first-semester students starting in the winter semester: beginning of May – 31 May
• If you want to apply for a higher semester, please see the website for more details.

Application period for applicants with an international higher education degree:

• to start in the winter semester: beginning of April – 31 May
• International students apply using the uni-assist portal.

Eligibility requirements

• A first academic degree, or a degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education with business and economic content

Selection criteria

• Previous academic performance (GPA or average mark)
• Academic background and fit to the study programme

A semester fee of around 300 EUR must be paid, which includes a ticket for local public transport. For more details, see this website.

Students in Leipzig should budget 850 EUR per month for living costs.

The following website lists student jobs at the university: Job portal.

Students of the Master's programme can also find research assistant positions at the university or one of the many research institutes in the city.

The Career Service of Leipzig University offers counselling and orientation services to prepare students for the transition from studies to the labour market.

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market.

The cost for a single room in the dorms is approx. 250 to 350 EUR per month. More information can be found here.