Econometrics TU Dortmund University

Econometrics is a two-year Master’s programme jointly offered by TU Dortmund University, Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen. The programme is aimed at quantitatively oriented students who hold a BSc in economics, statistics, mathematics, or a related discipline. Econometric methods are increasingly gaining importance in research, business, and the public sector. Graduates of the Econometrics programme are capable of using mathematical models to quantitatively describe and analyse problems that arise in companies, research, government, financial institutions, and other organisations. They have an extensive understanding of statistical methods as well as an in-depth knowledge of central economic causal relationships and the resulting econometric questions.

Graduates are awarded a joint degree from the three universities.

The programme comprises five core and four elective modules, including a six-month Master's thesis. Most modules consist of multiple courses that may be chosen according to the individual interests of the students. Core courses teach key concepts in statistical theory, econometrics, and time series analysis. The core curriculum also conveys skills in project management, consulting, and applied research. A large pool of electives and seminars enables the students to deepen their knowledge in selected fields of econometric theory and applied economic research, e.g. health economics or financial econometrics.

• Ruhr University Bochum
• University of Duisburg-Essen

The Case Studies module can be replaced with an external internship of at least six to eight weeks. However, this is not a must; you can finish the study programme without doing an internship.

Applicants with a last relevant educational qualification from countries outside the European Union should note additional regulations and terms concerning the certification/verification of degree certificates and the enrolment at German universities.

Application periods:

• Winter semester: January until 15 May
• Summer semester: November until 15 January

For applicants with a qualification from a member state of the European Union, the applicable period is the same as for "educational residents" (the last Friday before the start of the lecture period).

The programme targets quantitatively oriented students who want to acquire the theoretical foundations required for a career in econometric research. Core modules are mathematically rigorous, and applicants must demonstrate strong skills and interest in mathematics/statistics.

Application requirements

1. A certificate of a degree in statistics, economics, or mathematics from Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen, or a comparable degree in a related field, including a transcript of records: The degree programme must comprise at least 180 ECTS in statistics, economics, or mathematics, of which at least 15 ECTS in economics and 25 ECTS in mathematics/statistics. Comparable degrees from other German or international universities are accepted in accordance with national regulations. If the original documents are not in German or English, an official translation into German or English by a certified translator is needed, together with an explanation of the grading system. The transcript of records must list grades and credit points and clearly identify individual subjects. The degree must be completed with a final grade of “good” (2.7) or better according to the German grading system, or an equivalent grade for foreign degrees. An average grade of at least 3.0 must be achieved in mathematics and (applied) statistics. The examining board may impose additional conditions if prerequisites are incomplete. Applications may be submitted before the final graduation certificate is issued if all requirements are documented by other university documents.
2. Proof of English language proficiency (see below)
3. An essay (max. 2 pages) describing the applicant’s academic background in relation to the Master’s programme in Econometrics
4. The general school-leaving certificate required for university enrolment
5. A certificate confirming completion of an online self-assessment

Requirements may change. For updated information, consult the Department of Statistics website. Note that several weeks may be required to process applications. If documents are submitted late, the time between admission and the start of the semester may be short. Please apply as soon as possible (especially non-EU applicants).

There are no tuition fees. Students only pay approx. 300 to 350 EUR per semester to cover administrative costs and a semester ticket which gives access to free public transport in the region.

Approx. 1,000 EUR per month

Professors at the participating departments and the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research regularly look for research assistants. For example, open positions as tutors for students of lower semesters are often available.

The participating departments periodically host events to enable their students to get in touch with companies. At job fairs, students regularly have the opportunity to meet professionals and find student jobs or internships outside of academics.

The three universities have career service centres which provide assistance with applications, recruiting, and starting a career. They also offer a wide range of advice and services.

The student unions of the three universities mediate accommodation in student halls of residence and are happy to help you find a room on the local private housing market.

The Ruhr area has everything required to make the most of student life: affordable accommodation, jobs, and a wide range of cultural, sporting, and leisure activities. Moreover, with the semester ticket being valid for the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia one easily gets from place to place in the entire area quickly using public transportation. Thus, attending several courses at different locations is not a problem, even courses that take place on the same day.

A university with a unique profile:
Since its founding in 1968, TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity has developed a special profile encompassing 17 departments ranging from science and engineering to social sciences and cultural studies. The uni­ver­si­ty has around 29,500 students and more than 6,500 employees, in­clu­ding 340 professors. 6,400 of all students have an international background, which constitutes 19.5% of the total student body.

TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity has a strong focus on re­search. The uni­ver­si­ty’s departments — e.g. mechanical engineering (with its emphasis on production and logistics), physics, biochemical and chemical engineering, statistics and computer science, and education re­search — are well known for their outstanding re­search achievements both nationally and internationally.

Students at TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity can choose from classical subjects and in­no­va­ti­ve courses of study such as medical physics or degree programmes in spatial planning, statistics, and journalism. A particular focus is on teacher train­ing. TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity is one of only a few universities in Germany that offers professional teaching qualifications for all types of schools.

TU Dortmund University is part of the Uni­ver­sity Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). Together with its partner universities, Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen, the UA Ruhr is one of the largest and most powerful university alliances in Germany. The alliance is strong in international research and offers students the opportunity to participate in courses offered by all three universities and earn credits with minimal bureaucratic effort.

With more than 6,500 employees, TU Dort­mund Uni­ver­sity is one of Dort­mund’s largest employers and has helped drive the transformation of the city and the Ruhr region from Europe’s largest coal mining and steel production area into a high-tech and service location as well as a cultural metropolis.

Dortmund is located in the heart of Europe. It is the largest city in the Ruhr region and is home to the Borussia Dortmund (BVB) soccer club. All of this contributes to the many advantages that will make studying in Dort­mund an unforgettable experience. Apart from destinations for football fans, there are many other places of interest to discover in Dort­mund and the Ruhr region.