Master of Science in Economics Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The Master of Science in Economics teaches students the skills needed to thoroughly analyse economic issues and problems, understand and apply the relevant academic theory, and use the correct formal and empirical methods. This in turn will allow them to find creative approaches to problem solving and predict the political and social consequences of economic activity.

To this end, students will acquire profound knowledge in theoretically, empirically, and politically-oriented economics as well as in one of the following specialisation areas:

• Innovation and Change
• Economics and Strategy
• World Economy
• Public Economics
• Macroeconomics and Financial Markets
• Regional Dynamics (requires German proficiency DSH-2)
• General Economics

Each specialisation area includes core courses that must be taken by all students and optional courses from which they may choose.

Special features: This programme can be completed in two years of full-time study. It includes basic courses, a specialisation area, and a Master's thesis. The basic courses include the following required courses:

• General Key Qualifications (e.g. German language course)
• Empirical Methods
• Approaches to Economic Science
• Advanced Microeconomics
• Advanced Macroeconomics

The Master's thesis must be written in the student's specialisation area and should focus on one of the school's primary research topics.

First semester:

• "Empirical Methods"
• "Approaches to Economic Science"
• "Advanced Microeconomics"
• "Advanced Macroeconomics"
• One further course (specialisation area)

Second semester:

• General Key Qualifications
• Two basic courses
• Two courses in specialisation area
• Seminar

Third semester:

• Two basic courses
• Two courses in specialisation area
• Seminar

Fourth semester:

• One course in specialisation area
• Master's thesis

For part-time students, all time limits mentioned in the study regulations are doubled.

There are no integrated internships.

• University degree with a duration of at least three years or
• Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits and a duration of at least three years
• Final mark: 2.5 or better. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree which contains professional qualifications have to be among the top 65% of their year.
• Good pre-education in mathematics, statistics, and economics; minimum requirements: 30 ECTS in economics, 6 ECTS in mathematics, 6 ECTS in statistics.

Approx. 320 EUR per semester. Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (free public transport in Germany) and the Jena culture ticket; see details here.

Studying in Jena is tuition-free.

Costs (per month) vary depending on individual circumstances: rent and food: 550 EUR, books and learning materials: 50 EUR, health insurance: 120 EUR, other expenses: 180 EUR, total: 900 EUR.

There are various job opportunities in Jena. You should have at least a good command of German if you want to have a wider choice of jobs. Jobs in which you do not need (much) German are rare, often physically demanding, and not very well paid. In some cases, you may also have to commute to nearby cities. Our Career Point offers advice on finding a job.

Deutschlandstipendium (application in April each year).

Some programmes offer scholarships. Please consult the specific study programme website.

When applying for internships, part-time jobs or entry-level roles after graduation, the Career Point team at the University of Jena supports Bachelor’s and Master’s students with free events and advisory services. Career talks, alumni events, company visits, workshops on soft skills, intercultural skills, and future skills, and a free interdisciplinary career and job fair enable exchange with employers. Templates, a job portal, LinkedIn and a mailing list provide information on vacancies, event invitations and exclusive offers. Students interested in entrepreneurship can reach out to the university’s K1 Startup Service.

Bachelor's and Master's level students may apply for student accommodation (all off-campus, furnished single rooms in shared apartments, rent: 200 to 350 EUR per month, application deadline: 15 July/15 January).

International doctoral candidates have the possibility of applying for a place in one of three university guesthouses. Enrolled doctoral candidates can also apply for a room in student housing.

You can find more information about finding accommodation in Jena here.