Economics – Master of Science University of Cologne

The Master's in Economics at the University of Cologne offers a research-oriented study programme with courses from a wide range of economic areas. As a student, you are largely free to choose the subjects you intend to concentrate on, and you can opt to focus on different areas within and between fields. The main topics are:

• Market Design and Behaviour
• Markets and Economic Policy
• Empirical Methods and Data Analysis
• Energy and Climate Change

The empirical and analytical focus of the programme enables you to analyse economic phenomena using state-of-the-art research methods and to carry out research projects. Upon graduating from the programme, you will be prepared to enter a professional career in many private and public institutions in need of economic expertise. You may also opt for the continuation of your studies through a PhD programme in economic research.

The majority of the MSc Economics programme is internationally oriented in both content and style. It provides an international study environment in Germany, with a high proportion of international students from diverse backgrounds enrolling into the programme. Furthermore, many members of our faculty have an international background, either coming from or having been trained abroad.

The Master’s programme carries 120 ECTS credits and compromises a Core Section, a Specialisation Section, Supplementary Sections, and the Master Thesis. It equips you with knowledge of the theoretical foundations and methods and the ability to conduct applied and theoretical economic analyses. Apart from the Core Section, you will be able to flexibly choose your course curriculum largely following your individual preferences.

The Core Section of the programme contains 24 credit points (four courses) and will introduce you to the central methods and insights of the main areas of modern economics: econometrics and statistics, macroeconomics and microeconomics.

In the Specialisation Section, you will choose courses from the main areas that reflect your substantive orientation in which you want to proceed with your studies.

In the specialisation on Empirical Methods and Data Analysis, your focus will be on the tools of empirical analysis. In Markets and Economic Policy, your focus will be largely on issues of public policy and the functioning of markets from a macroeconomic perspective. In Market Design and Behaviour, you will focus on the microeconomic working of specific markets and how they should be regulated and the behaviour of individuals in them.

The Supplementary Section in Economics offers both specialisation and generalisation. A particular concentration on energy markets and climate economics is possible in our specialised field of Energy and Climate Change, which builds on and deepens methods and insights from various areas of the specialisation section. You may also acquire particular skills that interest you by choosing further courses from any of the fields in the specialisation section. You can also complement and deepen your studies with courses from our Master in Economic Research programme.

The Supplementary Section in Management and Social Science provides the opportunity to explore other fields within the faculty. For instance, you can complement the study of labour markets with courses in Personnel Economics, enhance your understanding of public policy with expertise from political science, or delve into human behaviour through courses in sociology.

With the Master’s thesis, you will show your ability to apply the skills you have acquired throughout the programme and conduct your very own research to contribute to scientific knowledge.

Overall grade of at least 2.7 (German grading system) in the Bachelor’s degree

and EITHER

• at least 30 ECTS in the field of Economics
• at least 15 ECTS in the fields of Statistics and/or Mathematics (only modules with mathematical and/or statistical methodological skills; pure (software) application skills are not accepted)

OR

• at least 40 ECTS in the field of Mathematics

Please find more information and requirements here.

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 320 EUR per semester. This fee includes a public transport ticket for regional transport throughout Germany ("Deutschlandsemesterticket").

Scholarships and further financing options

WiSo Career Services

Accommodation is available through the student union ("Kölner Studierendenwerk") or on the private housing market. Rent for a single room in a student hall of residence is approx. 200 EUR to 300 EUR. Rent for a single room on the private housing market is approx. 400 EUR to 600 EUR.