Economics University of Münster
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 15 January 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: C1German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- Intake
- Winter and summer semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
All classes are held in English (100%).
Programme description
This consecutive, research-oriented Master’s programme in Economics is designed for students with a solid academic background in Economics or related disciplines. Over the course of four semesters, students receive rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods while enjoying the flexibility to tailor their studies to personal interests and career goals.
The curriculum begins with core modules in advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, empirical methods, and industrial organisation. Students then choose from over 40 elective modules, allowing them to specialise in areas such as:
- Econometrics and Statistics
- Public Economics
- Digital and Innovation Economics
- Energy and Resource Economics
- Transport Economics
Small semester groups and close supervision create an engaging learning environment that fosters individual growth and academic success.
A hallmark of the programme is its strong research orientation. Through project work and research-based seminars, students gain data-driven insights in thematic areas such as Innovation, Economic Policy, Globalisation, Sustainability, and Infrastructure. The “Project Studies” module directly prepares students for the Master’s thesis, during which they independently explore an economic issue at a high scientific level.
Graduates are well-prepared for international careers in the private sector, government ministries, and international organisations, or for launching their own ventures. The programme also provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a PhD or an academic career.
Programme structure
The Master’s programme in Economics is structured over four semesters (120 ECTS) and is designed to combine a sound foundation in economic theory with opportunities for individual specialisation.
Programme structure:
First Year (Semesters 1 and 2):
-
Core modules (mandatory): Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Empirical Methods, Industrial Organisation
-
Elective modules: Students choose up to six electives from a broad range of courses such as Labour Economics, Public Finance, Energy and Resource Economics, Digital Economy, or Applied Econometrics.
Second Year (Semesters 3 and 4):
-
Additional elective courses (up to five modules) to deepen expertise or broaden knowledge
-
Project Studies module: A research-oriented project module designed to prepare students for independent academic work
-
Master’s Thesis: Students demonstrate their ability to independently address a complex economic research question.
Throughout the programme, students can build a generalist economic profile or focus on areas such as the following:
-
Econometrics and Data Analysis
-
Environmental and Resource Economics
-
Public Sector Economics
-
Transport Economics
The programme also encourages participation in research seminars and provides the opportunity to integrate study abroad periods.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- International guest lecturers
- Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
Students are encouraged to spend one semester abroad, but this remains optional. The International Relations Centre within the School of Business and Economics will gladly assist those students who wish to pursue this opportunity.
We often offer lectures by visiting researchers or visiting faculties from abroad in our Master's programme.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
Not specified
|
15 July 2027
|
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
Not specified
|
15 January 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
All applicants: Bachelor's in Economics or a related field with a minimum of 40 ECTS in Economics and a minimum of 10 ECTS in Mathematics/Statistics/Econometrics
Non-EU applicants (who did not receive their Bachelor's in the EU): GRE at least 155 points in the quantitative part and 145 points in the verbal part
All admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations and on our homepage.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
telc English
|
Total: telc English C1
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 7 / 9
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
We do not charge tuition fees. However, students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 355 EUR per semester. This includes various services for students as well as a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in Münster and all of Germany.
You can find more information here.
Cost of living
We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).
You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Specialist counselling
The International Office of the university provides advice and support on study-specific and social issues and problems such as:
- at the beginning of your studies (authorities, start of studies)
- health insurance
- financing your studies
- problems during your studies or in everyday life.
The Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB) of the University of Münster provides support for students in various areas, including:
- assistance with learning techniques
- workshops on learning techniques and stress management
- psychological counselling for students dealing with personal difficulties that are affecting their studies
The Student Advice and Counselling Centre provides relevant information, assesses the individual circumstances of the student and considers objective factors to help develop customised solutions and potential courses of action.
Career advisory services
The Career Service team of the University of Münster provides a comprehensive range of seminars, information and advice to help students, doctoral candidates and graduates develop a sustainable professional profile, initiate contacts with employers and learn application strategies and techniques.
Accommodation
As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and not easy to find in Münster – but it's not impossible either! Like most German universities, we do not have our own student halls of residence. However, the "Studierendenwerk", a governmental organisation, offers student halls in Münster. You can find additional information on housing options here and here (only in German).
When contacting about private offers, be careful! Please make sure that you never transfer money before you sign the rental contract. Ideally, you should be able to talk personally to the potential landlord, even if you are still abroad (via phone, video call, etc.) If you are not sure whether an offer is real or possibly a fraud, please feel free to contact the team of our International Office and send us the offer.
Contact
School of Business and Economics
- Name
- Dr Helena Helfer
- Address
- Universitätsstr. 14-16, 48143 Münster
- Phone
- +49 2518325107