Economics / Volkswirtschaftslehre

This research-oriented Master's programme conveys the necessary skills for students to analyse complex economic problems, issues, and policy solutions on their own, with the help of advanced empirical methods, analytical research skills, and theoretical models. The policy-oriented programme focuses on theoretical and empirical analyses of economic policy measures in different areas, such as trade, the environment, the labour market, and social policy. Tools studied and applied for this purpose include both traditional theoretical analyses, advanced empirical methods for evidence-based policy analysis, and behavioural economic analyses, such as laboratory experiments. The student body is multinational, and takes a strong theoretical and quantitative approach. The Economic Policy Analysis degree programme qualifies graduates for management and specialist tasks in all areas of national and international public organisations and private companies as well as in university and non-university scientific institutions. Graduates are particularly qualified for jobs and positions in all areas in which economically relevant policy measures are decided upon, conceived, or analysed (such as ministries, economic research institutes, associations, economic analysis departments in companies, and economic university institutions). Furthermore, our graduates will be excellently prepared for admission to a doctoral programme in economics. This Master's programme offers a professional economic qualification at a graduate level. The foundation of this programme consists of modules in quantitative methods, microeconomics, and macroeconomics as well as evidence-based policy analysis. Especially the seminars in specialisation (second and third semesters) enable students to understand the complex institutional and social framework conditions of economic and economic-political research and to incorporate these in scientific analysis and problem-solving. Programme Structure: Compulsory modules = Econometrics, Microeconomics Analysis, Macroeconomics Analysis Compulsory elective modules for specialisation, including two seminars or a seminar and a scientific project, will prepare students for the Master's thesis research and writing. Supplementary modules may be chosen for being even more flexible in the field of specialisation of each student. The final semester is reserved for the module Master's thesis and seminar. Here, candidates must demonstrate their ability to independently research a selected topic using scientific methods in order to be successful. During the study programme, students have to expect a weekly workload of approx. 20 hours of classroom studies and at least 20 hours of independent studies. Master's studies include lectures to learn new concepts, tutorials to foster discussions and practice techniques, and seminars to apply theories and methods to an assigned project. The seminars include an academic paper plus a presentation, and they prepare students for the Master's thesis. Students must be able to work independently on an academic level. This study programme is theoretical and mathematically oriented in an analytical manner. The knowledge of statistical methods and applications is highly important. Module descriptions PDF Download