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If you’re already studying Economics and would like to find out more about specific details of your master’s programme, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the Economics Programme Structure pages.

Key Facts

Degree: Master of Science
Duration: 4 Semesters
Credits: 120 ECTS
Language: English
Content: Methods and concepts for the analysis of economic and social problems, such as the design of markets and their regulation, individual behavior, public policy, and taxation.
International: One optional semester abroad

This programme provides you with:

  • state of the art tools for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of economic problems in specific markets, national economies, and the global economy, such as monetary policy, climate change, or development.
  • a wide range of possibilities for specialisation and maximum flexibility in your choice of courses.
  • ample opportunities to complement your expertise in economics by choosing from additional courses in management, political science and sociology.

This programme is right for you if you:

  • are interested in understanding social interaction from an economic perspective as well as communicating and engaging in intellectual discourse.
     
  • have analytical skills in mathematics, statistics, and other empirical methods.
     
  • want to contribute to the solution of the pressing global and national problems facing societies.
     
  • have a good command of English.

Programme Overview

Preparing you for future challenges

The Master 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 Behavior,
  • 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.

Michael Krause

Cologne University’s Master in Economics offers a unique blend of rigorous training in the tools of economic analysis, causal empirical inference using state-of-art econometric methods, and their application to help in the understanding and solution of the many challenges facing societies across the globe.

Michael Krause, Academic Director and Professor Center for Macroeconomic Research

Applying expertise

As a student of economics in Cologne, you benefit from the broad expertise of an internationally renowned faculty engaged in applied and theoretical research. Our teaching mirrors this expertise, and it is grounded in the newest research and insights. Our courses and seminars aim to bring you to the frontier of current research and policy discussions.

International

Programme taught in English

The majority of the M.Sc. 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 programme can be completed entirely in English. Social and interactive skills, learned within the programme by interacting with your fellow students, will help you meet the expectations by employers and broaden the scope of possible jobs available to you, both nationally and internationally.

Economics - Master of Science

Optional semester abroad

Our cooperation agreements with an extensive number of excellent partner universities worldwide provide you with attractive options for your term abroad.

Broad international network

This master’s programme also prepares you to continue your academic career with one of our numerous research and university partners. Additionally, the WiSo Faculty has a broad alumni network of former students who work across all business segments around the globe.

Career Opportunities

The M.Sc. in Economics builds on the knowledge gained in your bachelor studies, giving you advanced expertise in your cho- sen field. This up-to-date range of economic topics makes you a sought-after expert in the analysis and development of solutions to economic problems and challenges.

A diverse range of employment opportunities are available to graduates in economics related roles in public institutions, such as:

  • Government Ministries
  • Private Financial Institutions
  • Government Agencies and Authorities (e.g. competition or regulatory authorities and central banks)
  • European Institutions (e.g. the EU Commission)
  • International Institutions (e.g. OECD, IMF, World Bank, IEA, and ILO)
  • Energy Utiltites and Trading Companies
  • Consulting Firms and Think Tanks
  • Firms and Institutions Analysing Large Data Sets
Leonie Hass

I chose the Master in Economics at the WiSo faculty to get a deep understanding of economic theory and methods as well as to study real-world applications. I greatly enjoyed taking classes in market design and energy economics, which directly inspired my future career choices: after having worked in the competition economics field, I am now working on climate policy at the European Commission.

Leonie Hass, Policy Officer, DG CLIMA bei European Commission and Alumna of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Cologne

Other potential employers are: research institutes, universities and economics departments of private institutions (banks, consulting firms, large companies, associations or the media). Due to our research excellence and international reputation, this M.Sc. degree is also an excellent base for applying to doctoral degree (Ph.D.) programmes, whether in Cologne or at other leading national and international Universities.


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Detailed information and contact

We are happy to support you in your ambitions:

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