Economics

The Master’s Programme in Economics focuses on the use of economic theory and empirical methods as tools for understanding, modelling and evaluating real-world economic issues.

In the compulsory subject area “Quantitative Economics”, students acquire advanced skills in economic theory and econometrics, which are then applied to a broad spectrum of economic issues covered in the five optional subject areas:

• Econometrics and Applied Economics

• International Financial Economics

• Macroeconomics and International Economics

• Microeconomics and Decision Making

• Public Economics.

Three study routes are offered to give students the flexibility of customising their Master’s studies in accordance with their academic interests or career aspirations.

Track A is the fast track to a PhD. After the first year, students with an excellent performance record and a strong interest in academic research can be admitted to the Doctoral Programme in Quantitative Economics and Finance at the Department of Economics of the University of Konstanz.

Track B enables students to sharpen their academic profile by majoring in one of the five optional subject areas of the programme.

Track C is for students aiming for a general postgraduate education in economics.

The programme prepares students for a wide variety of challenging careers, for instance, in national and multinational companies, management consultancies, insurance companies, banks, government institutions, international organisations, national and international universities and research institutes.

The programme comprises modules (courses, seminars and the Master’s thesis) to the value of 120 ECTS credits.

First Semester

Students take the three compulsory modules of the subject area “Quantitative Economics”, totalling 30 ECTS:

• Advanced Econometrics

• Advanced Microeconomics I

• Advanced Macroeconomics I.

On application, Track B and C students may defer taking one of these modules until the third semester.

Second to Fourth Semester

Track A

In the second semester, students select modules from the optional subject areas to the value of 30 ECTS, comprising courses totalling 24 ECTS and one seminar (6 ECTS). Students can major in one optional subject area or opt for a general training in economics.

In the third semester, students select three modules from the Doctoral Programme in Quantitative Economics and Finance (totalling 30 ECTS), including two of the following modules:

• Topics in Advanced Econometrics

• Topics in Advanced Microeconomics

• Topics in Advanced Macroeconomics

In the fourth semester, students select one further module from the Doctoral Programme (10 ECTS) and complete their Master’s thesis (20 ECTS) with a processing time of three months. If majoring in an optional subject area, the Master’s thesis must be from the selected subject area.

Tracks B and C

In the second and third semesters, students select modules from the optional subject areas to the value of 30 ECTS per semester, comprising courses totalling 24 ECTS and one seminar (6 ECTS). Track B students major in one of the optional subject areas. To qualify for a major, students must take the two specified compulsory modules, two optional modules and one seminar from the selected subject area. Track C students select modules from any of the optional subject areas. In the fourth semester, students complete their Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) with a processing time of four months. For track B students, the topic of the Master’s thesis must stem from the selected subject area. The topic of the Master’s thesis for Track C students must stem from one of the optional subject areas.

An internship is optional.

A period of study abroad is optional.

The following admission requirements apply:

1. An above-average Bachelor’s degree in economics or a related subject, e.g. business administration, mathematics, the natural sciences, etc. The final grade of the Bachelor’s degree should at least correspond to the German grade 2.5 (good). The Bachelor’s degree must have a standard duration of study of at least three years and be from a recognised higher education institution. Final year Bachelor’s students can apply.

2. Evidence of a sufficient command of English from one of the following English language tests:

• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – minimum grade: C.

• IELTS – minimum band: 6.5.

• TOEFL – minimum score: 92 (Internet-based), 237 (computer-based), 580 (paper-based) points.

3. Evidence of knowledge in mathematics, statistics or economics acquired at Bachelor’s level.

4. Results of the GRE General Test (Graduate Record Examinations).

Please add:

• Your curriculum vitae.

• A one-page statement of purpose in English demonstrating your suitability and motivation for participating in the programme.

• Two letters of recommendation from academic teachers able to comment on your suitability and motivation for participating in the programme.

German language knowledge is not required. The language of instruction is English (requirements - see above).

The programme has restricted admission.

Up to 50 applicants may be admitted per year.

Selection is based on the criteria listed under “Admission Requirements”.

The application deadline is 15th April for admission in October (winter semester).

Please fill out the application form and send to:

Universität Konstanz
Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften
MSc in Economics
Fach D 137
D-78457 Konstanz

Justine Overall
Room: F 246
Phone: 07531 /88-3761
Fax: 07531 /88-5193

econ.msc(at)uni-konstanz.de

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 – 12

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