The Master's programme begins in the winter semester (October) and comprises four academic semesters (two years).

Three study tracks are offered:

Track A is for students seeking a general education in the area of quantitative economics.

Track B enables students to specialise in one of the following modules:

• Empirical Economics
• Financial and Managerial Economics
• Human Resources and Behavioural Economics
• Public Economics and Macroeconomics.

Track C is the fast track option 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.

The modules of the programme (courses, seminars and the Master's thesis) are structured according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), with 120 credits for the entire programme.

All first-semester students take the compulsory module "Quantitative Economics" (30 ECTS), comprising the courses: "Advanced Econometrics", "Advanced Macroeconomics" and "Advanced Microeconomics".

Track A

In the second and third semesters, students select courses amounting to 48 ECTS and one seminar per semester (6 ECTS each). Students are free to create their own programme of study from the wide range of courses available in the modules "Empirical Economics", "Financial and Managerial Economics", "Human Resources Management and Behavioural Economics", and "Public Economics and Macroeconomics". The fourth semester is reserved for the completion of the four-month Master's thesis (30 ECTS).

Track B

In the second and third semesters, courses amounting to 48 ECTS and one seminar per semester (6 ECTS each) are selected. Students sharpen their academic profile by specialising in one of the following modules: "Empirical Economics", "Financial and Managerial Economics", "Human Resources and Behavioural Economics" or "Public Economics and Macroeconomics. The fourth semester is reserved for the completion of the four-month Master's thesis (30 ECTS). The topic of the Master's thesis must be relevant to the selected module of specialisation.

Track C

In the second semester, students take three courses (8 ECTS each) and one seminar (6 ECTS). Students can choose to generalise, according to the rules for Track A or to specialise, according to the rules for Track B. In the third semester, students select three courses (10 ECTS each) from the Doctoral Programme in Quantitative Economics and Finance. Fourth semester students take one course from the Doctoral Programme
(10 ECTS) and complete their Master's thesis (2.5 months, 20 ECTS).

Curriculum of the Master's Programme

 Download the Curriculum

Form of Assessment

Courses are generally assessed by means of a one or two hour written examination at the end of the semester in which a course is held. Other examination forms, e.g. mid-term exams, homework, or presentations may contribute to the final grade. Seminars are generally assessed by means of an essay and a presentation.

Academic Title

Following the successful completion of the modules of the programme, the University of Konstanz awards the degree of Master of Science (MSc.) in Quantitative Economics. Track B or C students who have specialised, receive one of the following additions to their academic title: "Major in Empirical Economics", "Major in Financial and Managerial Economics". "Major in Human Resources and Behavioural Economics" or "Major in Public Economics and Macroeconomics".