Economics – Master of Science

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Graduate studies; requires an undergraduate university degree.

The programme 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 find application in a broad spectrum of economic issues covered in the programme’s five optional subject areas: Econometrics and Applied Economics, International Financial Economics, Macroeconomics and International Economics, Microeconomics and Decision Making and Public Economics.

Overview

Degree Master of Science
Programme start Winter semester
Period of study 4 semesters
Application period 15.3. - 15.4.
Admission restrictions yes
ECTS 120
Number of places 60

Why study Economics in the University of Konstanz?

The Department of Economics of the University of Konstanz enjoys an outstanding reputation in teaching and research. Its 26 full, junior and assistant professors from the fields of economics, business administration, econometrics, statistics, and business and economics education, over 60 doctoral researchers and guest professors from reputable universities worldwide provide an intellectually stimulating and productive environment for study and research. In in the Department students are respected as individuals and receive extensive support in academic and personal matters.

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

Our programme has two objectives. First, to provide students with a modern and comprehensive postgraduate education in economics in line with the highest international standards. Second, to lay the foundations for a wide range of challenging careers in the private and public sectors, for instance, in national and multinational companies, banks, consulting firms, insurance companies, national and local government, research institutes, universities, and international organisations. With a degree from the Department of Economics of the University of Konstanz the foundations for a successful career are laid.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career.Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

Two tracks are offered to give you the opportunity to match your Master's degree perfectly to your academic interests and career aspirations:

  • Track 1 allows you to specialize in one of the five majors.
  • Track 2 offers a general study of economics. You create your own study program from our wide range of courses.

Further information can be found on the department's website.

Further information on the study structure can be found in the study and examination regulations.


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internship and study abroad

Internships

A two-month internship during the third semester is recommended.

Study abroad

Through our double degree programs with universities in the UK, Italy and France, you can study one year in Konstanz and one year abroad and complete your studies with two Master's degrees. Partner universities include the University of Essex, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Università degli Studi Firenze and the Aix-Marseille School of Economics.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

Our Master’s Programme in Economics is open to graduates and pending graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in economics or a subject that provides a sufficient quantitative background, such as business administration, mathematics, engineering or the natural sciences.

Language skills

Proof of sufficient English language skills is required for your application. You must submit the original document of your test result. The following tests are accepted:

  • Cambridge First Certificate in English, minimum Grade C.
  • IELTS test result (International English Language Testing System), score at least 6.5.
  • TOEFL test result (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of at least 92 points (Internet-based).

Language(s) of instruction

Teaching language is English.

Admission requirements

  1. Above average bachelor's degree in economics or a related subject from a recognised university (e.g. business economics, mathematics, natural science, etc.). Students in the final year of their bachelor's degree, who have not graduated yet, are welcome to apply.
    • officially certified copy of your original bachelor's degree certificate, with an official translation into German or English, if applicable
    • officially certified copy of your academic transcript for each year/semester of study, showing subjects taken and grades obtained, with an official translation into German or English, if applicable
    • Students in their final year of study: an officially certified copy of your academic transcript to date, showing subjects taken and grades obtained, with an official translation into German or English, if applicable.
  2. Documentation of your knowledge in mathematics, statistics, or econometrics, obtained during your bachelor's degree:
    • officially certified copy of your academic transcript for each year/semester of study, showing courses taken in the specified areas, with an official translation into German or English, if applicable. Optionally you can submit official course descriptions.
  3. Curriculum vitae in English and a one-page statement written by you, in English, outlining your suitability and motivation.
  4. Proof of sufficient English language skills through one of the following tests:
    • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (minimum grade: C)
    • IELTS (minimum overall band: 6.5)
    • TOEFL (minimum score: 580 points/ paper-based test, 237 points/computer-based test, or 92 points (internet-based test). Our TOEFL code is 8971
    • Required documentation: original score sheet from one of the above-named tests.
  5. Two letters of recommendation from university teachers stating your suitability and motivation for participating in the master's programme. The teachers shall write these letters of recommendation on official university paper and sign it. Copies must be officially certified. If the letter is not in English or German, please provide an official translation.
  6. Results of the GRE test (Graduate Record Examinations.
  7. Application (informal) for recognition as a case of hardship (if applicable).
  8. If you have been enrolled at a German institution of higher education, please submit confirmation of leaving this university (Exmatrikulationsbescheinigung).

International applicants:

  • Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country

Fees

Semester fee

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Application and application documents

This study programme has admission restrictions.

An application is possible during the following period: 15.3. - 15.4. (winter semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

Application documents

Please make sure you have all supporting documents at hand when starting the online application. No application documents need to be sent by post. However, successful applicants will be required to submit all documents in original or as officially certified copies upon registration at the University of Konstanz.

  • Official academic transcript of grades in mathematics, statistics, and economics during your university studies. Please clearly mark these modules. Course descriptions may be added. Scanned PDF of originals and officially certified translations into English or German only. Scanned language test sheet proving English proficiency as outlined above. Results of the GRE test (Scanned PDF of original score sheet only. If you cannot take the test upload a short explanation)
  • Full curriculum vitae in English.
  • Degree certificate(s) (scanned PDF of originals and officially certified translations into English or German only)
  • One-page statement of purpose in English demonstrating your suitability and motivation
  • Two letters of recommendation from university lecturers at your institution. The letters must be sent by the referees as a PDF by e-mail to econ.msc@uni-konstanz.de. If the letter was written in another language, an officially certified translation into German or English must be attached. The letter must be written on official letterhead and the lecturers must sign it
  • Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country

Important note: Please note the information provided under the tab "Admission requirements".

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