Master’s Program in Economics

The master's program in Economics is taught completely in English. It is guided by a qualitative approach and based on mathematical key principles. Methodical as well as theoretical specialist knowledge is imparted in three specializations in the advanced phase which are structured differently in terms of content and structure. The program is therefore aimed both at those who are interested in a career in business and those who wish to embark on an academic career.

In the introductory phase, advanced knowledge in macro- and microeconomics as well as in econometrics is imparted. Our students are thus perfectly prepared to deal with theoretical and empirical work in economics and related fields in an independent, systematic and well-founded manner. In addition, necessary theories and methods for the further course of studies are imparted.

The further course of study depends on the specialization chosen in the advanced phase:

• Students of the Economics track have the opportunity to choose their own specializations and to also take modules from neighboring programs of study programs, such as the Mannheim Master in Management program or the master’s programs of the School of Social Sciences (Sociology and Political Science).
• The Competition and Regulation Economics (CaRE) track offers students the opportunity to take tailor-made, interdisciplinary courses in the field of competition and regulation, thus focusing on topics combining law and economics. 
• The Research track offers students the possibility to develop their academic profile in advanced doctoral courses.

As a rule, the master’s degree concludes with the master's thesis. Each student is mentored by an academic staff member from the department.

The University of Mannheim is part of a global network: Students enrolled in the master's program in Economics have the opportunity to participate in the double degree program ENTER Research Masters and to obtain a double degree at a renowned European partner university.

Outstanding students can also directly join the doctoral program in Economics at the Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (GESS) in Mannheim and thus save two years compared to the duration of a conventional combination of a master's degree and a subsequent doctoral program.

Our teachers have leading positions in various fields of research. In addition, the Department of Economics cooperates with well-known companies and institutions such as the neighboring Center for European Economic Research (Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung, ZEW), the German Monopolies Commission and the Competition Commission of Singapore.

Economists may be employed wherever an understanding of economic issues is required. 

Depending on their specialization, they can work, for example, in ministries and international organizations, in politics, or in the banking and insurance sectors. Administrative departments at federal, state and community institutions, the European Central Bank, the Bundesbank, the Federal Statistical Office, and treasuries and associations are some of the most important employers for economists. In addition, it is possible to work in business consulting or business journalism.

Economists can also pursue a career in academia either in Germany or abroad.

Students of the master’s program in Economics should

• be interested in economic issues and scientific research,
• have a solid basic knowledge of mathematics, macro- and microeconomics, econometrics and statistics,
• be not afraid of in-depth study of models, theories, data sets and statistical software,
• be capable of abstract thinking, have sound analytical skills and the ability to reason,
• be able to write and speak clearly.

Module catalog
The module catalog gives you an overview of the courses and their content.

Applicants need to have a bachelor's degree in Economics or an equivalent bachelor's degree corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or having a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters. At the time of applying, the final grade of the bachelor's degree or the current grade average of the coursework and examinations completed shall be 2.5 or better (German grading system). Degrees from neighboring fields such as Business Administration, Social Sciences, Political Science or Mathematics can only be recognized as equivalent by the admissions committee if the following minimum requirements are fulfilled:

• At least 60 ECTS credits (or equivalent) were obtained in courses related to economics, finance, mathematics, or statistics,
• and introductory modules in the following fields of economics have been successfully attended: macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics.

Selection

We take a variety of criteria into account in our selection process:

• bachelor grade,
• rating of the academic essay,
• rating of the motivation letter.

Language requirements
You must be proficient in English. We accept the following as proof of language proficiency:

• a higher education entrance qualification from a school with English as the language of instruction after at least two years of school,
• the successful completion of a program of study where English is the language of instruction for at least a quarter of the courses,
• a certificate of the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) with a score of at least 72 points,
• a certificate of the International English Language Testing System – Academic Test (IELTS) with an overall band score of at least 6.0, 
• a First Certificate in English (FCE) with grade C or better,
• a Certificate in Advanced English (CAE),
• a Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).