Master’s Program in Economics

I wanted to challenge myself by choosing the most renowned Department of Economics in Germany for my master's degree. However, the decisive factor for me in choosing this master’s program were the many opportunities to go abroad. The University of Mannheim has an excellent global network of partner universities. I completed a double degree with the Toulouse School of Economics and absolutely loved the program!

Stefan Preuß, graduate M. Sc. Economics / Photo credit: Jula Jacob

I have already completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Mannheim and want to stay for my master's. According to various rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Ranking, the Department of Economics of the University of Mannheim is among the leading ones in Europe. In addition, the diversity of the courses on offer in the master’s program is unique: You can even specialize in Competition and Regulation. And indeed: Mannheim is a very livable and lovable city. It has much more to offer than you might think at first glance!

Paul Mannschreck, student in the master’s program in Economics / Photo credit: Ye Fung Tchen

The University of Mannheim is one of the best universities in Europe and enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. That's why I decided to pursue my master's degree here. The students are extremely committed and the professors are excellent in their fields. I am particularly impressed by the libraries, the modern campus and the beautiful palace building!

Md. Najmul Ali, student in the master’s program in Economics / Photo credit: Ye Fung Tchen
  • Program facts and information

    Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

    Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)

    ECTS credits: 120–126 
    (introductory phase: 30 ECTS credits, elective modules in the advanced phase: 90–96 ECTS credits)

    Language of instruction: English

    Language proficiency: English; for further information on the required proof of language proficiency see “Admission requirements and selection”

    Program start: Fall semester (September)
    Academic calendar

    School: School of Law and Economics, Department of Economics

    Semester fee: € 204,30 (further information)
    Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
    Tuition fees for a second degree: €650

  • Program overview

    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.

  • Why study Economics at the University of Mannheim?

    Studying in Mannheim means studying at one of the most renowned institutions for Economics in Europe. Independent national and international rankings  have confirmed the outstanding quality of research and teaching at our university on a number of occasions. The Department of Economics is repeatedly ranked as top university in the CHE University Ranking, the QS World University Ranking by Subject, the Time Higher Education Ranking or the 2019 THE Europe Teaching Rankings.

    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.

  • Career opportunities

    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.

  • Required interests and skills

    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.
  • Program structure

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

    Studying abroad
    During the master's program, spending a semester abroad is optional. If you would like to study abroad, you have various options.

    The University of Mannheim is well-connected internationally, and has around 450 partner universities around the world. Students enrolled in the master's program in Economics can thus apply not only for university-wide programs but also for program-specific placements, for example at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

    In addition, they 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.

    Internships
    Completing an internship during the master’s program in Economics is optional. If you would like to do a voluntary internship, the School of Law and Economics, thanks to its strong business contacts, will be in the best position to assist you with the organization. For example, the Department of Economics arranges tailor-made internships with our cooperation partners for students in the Competition and Regulation and Economics tracks.

  • Doctorates

    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.

    Graduates of the master’s program in Economics have a very good chance of gaining a doctoral position at a chair or in a renowned doctoral program.

    Doctoral programs and opportunities at the Department of Economics
    General information on doctoral studies at the University of Mannheim

  • Admission requirements and selection

    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).

      Selection statutes
      Under “Admission requirements and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.

    • Application

      Application deadline
      The application deadline for fall semesters starts on 1 April and ends on 15 May (subject to approval).

      It is not possible to apply for the spring semester.

    Contact

    Sebastian Herdtweck

    Sebastian Herdtweck (he/him)

    Program Manager M.Sc. Economics and Exchange Coordinator
    University of Mannheim
    Department of Economics
    L 7, 3–5 – Room 405
    68161 Mannheim
    Consultation hour(s):
    Consultation hours (via phone): Mo, We, Fri 10:00 a.m.–noon

    Outside the consultations hours the use of emails is appreciated. Thank you!
    Admissions Office

    Admissions Office

    University of Mannheim
    L 1, 1 – Room 157, 158
    68161 Mannheim

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