International study programmeDouble Master's Programme in Economics
in cooperation with Keio University in Tokyo
Key facts
Partner: | Keio University in Tokyo, Japan |
Programme structure: | First year at the University of Cologne, second year at Keio University |
Degrees: | Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Economics from the University of Cologne Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics from Keio University |
Duration: | 4 semesters |
Start: | Fall term (October in Cologne) |
Language: | English |
Programme
- Develop a better understanding of economic and social issues, such as the design and regulation of markets, individual behavior, public and monetary policy and taxation
- Gain exposure to a variety of theoretical approaches
- Receive state-of-the-art training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis tools
- Learn how to apply these methods and tools to independently analyse and develop conceptual models to predict responses to changes in policy and market conditions
- Develop ideas on how to solve complex economic problems in a globalised, interconnected world by considering cross-national linkages and implications
Benefit from the expertise of two leading universities. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will be awarded both master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Cologne and a Master of Arts in Economics from Keio University.
Partner: Keio University
Keio University is a leading university committed to excellence and innovation in education and research. It is located in central Tokyo. The mission of the Faculty of Economics at Keio University is to provide its graduate students with the highest level of economic knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems, and to develop talented individuals with advanced professional skills, whether they pursue research or careers in business.
Courses
The courses offered by the two universities cover a wide range of topics and complement each other very well. The double degree is integrated into the regular master's programmes. It includes courses from both universities and is based on credit transfer.
You will study the courses marked in dark green and dark blue. By means of credit transfer, you will be able to transfer the credits that you do not study at the University of Cologne to Keio University and vice versa (marked in light green or light blue).
As part of the programme, you will write a Master's thesis in your second year.
Courses at the University of Cologne
During your first year of studies at the University of Cologne, you will study 60 ECTS credits. Please consult the course catalogue for further details.
Core section (24 ECTS)
You will acquire methodological skills that will enable you to independently analyse economic problems on a theoretical and empirical level. The core section consists of four courses: Mathematics, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics (6 ECTS each).
Specialisation section (30 ECTS)
You will be able to choose a group on which you would like to focus:
Each group consists of a methods course, a seminar and three electives.
Supplementary section (6 ECTS)
One seminar in Economics (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Energy & Climate or Statistics & Econometrics). You can choose a seminar from a range of courses. This gives you the opportunity to specialise even further within your chosen group or to diversify your studies by choosing a seminar from another area.
You will study the remaining credits of the supplementary section at Keio University.
Courses at Keio University
At Keio University, you will study 20 Keio credits (10 courses worth 2 Keio credits each). You can choose courses as follows:
- at least 4 Keio credits of specialised courses
- at least 4 Keio credits of seminars
- 12 Keio credits in general courses, specialised courses or seminars
To get an impression of the courses offered at Keio University, please consult the Keio course catalogue (switch to English and then search for Faculty/Graduate School: [Master's] Economics).
Benefits of studying a double degree
The experience of studying abroad is one that many people remember as the most enriching, eye-opening and inspiring time of their lives. Studying in two university systems gives you the opportunity to experience different study cultures, broadening your academic horizons, your network and your career opportunities. As well as providing you with an excellent academic programme, we want to give you the chance to gain international experience, meet people from many different parts of the world, develop intercultural skills and learn to navigate new challenges. We believe that you will grow tremendously as a person through this experience.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the Double Master's Programme in Economics will be well prepared for careers with an international focus. Possible roles include:
- positions in public institutions such as ministries, government departments, central banks, agencies and public authorities (such as antitrust divisions or regulatory authorities) or international institutions (such as the OECD, IMF, World Bank or the European Commission);
- economic advisor in a government ministry or economic advisor to a political party;
- researcher in an academic or research institution;
- positions in economic departments of private institutions such as banks, consultancies, large industrial corporations, organisations or companies in the media sector;
- analyst in a financial institution or manager in an investment bank;
- in-house economic journalist.
Tuition and social contribution fee
There are no tuition fees at the University of Cologne, except for a social contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of approximately €320 per semester . The Semesterbeitrag includes a public transport pass for the city and its surrounding area. For the studies at Keio University, students are exempted from paying tuition fees.
Contact
Would you like to know more about the programme? Contact the Programme Manager by phone (Mon-Thu), email or arrange a personal meeting on campus.
Xenia Elbrächter
Programme Manager
Phone: +49 (0)221 470-7702
Email: Contact form
Advising hour: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm. Please click here to make an appointment on campus.