Die Cologne Graduate School in Management, Economics and Social Sciences der Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen Fakultät bietet ein exklusives zweistufiges Graduiertenprogramm im Bereich Economic Research, das sich an ambitionierte Kandidat:innen mit besonderem Interesse an wissenschaftlicher Forschung richtet. Es umfasst ein zweijähriges Masterstudium, als Teil eines integrierten Graduiertenprogramms (PhD Economics).

In einer kleinen exklusiven Gruppe von Studierenden absolvierst Du die erste Stufe des Graduiertenprogramms und schließt mit dem M.Sc. in Economic Research ab. Dabei profitierst Du von einer einzigartigen Kombination aus exzellenter Forschung in den Kernthemen des Bereichs Economic Research und Spezialisierungen in einem breiten Spektrum von Themen und Disziplinen der WiSo-Fakultät. Letzteres ermöglicht es Dir, Dein ganz eigenes Studienprofil zu formen und Dich so zu spezialisieren. Du beschäftigst Dich mit theoretischen Grundlagen, lernst den neuesten Stand der Forschung kennen und nutzt Methoden zur eigenen innovativen Wirtschaftsforschung.

Der Forschungsfokus im M.Sc. Economic Research bereitet Dich auf eine akademische Karriere vor und ermöglicht es Dir, in der zweiten Phase des Programms Deinen PhD zu machen. Solltest Du Dich gegen diesen Karriereweg entscheiden und nicht in die zweite PhD-Phase des Programms einsteigen wollen, bist Du mit Deinem M.Sc. Abschluss hoch qualifiziert für Spitzenpositionen in führenden Institutionen und Unternehmen mit analytischem Fokus.

What is special about our programme?

The programme combines canonical PhD level training in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics with the possibility to focus on key research areas and methods in Economics at the University of Cologne, like Behavioural Economics, Public Economics or field experiments. Moreover, the programme offers the chance to include on selected topics from other M.Sc. programmes in Economics and related disciplines, like Management or Political Science.

Focus on research, not expenses

There are several funding options for our students to cover living expenses when pursuing their studies. This gives you the opportunity to fully concentrate on your studies instead of worrying about your expenses.

As the University of Cologne is state-funded, there are no institution fees - just a biannual "semester contribution". So you can invest in an excellent education - and your future - without paying a fortune.

All of our courses are offered in English. Complete your Master’s degree in English and prepare yourself for an international career. A large number of different nationalities apply for our Master programmes. The faculty also cooperates with partner universities worldwide such that a term abroad can be integrated in your studies. We ensure you to study in an international as well as intercultural environment. More information and options.

All specialised courses of the programme relate to up-to-date research areas of our large research centers at the University of Cologne and Key Research Initiatives of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences: The Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy, The Center for Social and Economic Behaviour (C-SEB) and the Key Research Inititative Behavioural Management Science (BMS).

Become part of this network and explore research close at hand with renowned scientists. Research Master students are highly welcome to take part in lectures, seminars, workshops and events of our local expert networks. We further offer workspaces and IT facilities at the research centers that are exclusively available for M.Sc. Economic Research students.

Course programme in M.Sc.

The master's programme contains 120 ECTS credits and comprises a Core Section, a Specialisation Section, a Supplementary Section and a Master Thesis.
The Core Section of the master programme Economic Research contains 36 ECTS credit points. This area covers the advanced and research-oriented basis of micro- and macroeconomics, statistics, econometrics and mathematics. You are enabled to handle scientific literature of economic science and analyse economic problems on an advanced theoretical and empirical level.
In the Specialisation Section, you choose 6 specialisation courses in the research area you want to focus on in your proceeding studies. You can also broaden your general knowledge by choosing from core courses you did not attend in the core section before. Two Reading Groups in micro-, macroeconomics or econometrics are compulsory. Here, students read and discuss the latest research papers in the respective research area.
The Supplementary Section serves as an additional section to further develop a more specific profile – either by deepening and specialising or by diversifying knowledge.

After successful completion of stage 1 of the programme, you have two options:

2. Stage: Dissertation Phase (PhD Economics)

Key Facts

• Start: Fall term
• you have already completed the necessary PhD courses within our MSc programme
• find a supervisor and start with the dissertation phase straight away: three years
• Language: English
• Degree title: Philosophiae Doctor (PhD)
• Fees: Only Social Contribution Fee (including ticket for public transport, see here for more information)

Please find further information on the Webpages of the Cologne Graduate School in Management, Ecoomics and Social Sciences on the PhD Programme in Economics.