If you are already pursuing your B.Sc in Economics and would like to find out about specific details of your bachelor's degree programme, you will find what you are looking for on the “programme structure" page.
Economics • Economics and Business • Economics, Politics, and Society
International:
Studies abroad, summer school Business English course (optional)
Fields of Studies
“Economics” incl. Data Analysis
Already in the first semesters of the B.Sc. Economics , you are taught the necessary statistical knowledge needed to understand and evaluate large amounts of data. This not only allows you a better understanding of economic contexts but also a variety of career opportunities, because data is known to be the oil of the 21st century.
While pursuing my bachelor's degree in economics at the University of Cologne, I particularly like the fact that you learn to approach economic issues analytically. In combination with the minor subject business administration, it inspired me to consider different perspectives, both at university and privately. My studies motivate me to step out of my comfort zone and think outside the box.
My studies have given me a new perspective on economic and social contexts. In the courses, the teachers encourage us to think about important questions, such as the role of cooperation in coping with the climate crisis, and to deal analytically with them. I am sure that this ability will allow me to help shape economic processes myself in the future.
B.Sc. Economics - Economics, Politics, and Society
This programme provides you with:
multidisciplinary orientation: In the course of your studies, depending on your chosen field of study, you benefit from the exchange and the linking of different departments within the WiSo faculty. In two of the three fields of study, you can look at economic issues through the lens of political science, sociology, or business administration.
early specialisation: In addition to the typical basic training in economics, the B.Sc. Economics offers an elective area early on, consisting of topics such as behavioural economics, ecological economics, economic history and international economics. Other subjects deal with current topics such as climate change, income distribution, labour market discrimination, media markets and banking crises.
link to Germany's only economic cluster of excellence with a focus on economics: The Department of Economics is currently part of the ECONTribute Cluster of Excellence, in which the department's scientists are increasingly concerned with the field of markets and public policy and are supported by extensive research funding. Cluster members also contribute themselves and their topics to the teaching of the programme.
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You should have the following skills and interests:
interest in social problem solving, especially in relation to the fight against unemployment, the energy transition, debt or economic crises or the gender pay gap
independent motivation to scientifically analyse topics and questions
self-discipline and organisational ability within your own learning process
high motivation as well as the ability to participate in independent, goal and result-oriented learning
You should have the following competences:
good mathematical understanding and care in dealing with mathematical equations, data or tables or programming
very good language skills in German (DSH-2) and good language skills in English (B2 level).
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Programme overview
What is economics?
Economics is one of the economic sciences besides business administration. It examines socially relevant issues that have an economic connection. Mathematical model calculations and statistical data evaluations are important analysis methods.
Possible questions
The B.Sc. in Economics prepares you to better understand economic and social problems and find solutions for them:
What impact does a minimum wage have on employment?
Does a minimum wage change the inequality of income distribution?
Is it good for the citizens of a state if foreign goods are taxed?
Does a reduction of trade barriers between states make sense?
Should banks be regulated? And if so, how?
How should the state design the auction rules when it has mobile phone frequencies?
or want to auction emission rights?
The common thread in economics studies
As an economist you will explore which action brings the greatest possible benefit to individuals and society when resources are scarce and different, possibly conflicting goals are to be achieved. This fundamental question is a common theme through all areas of study, from the basic training of economics to the main courses.
Within the bachelor's degree, skills are taught that can be used in a variety of ways in business life. This primarily includes skills for the methodical analysis of individual and macroeconomic issues of modern economies.
For our students, we have designed the Cologne Bachelor's degree in Economics as a unique mixture of economic foundations and current social topics. With this degree, you will strengthen your analytical skills in order to responsibly master the diverse tasks in business and society.
Then get to know our offers for prospective students, which are coordinated by the WiSo Student Service Point and will provide you with individual advice tailored precisely to your needs.
With the help of an online self-assessment (OSA), you can find out whether your personal interests, expectations and competences correspond to the requirements and contents of the bachelor's degree programme in economics. In addition, it contains references to further information and advice that can support you on the way to your study decision. For the B.Sc. in Economics, prior completion of the OSA is a prerequisite for enrolment.* *Registration in the Assessment-ILIAS of the UoC is required.
International
International orientation throughout the entire course of study
With the help of our international faculty members, we integrate English-language courses into our bachelor's degree programmes and strengthen your international communication skills in specialist questions in a discipline whose technical language is English. At the same time, English-language offers are also particularly attractive for incoming students from abroad. Joint course visits with incoming students give you the opportunity to get to know our international students.
English-language literature
Your English skills, which you bring with you to your studies, are extremely useful for reading English-language textbooks and specialist literature. Current research results are usually published in English and are to be processed by the bachelor's students in seminars and projects. The degree programme is completed in selected areas, but not entirely in English.
Optional semester abroad
The WiSo Faculty is a member of several networks of international universities, which helps you spend a semester at one of the more than 80 renowned partner universities abroad with a range of courses in economics. The programme is designed so that you can complete a semester abroad in the fourth or fifth semester. We are happy to advise on your options and support you before, during and after your stay abroad.
In principle, career opportunities in both the private and public sectors are possible:
private sector: management consultancies, banks, strategy departments of companies, etc.
public sector departments at various levels: EU, federal, state and local authorities
trade associations
unions
chambers
foundations
media: e.g. publishers, business journalism, correspondents, etc.
non-governmental organisations: development cooperation, environmental protection
Depending on your personal focus, different career prospects open up at home and abroad. Graduates of the B.Sc. in Economics can analyse complex economic relationships and thus gain information, derive forecasts and recommendations, for example with regard to the labour, energy or capital markets. In this way, you can advise politicians, organisations and companies on crucial questions relating to the economy, the world of work or globalisation. Also, with regard to economic developments, such as economic crises, economists are used for analyses and forecasts.
Economics as a subject is incredibly broad and diverse. Students acquire analytical skills that enable them to think very clearly about a variety of social, economic and social issues – from economic policy and the organisation of markets to educational equity and climate issues.
Apply for a master's degree after your bachelor's degree!
In many cases, a master's degree is required to start a career. This applies in particular to work at a university or in another research institution. A master's degree programme can be built upon the bachelor's programme at the University of Cologne, for example the M.Sc. Economics and the M.Sc. Economic Research or – if the appropriate field of study and suitable course selection in the bachelor's programme – an M.A. Political Science, a M.Sc. Sociology or a M.Sc. Business Administration.
After completing the master's degree, you also have the prospect of a doctorate, which is the prerequisite for a scientific career.
By enrolling in the degree programme, you are already part of a large network of current and former students, our alumni. This gives you exclusive access to practice and business during and after your studies. Series of events and special coaching programmes establish contact with private and public institutions as well as other potential employers.
Both the bachelor's and master's degree programmes at the WiSo Faculty of the University of Cologne enabled me to gain a broad understanding of economic theory and practice. When I studied at the University of Cologne, I was thrilled that after the basic courses, a wide range of options were offered. As a result, I was able to focus my studies primarily on my preferences—the financial markets and their regulation as well as statistics. This also inspired me to take up a position for banking audits at the Deutsche Bundesbank immediately after my studies.
Application information
Process and deadlines for online application:
The application deadlines for the first semester are usually:
15 July for the start of studies in winter semester
15 January for the start of studies in summer semester
German-language proficiency at level DSH-2 or equivalent
English language skills B2 (CEFR) are required. These can be proven by:
University entrance qualification from Germany, EU or EEA countries: After the end of class 11 (G8) or class 12 (G9) at least 5 points in German grading system must be demonstrated (applies to German school leaving certificates).
University entrance qualification or higher education degree (e.g. bachelor's degree) totally taught in English
TOEIC with the following minimum scores: 400 (listening), 385 (reading), 150 (writing), 160 (speaking)
By taking the online math test in ILIAS, prospective students can compare their knowledge and skills with the requirements of most of the degree programmes at the WiSo-Faculty (only in German).
Detailed information and contact
We are happy to support you in your ambitions:
If you are interested in or have questions about our WiSo degree programmes, the student advisors at the WiSo Student Service Point will be happy to help:
WiSo Student Service Point hotline: +49 (0) 221/470-8818
