The Analysis of Markets, Behavior, and Public Policy
If you’re already studying Economics and would like to find out more about specific details of your master’s programme, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the Economics Programme Structure pages.
Key Facts
Degree:
Master of Science
Duration:
4 Semesters
Credits:
120 ECTS
Language:
English
Content:
Methods and concepts for the analysis of economic and social problems, such as the design of markets and their regulation, individual behavior, public policy, and taxation.
International:
One optional semester abroad
This programme provides you with:
state of the art tools for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of economic problems in specific markets, national economies, and the global economy, such as monetary policy, climate change, or development.
a wide range of possibilities for specialisation and maximum flexibility in your choice of courses.
ample opportunities to complement your expertise in economics by choosing from additional courses in management, political science and sociology.
This programme is right for you if you:
are interested in understanding social interaction from an economic perspective as well as communicating and engaging in intellectual discourse.
have analytical skills in mathematics, statistics, and other empirical methods.
want to contribute to the solution of the pressing global and national problems facing societies.
have a good command of English.
Programme Overview
Preparing you for future challenges
The Master in Economics at the University of Cologne offers a research-oriented study programme with courses from a wide range of economic areas. As a student, you are largely free to choose the subjects you intend to concentrate on, and you can opt to focus on different areas within and between fields. The main topics are:
Market Design and Behavior,
Markets and Economic Policy,
Empirical Methods and Data Analysis,
Energy and Climate Change.
The empirical and analytical focus of the programme enables you to analyse economic phenomena using state-of-the-art research methods and to carry out research projects. Upon graduating from the programme, you will be prepared to enter a professional career in many private and public institutions in need of economic expertise. You may also opt for the continuation of your studies through a PhD programme in economic research.
Cologne University’s Master in Economics offers a unique blend of rigorous training in the tools of economic analysis, causal empirical inference using state-of-art econometric methods, and their application to help in the understanding and solution of the many challenges facing societies across the globe.
Applying expertise
As a student of economics in Cologne, you benefit from the broad expertise of an internationally renowned faculty engaged in applied and theoretical research. Our teaching mirrors this expertise, and it is grounded in the newest research and insights. Our courses and seminars aim to bring you to the frontier of current research and policy discussions.
International
Programme taught in English
The majority of the M.Sc. Economics programme is internationally oriented in both content and style. It provides an international study environment in Germany, with a high proportion of international students from diverse backgrounds enrolling into the programme. Furthermore, many members of our faculty have an international background, either coming from or having been trained abroad.
The programme can be completed entirely in English. Social and interactive skills, learned within the programme by interacting with your fellow students, will help you meet the expectations by employers and broaden the scope of possible jobs available to you, both nationally and internationally.
Economics - Master of Science
Optional semester abroad
Our cooperation agreements with an extensive number of excellent partner universities worldwide provide you with attractive options for your term abroad.
Broad international network
This master’s programme also prepares you to continue your academic career with one of our numerous research and university partners. Additionally, the WiSo Faculty has a broad alumni network of former students who work across all business segments around the globe.
Career Opportunities
The M.Sc. in Economics builds on the knowledge gained in your bachelor studies, giving you advanced expertise in your cho- sen field. This up-to-date range of economic topics makes you a sought-after expert in the analysis and development of solutions to economic problems and challenges.
A diverse range of employment opportunities are available to graduates in economics related roles in public institutions, such as:
Government Ministries
Private Financial Institutions
Government Agencies and Authorities (e.g. competition or regulatory authorities and central banks)
European Institutions (e.g. the EU Commission)
International Institutions (e.g. OECD, IMF, World Bank, IEA, and ILO)
Energy Utiltites and Trading Companies
Consulting Firms and Think Tanks
Firms and Institutions Analysing Large Data Sets
I chose the Master in Economics at the WiSo faculty to get a deep understanding of economic theory and methods as well as to study real-world applications. I greatly enjoyed taking classes in market design and energy economics, which directly inspired my future career choices: after having worked in the competition economics field, I am now working on climate policy at the European Commission.
Other potential employers are: research institutes, universities and economics departments of private institutions (banks, consulting firms, large companies, associations or the media). Due to our research excellence and international reputation, this M.Sc. degree is also an excellent base for applying to doctoral degree (Ph.D.) programmes, whether in Cologne or at other leading national and international Universities.
Information on the application
Application process and deadline
Applicants with a German bachelor degree apply via the WiSo Faculty’s master application portal
Applicants with a non-German bachelor degree apply via the WiSo Faculty’s master application portal and additionally via uni-assist
Application deadline is June 15th
English language skills level B2 CEFR
Requirements and selection procedure
A Bachelor degree or equivalent in the respective field (worth at least 180 ECTS credits) and an overall grade point average of at least 2.7 (German grade). Applicants must meet the following requirements:
at least 18 ECTS credits in Economics and
at least 48 ECTS credits in further Economics, Business Administration and/or Social Sciences and
at least 15 ECTS credits in Statistics and/or Mathematics (methodological expertise only, no user expertise)
OR
at least 40 ECTS in Mathematics
The successful completion of an admission test (TM-WiSo/ GMAT/ GRE) is highly recommended.
The Admissions Board will communicate its decision by the end of July. Enrolment usually takes place in August.
The following documents must be uploaded to the Master's online application portal by the WiSo Faculty in German or in English - certified documents are recommended but not obligatory. For enrolment, all documents must be presented in original or authenticated form.
Bachelor degree certificate | If you have not finished your bachelor studies but have passed at least 80% of the examinations (at least 144 credits in a bachelor degree carrying 180 ECTS credits), you can apply by submitting a confirmation of all credits earned so far, along with a provisional average grade computed and certified by your examination office. Please note that the remaining credits must be earned by 30 September.
Transcript of records | list of all taken modules and courses including grades and credits
Transcript of semester abroad | only if examinations passed abroad should be considered for the admission criteria as well | the courses have to be recognised by the home university as part of the bachelor programme and recorded in the transcript of records.
University entrance qualification | A-levels/ High school diploma
Official description of the content of all taken bachelor courses | e.g. course catalogue or PDF-file with link to course description at the website of the University (see FAQ 1.12)
If you are interested in the Double Master's Programme in Economics, please check the additional application documents and the the different application deadline (see FAQ 2.4).
2) Applicants, who did not obtain their bachelor's degree in Germany must additionally apply online via uni-assist until 15 June. For your online application, please select "Winter Semester" and search for "Universität zu Köln".
Please note, you have to document your education in detail. You start with the certificate from the last school you graduated from (which entitles you to begin university studies in your home country) and continue up to the current state of progress in your university studies. Furthermore, you have to hand in all documents in original language and additionally in translation either in German or in English language.
Uni-assist recommends sending in the application at least eight weeks before the deadline expires. This ensures that uni-assist can inform applicants in time if they need to submit further documents. Only after the handling fee has been paid, the application will be evaluated.
The following documents are required by uni-assist - certified documents are recommended but not obligatory.
(translated) bachelor degree certification or attestation of 80% studies and Transcript of Records | Please submit all certificates in their entirety: include the diploma certificate as well as the overview of subjects and grades. You must not omit any parts of the certificate or single pages. In order to calculate your grade, uni-assist needs the grading system used by your university for your degree. More information can be read here.
(translated) university entrance qualification | e.g. A-level, High School diploma
proof of English language proficiency
all documents listed above in the original language | Only if the original document is not available in English or German language. Information about translation and authentication of documents can be read here.
only for applicants with Chinese (except Hongkong) or Vietnamese bachelor’s certificates | original APS certificate| certified copies cannot be accepted!
please check whether you need to hand in further additional depending on the country of origin: country-specific documents
not mandatory, however, useful for the uni-assist evaluation:(translated) diploma supplement
Application and admission procedure
Information on the application process and deadlines can be found on the application website.
From the middle of March onwards you can submit your application via WiSo Faculty's Master's Application Portal.
Applicants with a (bachelor’s) degree acquired abroad must additionally apply via uni-assist online until 15 June (date of receipt). If you apply for our Double Master’s Programme(s) the deadline is 30 April (date of receipt).
Detailed information about the admission procedure, admission deadlines and required documents are provided at the application website.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
We are looking forward receiving your application!
Detailed information and contact
We are happy to support you in your ambitions:
For students the WiSo Student Service Point offers not only advice on studying but also support on all aspects of career choice, career planning and the application process:
WiSo Student Service Point Phone: +49 (0) 221/470-8818
