Education at the WiSo Faculty is strongly oriented towards research, theory and methods. Teaching draws from real-life problems that reflect contemporary economic and social change. Students are asked to apply scientific approaches to practical problem-solving, and interested students are encouraged to develop active research skills at an early stage.
The Wiso Faculty places special emphasis on acquiring research skills and applying theoretical knowledge within the course of studies chosen by each student.
The focus on research is clearly recognizable in the design and structure of the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes. Each programme shares a common core inspired by the faculty motto of “Today’s ideas. Tomorrow’s impact.”, combining research-oriented teaching with modern and social relevant issues.
One positive development from the past few years is a marked increase in interactive course formats, research-oriented learning and special educational opportunities and services. Referring to case studies more frequently as a teaching and learning method helps students to apply their research findings in practice and build practical management skills, such as teamwork within (international and interdisciplinary) groups.
The WiSo Faculty also aligns the curriculum of its programmes with its Key Research Initiatives ("Analytics and Transformation“, „Behavioural Management Science“, „Demography and Social Inequality“, „Sustainable smart Energy and Mobility“).
"My idea is to become the best version of myself by identifying my strengths and use them to have a small but positive impact on our world and society."
Lena,
Student of B.Sc. Management, Economics and Social Sciences
Research-oriented teaching within our bachelor’s programmes
All our bachelor’s programmes award the Bachelor of Science diploma, which focuses on a broad selection quantitative and empirical research methods from an extensive portfolio that reflects the key research areas of the Faculty. The bachelor’s programme always culminates in a bachelor’s thesis, giving students the opportunity to develop academic writing and independent research skills.
"Studying economics taught me structural thinking, sharpened my analytical skills - and my eye for the essential. It was the quality of the lecturers of the University of Cologne and in particular the topics of economic policy, financial economics and, later in the main courses, microeconomics and energy economics that shaped me. WiSo's reputation and network made it easier for me to enter the profession. Receiving the basic skills needed in my job from challenging teachers at a renowned university has helped me up to the present day."
Dr Dirk SChmelzer,
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Scout24 SE (MDAX)
Research-oriented teaching in our master’s programmes
Our master’s programmes emphasize the application of advanced quantitative and empirical research methods and theory-based analytical models to solve modern and socially relevant problems, true to the spirit of our mission statement. Since 2012, the WiSo Faculty has offered PhD Research Tracks within MSc programmes to prepare outstanding bachelor’s students for a PhD. These students are offered advanced (PhD) courses that allow them to begin working towards their PhD coursework before completing their MSc programme. After successfully completing their course and achieving the necessary grades, the graduates may then proceed directly to a PhD.
Finally, all doctoral students of the Faculty are automatically granted membership of the Cologne Graduate School (CGS), which offers a structured course programme as well as other supportive resources for doctoral students, such as organizational support for travel funding and research abroad or courses in general academic skills, e.g. publishing in international journals.