M.Sc Economics

Today’s economists face globally competitive and increasingly complex environments. Universität Hamburg’s Master of Science in Economics responds effectively to these developments. The program, which is taught entirely in English, attaches great importance to quantitative skills and emphasizes state-of-the-art methods in empirical research. It encourages applied for work, relates it to policy, and prepares students for real-world economic situations and challenges.

The program provides solid training in best-practice methods in mainstream economics. Students have the opportunity to undertake optional in-depth studies in areas of particular personal interest, which are designed to facilitate the transition into independent research. This program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in higher education, research, or consultancy on both a national and international level.

Please check your credentials. If you meet the following requirements, you are eligible to apply for the Master’s program in Economics at the Universität Hamburg.

Depending on the profile of your primary degree, i.e., your previous higher education, there are three application categories, each with its respective admission requirements:
a) a degree in Economics or 'Volkswirtschaftslehre'
b) a degree in a related subject, with sufficient advanced training in Economics
c) a degree in Mathematics, Mathematical Economics, Statistics or the equivalent

A. Applicants who have completed a degree in Economics or 'Volkswirtschaftslehre' are considered to have sufficient economic background to apply to the program.

B. Applicants with advanced training in Economics (i.e., a degree with a strong focus on Economics) must show you have sufficient training in advanced economic analysis.

The two-year program consists of the following components:

• Three compulsory modules in the first semester:
  • Advanced Microeconomics
  • Advanced Macroeconomics
  • Advanced Econometrics
• Ten electives on theoretical and applied economics distributed over the second and third semester. In recent years we have offered courses on the following topics:
  Financial economics, development economics, quantitative economic research, game theory, new Keynesian economics, public choice, labor economics, philosophy of economics, real estate and urban economics, environmental and resource economics, history of economic thought, the economics of business strategy, behavioral economics, international political economy.
• A master’s thesis, completed during the fourth semester.

The abridged, one-year program consists of the following components:

• Three compulsory modules in the first semester:
  • Individual Decisions, Games, and Markets
  • Elements of Dynamic Macro Theory
  • Time Series Econometrics
• Four electives distributed over the first and second semesters.
• A master’s thesis, completed during the second half of the second semester.

Students who have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree can attend the one-year program (upon approval from the program director). Part-time study is also possible. Students may take part in The Scottish Graduate Program in Economics during the second semester, an international exchange program, at the University of Edinburgh. The program also offers a Dual Degree option with the Department of Economics at the University of Essex.

You can join one of the following careers:

• Economist
• Economic Analyst
• Environmental Resource Management
• Teacher
• Consultant
• Business Consultant