Master of Science in Economics University of Hamburg

All courses are held in English.

Today's economists face globally competitive and increasingly complex environments. Universität Hamburg's "Master of Science in Economics" (MSc) programme responds effectively to these developments. It provides thorough and rigorous training in modern economic theories and techniques. It attaches great importance to quantitative skills and emphasises state-of-the-art methods of empirical research. It encourages applied work and relates it to policy. The acquired tools and research skills prepare students for real-world economic situations and challenges. The programme is taught completely in English. It provides sound training in best practice methods of mainstream economics. Opportunities for optional in-depth studies in areas of personal interest initiate a gradual transition to independent research.

The programme is designed for careers in higher education, research, or consultancy on both national and international levels.

Application period: from 15 February until 31 March
For details, see the course website.

The regular two-year version of the programme is structured as follows:

1. Three research-oriented core modules in the first semester (Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics and Advanced Econometrics)
   For students of the two-year version, each of these modules includes two interactive lectures: the main lectures on microeconomics, macroeconomics or econometrics and accompanying lectures which re-view and extend methodological knowledge from the undergraduate education.
2. Ten elective modules in theoretical and applied economics in the second and third semester, respectively
   Likely options are Business Cycle Theory, Economic Growth, Forecasting, International Economics, DSGE Modelling, Financial Economics, Real Option Theory, Public Choice, Political Economy, Public Finance, Game Theory, History of Economic Thought.
3. Research training through a Master's thesis in the fourth semester

The abbreviated one-year version is open to students who have achieved above-average performance in their first degree and have acquired the knowledge and skills of all accompanying lectures of the compulsory modules. Part-time study is also possible.

In cooperation with the Department of Economics at the University of Essex, the MSc Economic programme at Universität Hamburg offers a double degree option for Master's students. Students interested in an internationally orientated course of studies will be given the opportunity of spending one year each in Germany and the UK in order to obtain a Master’s degree from both universities.

Students may spend their second semester in the “Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics” (SGPE) at the University of Edinburgh. This programme combines the research and teaching expertise of eight established Scottish universities. Up to five elective modules in areas such as Environmental Economics, Financial Economics, Economics of Transition, Development Economics, Industrial Economics, Labour Economics, etc. can be studied.

No

No tuition fees

A semester contribution is charged per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket for public transportation in the greater Hamburg area. Further information can be found at https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/studienorganisation/studienverlauf/beitraege-gebuehren/semesterbeitrag.html.

Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc., you ought to expect the following expenses:

• housing: approx. 400 to 700 EUR per month
• living expenses: approx. 500 to 700 EUR per month

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 programme.

B. Applicants with advanced training in economics (i.e. a degree with strong focus on economics) must show that they have sufficient training in advanced economic analysis. Your transcript of records must document the following types of courses:

• two lectures* in general economics, i.e. basic micro- and macroeconomics
• three lectures* on advanced topics in economics, of which at least one must cover predominantly theoretical and one predominantly applied issues
• three lectures* in mathematics, statistics and econometrics, of which at least one must be in mathematics and one must be in either statistics or econometrics

In lieu of the three lectures in mathematics, statistics and econometrics, a GRE revised General Test with at least 155 points in the quantitative section, or a GRE Mathematics Subject Test with a score of at least 700 points will fulfil the requirement.

If you have more courses than required (for each area), choose which courses you want to have considered in the selection process. Clearly identify the required lectures on your transcript.

*A lecture must consist of at least two hours per week over the course of one semester.

C. Applicants with a degree in mathematics, economathematics, statistics, or the equivalent.

If you have completed a degree in one of these fields, you must show sufficient training in advanced mathematics to be admitted. This means your transcript of records must document the following types of courses:

• Lectures* on linear algebra and Analysis
• Lectures* on statistics or lectures* on econometrics

Alternatively, a GRE revised General Test score of at least 155 points in the quantitative section, or a GRE Mathematics Subject Test score of at least 700 points may be submitted instead of the lectures to meet the requirement.

*A lecture must consist of at least two hours per week over the course of one semester.

If you have not received your degree certificate yet, you can submit the document by the end of the first semester of your Master’s programme.

All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. The English language proficiency must be demonstrated as follows:

• TOEFL internet-based test (test date scores): at least 92 points with at least 22 points per skill (listening, writing, speaking, reading)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic: Overall band score with at least 6.5 (good competent user) with at least 6.0 per skill
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• Cambridge Higher Business English Certificate (BEC)
• University degree programme entirely taught in English (proven by a written confirmation from the university)

Application period: from 15 February until 31 March
For details, see the course website.

For questions about study expenses and funding options, please have a look at the Campus Center website: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/campus-leben/finanzen.html

Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.

Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs for more information.

There are several job opportunities in diverse areas of Universität Hamburg. Many of these jobs are offered exclusively to students enrolled at the university. For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, www.stellenwerk.de (wanted ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.

• tutors
• student assistants (in the academic area) and student employees (in the administrative area)
• library assistants
• test subjects for studies conducted in the fields of psychology or in the social sciences

Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.

Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.

For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.

The Department of International Affairs offers comprehensive international student support. In addition to professional advising and counselling during all stages of the course of study, there is close cooperation with other advisory and counselling services at Universität Hamburg. International students will thus receive the necessary support and advice at any point during their studies.