Master of Science in Economics with Data Science University of Hohenheim

Optional double Master's degree programme with University of Liège (Belgium)

The programme can be studied entirely in English. All courses of the basic Master's studies and the special fields are held in English. Within the special fields, two modules out of the field of business administration can be chosen. Some of them are held in German. The Master's thesis is usually written in English.

The Master’s programme in Economics with Data Science offers a comprehensive and innovative education over four semesters of full-time study. Designed for those who want to combine economic theory with cutting-edge Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the programme provides both a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on experience with modern analytical tools.

A defining feature of this programme is its systematic integration of Data Science and AI methods — from traditional machine learning to emerging generative AI — within an economic context. Students gain a deep understanding of economic principles while mastering advanced data analysis techniques. They learn to collect and structure large datasets, simulate economic models (including AI-driven simulations), and produce databased forecasts and empirical insights. This explicit emphasis on new technologies positions graduates to tackle real-world challenges and adapt to an ever-evolving industry.

Lectures and exercises are partly online. Exams are mostly on-site.

15 May for the following winter semester (all applicants)

Currently, higher education is (almost) free at all public universities in Baden-Württemberg. Since the winter semester of 2017/18, universities in Baden-Württemberg charge moderate tuition fees for non-EU international students. These fees amount to 1,500 EUR per semester. Students from the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as exchange students are excluded from these fees. Refugees are also not affected.

For further information on this degree programme, we invite you to attend our Master's info event (online via zoom): https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/masters-informational-events.

Programme Structure and Flexibility

1. Compulsory Modules

In the first semester, five core compulsory modules set the methodological and theoretical groundwork:

• Foundations in Economics with Data Science
• Principles of Data Science
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Econometrics

2. Elective Courses

Spanning the second and third semesters (with one elective also required in the fourth), this segment allows students to tailor their studies to their interests.

Key components include:

Seminar Module: Deepens skills in academic research and writing, while focusing on specialised economic topics.

Empirical Research in Economics: The module offers practical experience in applied economic research using modern data science methods. Projects may involve external partners, fostering teamwork, intercultural collaboration, and self-organisation. Students present their findings in both presentations and scientific posters under the supervision of two professors.

Free Elective Area: Seven modules can be selected from a broad range of advanced courses in economics and data science/AI. These may include topics such as computational economics, algorithmic game theory, machine learning for economists, causal inference, forecasting, big data infrastructure, and responsible AI. Students may also replace one module with a second seminar. Study abroad modules can be credited here, enabling substantial flexibility in shaping an individualised profile.

A Further Compulsory Module: Planned for the third semester, allowing for specialised learning options such as the BRICS certificate or language courses

3. Master's Thesis

In the fourth semester, students complete the Master's thesis, demonstrating the ability to apply newly acquired analytical and methodological skills to a complex economic question, often leveraging advanced data science or AI techniques.

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1,500 EUR

Currently, higher education is (almost) free at all public universities in Baden-Württemberg. Since the winter semester of 2017/18, universities in Baden-Württemberg charge moderate tuition fees for non-EU international students. These fees amount to 1,500 EUR per semester. Students from the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as exchange students are excluded from these fees. Refugees are also not affected.

Universities in Baden-Württemberg require their students to pay a semester contribution towards the administration costs, for student services and for the Student Parliament. Student services provide many benefits, such as discounted tickets for public transportation. The semester contribution amounts to approx. 175 EUR per semester.

Baden-Württemberg has the highest standard of living in Germany. The downside is that living costs are slightly above the German average. However, the cost of living can vary enormously depending on your personal lifestyle and where you live. It is generally more expensive to live in a bigger city like Stuttgart, where the University of Hohenheim is located. As a rule of thumb, 950 EUR to 1,000 EUR per month should be enough. The largest monthly expense is usually for rent – accounting for a third of the total cost of living for most students. These costs can be cut substantially by sharing a flat or living in a dorm. A typical example for monthly expenses could look like this:

• Rent: 350 EUR to 400 EUR
• Health insurance: approx. 85 EUR
• Public transport: approx. 30 EUR to 50 EUR
• Study materials: 100 EUR
• Food and drink: 100 EUR to 150 EUR
• Leisure and hobbies: 50 EUR to 100 EUR

To succeed in this advanced economics programme with a strong data science component, applicants are expected to demonstrate the following qualifications and motivation:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics or a closely related field
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written
• A strong foundation in mathematics and statistics, including probability theory and econometrics
• Prior exposure to statistical or programming tools (e.g. R, Python) is helpful but not required.
• An intrinsic interest in economic thinking, questions, and applications

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills (level B2):

• 90 points (Internet-based)
• IELTS 6
• UNIcert II ("good")
• or equivalent

ILIAS (learning management system), Zoom

15 May for the following winter semester (all applicants)

There are several scholarship programmes. For further information, please see: https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/awards-scholarships.

There are many possibilities, e.g. working as a research assistant or part-time jobs outside the university.

Student residences on campus

At the University of Hohenheim, several student residence halls are located on campus. They are managed by Student Services Tübingen-Hohenheim. There is a high demand for these rooms, which is why usually only a small number of applications will be successful.

International (non-EU) students have a much more difficult time than Germans in finding private accommodation at the start of their studies when they are searching from their home countries. Therefore, the university provides a quota of rooms for international students. This enables almost all new international students to have a room in a residence hall. To be able to offer this special assistance at the start of studies, the rental duration for these rooms is limited to two years for Master's students.

After this period, the house-hunting assistance offers support in finding a room on the private market.

CareerCenter Hohenheim

Assistance with accommodation and administrative formalities will be provided by the (central) Office of International Affairs. The programme coordinator supports students with the organisation of their study programme. German language courses for beginners and advanced learners are offered during the semester and as an intensive course during March, August, and September.

The oldest university in Stuttgart, the University of Hohenheim, is unique in its strong specialisation.

Founded in 1818 after devastating famines, the University of Hohenheim is not only engaged in intensive basic research but has traditionally also been committed to developing innovative solutions for some of society's pressing problems. To do so, the University of Hohenheim engages in a combination of scientific disciplines that is unique among German universities.

Strong in research and exceptionally well-connected

Today, the University of Hohenheim is the leading university in agricultural research and food sciences as well as strong and unparalleled in natural, social, business, economic, and communication sciences. The combination makes it possible to find solutions for many global challenges. This is why the university puts great importance on maintaining an international network with numerous strong partners.

Award-winning range of degree programmes

The degree programmes at the University of Hohenheim are innovative and adventuresome. The “Mobile Teaching” and “Humboldt Reloaded” pilot projects, promoting research-oriented studies, have been given the Ars Legendi Prize for excellence in teaching and other awards.

Specialisation Bioeconomy

Bioeconomy is a joint specialisation of research and teaching in all subjects. This specialisation addresses the economics of the future, with new products and new production processes, involving raw material from plants, animals, or microorganisms.

The green campus of short distances

The "green campus" of the University of Hohenheim is a concept that pertains not only to the content of its innovative programmes but also to the lush green environment on its campus. The green campus, with its short distances all around the Hohenheim Palace, is known as the most beautiful campus in the state. The university members value its personal atmosphere as well as the way that the campus facilitates a close proximity to colleagues.

The University of Hohenheim is located in Stuttgart, the capital of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. Why is Baden-Württemberg such a popular place to live and work? Probably because it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the entire country. Where there's a strong economy, there is also a strong education system.

If you ask someone abroad "What is Stuttgart famous for?", the answer is invariably, "Porsche, Mercedes and Bosch!" All these premium global players and many more have production sites in Stuttgart or in the region. As a result, they contribute to Baden-Württemberg's excellent reputation as one of the economic powerhouses of Europe.

Within Germany, Baden-Württemberg is at the forefront of the country's energy policy turnaround. The development and expansion of a sustainable energy economy is a top priority in the south-west.

What should we be famous for?

Many things that make Stuttgart and the region special are not known abroad. Because you will stay here for a semester or two, you should know more about it:

• The Swabians are proud of the Swabian cuisine: Maultaschen (filled pasta), Spätzle (egg noodles) and Schnitzel. You will definitively love the Swabian specialities, including the famous German beer and the wines of Württemberg.
• Stuttgart is also famous for the "Cannstatter Wasen". This is the second biggest beer festival in Germany after Oktoberfest. It attracts more than four million visitors every year. The first Wasen was celebrated in honour of the foundation of the University of Hohenheim 200 years ago!
• Or maybe the region should be famous for the fact that the sun shines more often and for more hours here in the south-west than anywhere else in Germany. Additionally, the low crime rate means that Baden-Württemberg is one of the safest German federal states. As you might expect, it thus tops the scale of life expectancy and quality of life. 
• We are proud of the diversity in our city! People from all over the world are living in Stuttgart. Stuttgart is an example for combining cosmopolitanism and successful integration. No other city in Germany has a higher proportion of international citizens. We are convinced that it is this diversity that makes us strong!