Master of Science in Economics Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

The language of instruction and assessment is English (except for courses in taxation).

The Master of Science in Economics programme aims to convey the analytical skills and expertise that are indispensable for quantitative-oriented economists interested in practical solutions to economic problems in a world that is increasingly complex and difficult to classify.

The Master's degree programme in Economics is designed to last two years. As a part of the Master's degree programme, it is possible to prepare for a doctoral degree programme by selecting suitable courses.

The faculty places great value on ensuring that the offered programmes can be completed within the standard period of study and regularly evaluates the courses.

The main features of the programme include the following:

Quantitative focus: For Master's students who view economics as a "hard" subject, there is an academic ambition to understand economic phenomena with logical precision and clarity. It is just as important as letting the economic models and their quantitative relevance speak for themselves. The main focus is on dealing with quantitative data, statistical and econometric methods for data analysis, and computers to derive quantitative statements form the models and to check their plausibility.

Theoretical foundation: You will learn to understand how economists think. Economists' tool kits are made up of models. They serve to organise their limitations and uncover possible contradictions in order to develop improvements and expansions, test alternative hypotheses and thus gradually come closer to mirroring reality.

Research skills: Teaching at the School of Business and Economics at Humboldt-Universität is heavily research-oriented. This applies not only to the topics and focuses of the teaching programme but also to the results of students' theses, the very best of which aim to take science one step further.

Internationality: Economics is a subject with an international outlook. This is why the metropolis of Berlin is an ideal location for studying economics. We have a large number of international students. Humboldt-Universität maintains relationships with partner universities all over the world, while both promoting and eagerly anticipating international student exchanges. All courses are offered in English.

Self-initiative: Freedom of research and teaching also means freedom for students to choose their fields of study, among other things. With that in mind, our Master's degree programme offers students a great deal of flexibility, which, in turn, requires a great deal of initiative.

The lecture period in the winter semester usually begins in mid-October and ends in mid-February. The lecture period in the summer semester begins in mid-April and ends in mid-July.

There are two examination periods per semester:

Summer semester
First examination period: mid-/late July to early/mid-August
Second examination period: beginning of October to mid-October

Winter semester
First examination period: mid-/late February to early/mid-March
Second examination period: beginning of April to mid-April

2 May to 31 May (limitation period) for the following winter semester

https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/admission/calendar

Core modules (32 CP):

• Econometric Methods (12 CP)
  The compulsory module "Econometric Methods" provides students with the necessary tools not only to understand scientific work in modern economics, but also to be able to make a contribution to the scientific development of the discipline as part of their subsequent Master's thesis and in their subsequent professional activity.
• Master's thesis (20 CP)

Catalogue of specialised electives (total 78 CP):
From the catalogue of specialised electives, 58 CP of the highest-graded modules are included in the overall grade.

Catalogue of specialised electives A, Micro- and Macroeconomics (12 CP):
In this catalogue, we offer courses covering central and current areas of economics: Advanced Microeconomics and Advanced Macroeconomics. By selecting courses from this catalogue, students can complement their respective educational backgrounds in a targeted manner, thus ensuring they have a broad knowledge of all the relevant areas of economics.

Catalogue of specialised electives B, Economics (18 CP):
The in-depth courses provide up-to-date and research-related specialist knowledge. Within these specialisations, work is primarily carried out in smaller groups on current issues in the field of economics.

Catalogue of specialised electives C, Economics and Methodology (30 CP):

• At least 24 CP are to be selected from the Economic module offering. It is also possible to choose modules from catalogues A and B that have not already been completed.
• At least 6 CP are to be selected from the modules offered in the methodological subjects (statistics, econometrics, information systems).

Catalogue of specialised electives D, Business and Economics (18 CP):
Furthermore, 18 CP are to be selected from the modules offered by the School of Business and Economics (Economics, Business Administration, Quantitative Methods). This catalogue is well suited for the recognition of modules with a focus on economics (e.g. from a semester abroad).

Catalogue of interdisciplinary electives (ÜWP ("Überfachlicher Wahlpflichtbereich" in German), 10 CP – ungraded):
The catalogue of interdisciplinary electives has a workload of 10 CP. It is mandatory and cannot be replaced by selecting further modules offered by the faculty. 

Achievements are recognised without grades. If applicable, grades awarded for courses from the "ÜWP" are not taken into account in the calculation of the final grade.

You can find an ideal plan here (in German, suggestion, not mandatory): https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/studiengaenge-1/ma-volkswirtschaftslehre/studienverlaufsplan-ma-vwl.pdf.

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Internships are not compulsory, but they are encouraged. An internship can be recognised in the interdisciplinary electives area with up to 10 ECTS.

No tuition fees

Approx. 322 EUR per semester

https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/bewerbung/imma/semesterbeitrage/semesterbeitrag_aktuell.pdf/view

Approx. 900 to 1,200 EUR (Living costs mainly depend on the personal requirements and habits.)

Applicants must have specialised knowledge in economic subjects amounting to at least 60 ECTS credits (excluding methodological subject areas of mathematics, statistics, econometrics, and final (Bachelor's) theses).

If the degree is still outstanding at the time of application, proof must be provided that no more than 30 ECTS credits are yet to be acquired.

At least 24 ECTS credits must have been earned in the methodological fields in mathematics, statistics, and econometrics.

In addition to meeting the formal access and eligibility criteria, we also expect you to have an interest in economic subjects, enjoy scientific research, and possess strong quantitative and analytical skills. Additionally, it is important to have sufficient computer skills, possess the ability to organise yourself effectively, and demonstrate commitment to the programme.

https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/en/study/bewerbung/standardseite

Official admission rules (in German): https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/beratung/angebot/zzr/vwl

Applicants must provide proof of their English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Please consult the subject-specific entry and admission regulations for the Master's degree programme to find out the minimum achievements required to demonstrate the requisite language skills. Time limits on the validity of language tests (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS: two years) are not taken into account. More detailed and up-to-date information is available on the course website.

https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/en/study/bewerbung/standardseite

2 May to 31 May (limitation period) for the following winter semester

https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/admission/calendar

Financing options for students and doctoral candidates: https://www.international.hu-berlin.de/en/coming-to-humboldt-universitat/services-informations/finances

Students are also eligible to apply for a "Deutschlandstipendium": https://deutschlandstipendium.hu-berlin.de/de.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is trying to assist as many students as possible in finding accommodation by allocating them to student dormitories in Berlin.

https://www.international.hu-berlin.de/en/coming-to-humboldt-universitat/services-informations/accommodation

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in student accommodation: exchange-students@hu-berlin.de. 

Career Centre of HU: https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/hu-en/career-centre-scientific-further-education/career-centre/career-centre

Initial counselling for international applicants: Ms. Grabowski, bewerbung-international@hu-berlin.de

All consulting services offered by Humboldt-Universität can be found here: https://www.international.hu-berlin.de/en/coming-to-humboldt-universitat/programmes/complete-degree-programme.

School of Business and Economics Graduate Centre for doctoral students: https://www.wiwi.hu-berlin.de/en/academic-career/doctoral-studies/school-of-business-and-economics-graduate-centre

Berlin School of Economics (PhD programme): https://berlinschoolofeconomics.de/home