Economic Behavior & Governance (EB&Go) University of Kassel

Language of instruction is English.

The Master's programme in Economic Behavior and Governance (EB&Go) emphasises the main research areas of the faculty at the Institute of Economics. The objective is to provide students with profound knowledge in behavioural economics with a strong focus on applied research questions. We introduce students to advanced theories in the field of behavioural economics and governance and to advanced empirical methods. Furthermore, we train them to apply these theories and methods to analyse important problems in contemporary economic policy.

The graduates have a broad range of job opportunities, including careers in government and public administration, supranational organisations, multinational firms, research, and higher education.

Given the large number of courses held in English and the opportunity to write the Master's thesis in English, the Master's programme can be taught completely in English. However, German-speaking students can acquire up to two-thirds of the credits in German.

Teaching takes place in person, online/distance learning will not be offered.

Students without a German degree:

• Winter semester: 15 July
• Summer semester: 15 January

Students with a German degree:

• Winter semester: 1 September
• Summer semester: 1 March

The programme consists of the following modules:

M1 Intermediate Econometrics

Students delve into econometric models and methods, enhancing their ability to analyse complex data structures.

M2 Mathematics for Economists

The module reviews the mathematical foundation for economic analysis.

M3 Intermediate Microeconomics

In this module, students deepen their understanding of microeconomic models and methods, with an emphasis on market and corporate governance questions.

M4 Intermediate Public Economics

The module explores public choice theory and multi-level governance, equipping students with the tools to assess state interventions and critically evaluate public sector governance.

M5 Intermediate Behavioural Economics

This module deepens students' understanding of behavioural economics, equipping them to critically assess traditional microeconomic models and explore the complexities of human decision-making.

M6 Foundations in Experimental Economics

In this module, students learn how to design and interpret economic experiments. It equips them with the skills to plan, conduct, and critically evaluate experiments.

M7 Evidence-Based Economic Policy

This module explores how scientific knowledge shapes economic policy, equipping students with the tools to evaluate policy effectiveness, apply causal analysis methods, and assess the governance of academic research.

M8 Research Methods

This module is designed to introduce students to advanced (quantitative) techniques for economic analysis.

M9 Seminar Economic Behaviour meets Governance

In this module, students explore selected topics at the intersection of economic behaviour and governance, developing problem-solving skills, enhancing their presentation abilities, and refining their academic and teamwork capabilities.

M10 Seminar in Economic Behaviour

This module allows students to apply their knowledge to specific research questions, enhancing their expertise in selected topics, refining research skills, and preparing for future doctoral studies with a focus on behavioural science.

M11 Seminar in Governance

Students explore key topics in public, market, corporate, and non-profit sector governance, enhancing their critical thinking, communication, and research skills.

M12 Topics in Corporate Governance

This module focuses on concepts and methods of business administration. It equips students with the tools to critically analyse corporate problems, conduct market research, and understand business responses to government policies.

M13 Additive Skills

Students are inspired to look beyond the scope of economics, develop their personality, and broaden their labour market opportunities.

Master's Thesis

In their Master's thesis, students have the opportunity to do their own research or to contribute to the ongoing research projects at the Institute of Economics.

No tuition fees

There are no tuition fees, but there is a registration fee of 356.82 EUR per semester. This includes free use of public transportation as well as the "Germany Ticket" (which allows travel on regional trains and local public transportation throughout Germany), discounts in the cafeteria, the cultural sector, and certain retail stores.

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Kassel, it is recommended that students budget around 750 to 1,000 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Bachelor’s degree in Economics or a related field with:

• A minimum of 180 ECTS in total
• At least 54 ECTS in economics and/or business psychology
• At least 18 ECTS in Mathematics, Statistics, or Econometrics

Students who pass requirements but hold a degree from outside the EU are invited to an online interview. The interview assesses the general knowledge and methodological skills of the applicants in Economics.

Students must have good knowledge of the English language. Non-native speakers are required to hold an international language certificate at level B2 (CEFR) or equivalent.

Knowledge of German is not required for participation in the programme. However, German-speaking students can acquire up to two-thirds of the credits in German.

Students without a German degree:

• Winter semester: 15 July
• Summer semester: 15 January

Students with a German degree:

• Winter semester: 1 September
• Summer semester: 1 March

The University of Kassel offers a few scholarships for international students.

Students can apply for various part-time jobs or work as student assistants on campus. Please have a look at www.uni-kassel.de. Some departments also provide positions as tutors or working students.

International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose between staying at a student residence hall ("Wohnheim") or private accommodation. There are about 1,000 rooms available in the student residencies around the campus. Please have a look at https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/en/wohnen/. Rent for a room varies between 200 and 350 EUR per month depending on the location and facilities. Students can choose single apartments with en-suite facilities or a shared flat with fellow students. Private furnished or unfurnished accommodation in Kassel is also available and can be found in the local paper, on flyers on campus, or on the Internet (e.g. social media).

The University of Kassel has a career service that supports alumni and students in their transition into the job market. The career service guides the students during their studies and beyond their graduation with job orientation and assistance in searching for a job or internship through the wide variety of services that are offered.

For more information, please visit: UNI – Startseite.

Mentoring

The University of Kassel, founded in 1971, is characterised by a multi-layered competence network focused on nature, technology, art, and society. The university, with its ten faculties and its School of Art and Design, has committed itself to international cooperation and interdisciplinary research. It hosts 3,000 international students from over 130 countries among its 25,500 students. Approximately 300 professors teach and research in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, and mathematics as well as the humanities, human sciences, environmental engineering, informatics, and arts.

The faculties are located on the main campus (Holländischer Platz) and on other campuses (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Heinrich-Plett-Straße, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Wilhelmshöher Allee, Kassel School of Art and Design at the Karlsaue Park, Institute of Sports and Sports Science at the Aueparkhalle, and the “Murhardsche” Library at Brüder-Grimm-Platz). The Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences can be found in the nearby village of Witzenhausen.

Internationally orientated, short-term study courses as well as English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes make the university an attractive place to study and do research. International partnerships at home and abroad strengthen its position in the area of national and international higher education.

The university also provides a wide range of leisure-time activities such as sport facilities, cultural activities, international meetings, and social events.

Kassel, with approx. 200,000 inhabitants, is located at the centre of Germany, close to the Fulda River. The city offers rich cultural and economic diversity. Opera and theatres, concerts, open-air-events, famous art museums, and castles enrich the capital of the German “Fairytale Route”. Every five years, the world-famous “documenta” contemporary art exhibition turns Kassel into a cosmopolitan city. There are many parks and forests in Kassel and its surroundings where you can relax in the open air or be active. The “Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe”, Europe’s largest mountainside park, is the most famous sight in Kassel. In 2013, the park and its water cascades became a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site. An excellent highway and railway infrastructure provides you with the means to explore other German and European cities in a fast and easy way (e.g. three hours to Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich).

Witzenhausen — where the Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences is located — is a small, typical Hessian town, some 35 km from Kassel. Approx. 1,000 students live and work here. Historic, half-timbered houses lend a unique charm to the small town, which is famous for its cherry orchards in the surrounding areas. The annual spring cherry blossom celebration is a highlight for both young and old.