History & Economics (Master of Arts) University of Bayreuth

All mandatory courses are held in English. Some additional courses are also offered in German. Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language.

Economic history addresses a wide range of both fundamental and applied questions. What are the underlying reasons for economic growth? What explains economic crises and recovery? Why have some nations become rich and others poor? Why has the world economy converged at some points in history and disintegrated at others? What is the role of institutions and the state? How does our understanding of the economy and our theoretical models shape economic outcomes? What is capitalism? Has it always functioned the same way? When did it come into existence?

In the Master's programme History & Economics, you will discuss these questions and many more. You will get a fresh look at topics such as the Great Depression, long-term economic growth, sovereign debt crises, and the effects of global economic interrelations on corporate structure - all from the perspective of research in economic history. In addition to sharpening your discussion skills, you will deepen your knowledge of the latest quantitative tools that allow you to support your arguments with relevant data and empirical knowledge.

Application period for the winter semester
15 January to 15 July

The History & Economics Master's programme has a clear structure with a set of foundational courses, a convergence module to address students with different academic backgrounds, a set of modules to acquire the necessary skills and methods, a number of courses that cover research and debate in economic history, a module in which knowledge can be applied in practice, and a wide range of electives allowing our students to specialise according to their individual interests and aptitude. Our programme will provide you with solid foundations and the opportunity to carve out your own distinctive academic and professional profile.

You will study three modules that will provide you with foundational knowledge in economic history, two modules that will ensure all Master's students gain common basic knowledge of methods and concepts, three modules that teach the specific methodological skills in "quantitative" as well as "qualitative" economic history, one three-semester module on research and debate, and one mandatory internship in which you can apply your knowledge and sharpen your career profile.

You can download an overview of the study programme on our website: http://www.he.uni-bayreuth.de/en/profile/index.html.

One of our guiding educational ideals is finding a close fit between students and the programme. If you need academic advice about the programme, you should not hesitate to contact either of the programme coordinators. Additionally, if you want to visit us to learn about the programme, the university and the town will always welcome you. Just get in contact with one of the programme coordinators. They will be happy to talk to you!

An internship provides an inside view and experience that is crucial for orientation in the job market. You will get the chance to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical issues and thus deepen your knowledge. You are free to choose the place that best suits your interests. We will, however, make available internships for a number of companies and research institutes.

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

Admission for graduates with a German university degree:
The requirement for admission to the Master's programme in History & Economics is a university degree with a final grade of 2.5 ("gut") or better in the University of Bayreuth Bachelor's programmes Economics, European History, or Philosophy & Economics or a comparable degree. If you do not fulfil the requirement, you can still apply to study with us, but you may have to go through an additional interview process.

A Bachelor's degree in Economics or History from a university in the Federal Republic of Germany with a final grade of 2.5 or better is recognised as a comparable degree, but admission may be subject to conditions. Applicants whose degree is not in economics or history, but is closely related (e.g., a major in Political Science, Ethnology, or Statistics with a minor in Economics) can also be admitted, subject to certain conditions. Typical conditions may stipulate that particular modules from the Bachelor's programme at the University of Bayreuth have to be successfully completed within one year. An admission committee will determine if the criteria for acceptance into the Master's programme have been met on an individual basis prior to the enrolment process.

Admission for graduates without a German university degree:
A Bachelor's degree in Economics or History from a foreign university will be recognised if we reckon that the implied chances of succeeding in the demanding Master's programme are at least as high as those of a student with a Bachelor's degree in Economics, History, or Philosophy & Economics from the University of Bayreuth with a final grade of "gut" (2.5 or better in the German grading system). This necessitates that the completed curriculum is sufficiently similar and the obtained grades are sufficiently good. An admission committee will determine if the criteria for acceptance into the Master's programme have been met on an individual basis prior to the enrolment process.

Proof of English language skills: test results proving CEFR Level B2 – e.g. IELTS band of at least 5.5 or TOEFL iBT of at least 72 (total)
Note: Certificate or proof may be handed in at a later time, but it must be presented before the third semester! If you have obtained a university degree in an English-language programme in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, or USA, no further proof is necessary.

Application period for the winter semester
15 January to 15 July

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.

Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching

Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.

The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 12,000 students (19% internationals). Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.

We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools, are conducted in English. There are presently around 2,500 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.

Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2025 THE ranking, the University of Bayreuth achieved the top position 31 among the 1,000 best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.

For a closer look at our university, have a look here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en.

Welcome to Bavaria!
75,000 people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 12,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.

Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.

A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.

Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a wide variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two and a half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.

Why you should study in Bayreuth: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/study-in-bayreuth

Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!