Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM) University of Potsdam

Possibility of a double degree in cooperation with the Université Rennes
Cooperations with DIW Berlin and PIK

The teaching and examination language is English.

The Master's degree in Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM) is a four-semester English language programme that equips students with specialised knowledge in quantitative methods for evidence-based economic policy analysis. Based on a strong theoretical foundation, the programme focuses on two core branches, one in economic policy and one in quantitative methods that enables students to empirically assess economic policy.

The Master's programme addresses current economic and sociopolitical topics related to labour markets, inequality, human behaviour, economic growth and sustainability and discusses instruments of economic policy to tackle these issues. The programme offers students the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and skills in the economic analysis of policy instruments that are essential for evidence-based policy making. Besides a strong theoretical core in economics, the programme has a particular focus on methods for quantitative empirical analysis, which can be applied to different economic policy topics at local, regional, national and international levels.

Students have the opportunity to participate in the joint double degree programme Master's in International Public Policies in cooperation with the University of Rennes.

During each application period (1 April - 1 June) the programme offers virtual information events that are specifically targeted at students interested in the programme. Members of the EPQM programme team present key facts about the programme, studying in Potsdam, the double degree option and the admission guidelines. Find the exact dates of the Zoom info meetings for the current application period and their registration link on the EPQM course website (yellow box, upper right).

Additional information about the dates and deadlines can be found here.

Information about the application deadlines can be found here.

Join our online Master's Info Day on 13 March 2026 to learn about the Master’s programmes, career prospectives, and life in Potsdam.

All information on course organisation and programme structure can be found here.

The programme includes a voluntary internship module (for up to 12 CP) and thus offers the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in economic policy analysis and evidence-based policy making.

As part of the Center for Economic Policy Analysis (CEPA) internship programme, we offer selected Master's students the opportunity to complete an internship at one of our partner institutions. The partner institutions include the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

See our website for more details here.

No tuition fees

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). However, there is an administrative fee that includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin as well as regional/local trains all over Germany. More information here

The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 941 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

All information about the academic admission requirements can be found here.

All information about the language requirements is available here.

Information about the application deadlines can be found here.

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Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service

General services and support for international students: The International Office and the Central Student Advisory Service support international students in preparing for their studies and life in Potsdam.