Economics

The Master's programme in Economics prepares students for challenging jobs in economics and provides students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly international job market. It also serves as an excellent preparation for a PhD programme meeting the highest international standards.
The programme provides students with a solid background in quantitative methods and economic theory. It provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economic theory and its applications in various fields. The programme acquaints graduate students with the methodological framework underlying current research, and enables them to critically discuss current research results and to apply their knowledge to a broad range of economic questions.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme in Economics is a two-year course consisting mostly of lectures. The programme is organised into basic modules and advanced modules taught as lectures and research seminars, and is completed with a Master's thesis.
The first semester provides the basis for the comprehension of current economic research. Students take four out of five of the following basic modules: Mathematics for Economists (mandatory), Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Finance, and Econometrics.
In the second and third semesters students take advanced modules focusing on current topics in economic research. These modules provide students with in-depth knowledge of the conceptual and methodological specifics of a variety of approaches. Advanced modules are offered in the following fields: Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomics and Public Economics, Management and Applied Microeconomics, Financial Economics, Econometrics and Statistics, and Economic Research.
In addition, students in the third semester also take at least one research seminar which is designed to help them improve their academic and analytical skills while addressing recent topics of a selected study area. In preparation for the Master's thesis, students also learn how to choose a research topic and how to design a research project.
The fourth semester is reserved for the Master's thesis. Before writing the Master's thesis, students must have completed at least one advanced module in the field in which they intend to write the thesis and a research seminar.

Study abroad unit(s)

Master's students have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters at one of the ERASMUS partner universities of the Department of Economics in Europe or at one of the international partner universities of the University of Bonn in the USA, Canada, Australia, or Asia. Credits earned abroad can be transferred to the Master's programme if the classes taken abroad are equivalent to the modules offered in Bonn.

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

Students obtain 7.5 ECTS points for successful completion of basic and advanced modules taught as lectures, 15 ECTS for a research seminar, and 30 ECTS for the Master's thesis. At the end of every semester, students take written or oral examinations to complete their courses, in project modules they give oral presentations and write seminar papers. Examinations can be taken during two examination periods. Students can decide which examination period they want to select for which examination. They can make up to three attempts to pass the exams for basic and advanced modules. Students generally take four examinations per semester.
Students have to acquire a total of 120 ECTS - 30 from basic modules, 60 from advanced modules including at least one research seminar, and 30 from the Master's thesis.

Course objectives

Successful completion of the programme prepares students for leading positions in the private and public sectors on both the national and the international job market. It also serves as an excellent preparation for a PhD programme and an academic career.

Language requirements

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at level B2 CEFR.
To provide proof, they must submit TOEFL test scores (iBT) of 87 or higher, IELTS test scores of 6.0 or higher, or another internationally recognised certificate (e.g. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency or LCCI - London Chamber of Commerce and Industry certificate).
Applicants whose native language is English and applicants who have received their Bachelor's degree from a study programme held in English do not need to submit proof of English proficiency.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in economics or an equivalent degree with a final grade that translates into the German grade "good" (2.3) or better
• a solid background in mathematics (differential and integral calculus, linear algebra), statistics (descriptive and inferential statistics), and econometrics
• English proficiency at level B2 CEFR demonstrated e.g. by TOEFL test scores of 87 (iBT), or by another internationally recognised certificate, or by a Bachelor's degree from a study programme taught in English

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Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

All students pay a fee of approx. 270 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket for public transport in all of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Costs of living

The average monthly cost of living, including accommodation, food, books, and medical insurance amounts to about 800 EUR.

Job opportunities

During their studies, EU citizens are free to work in Germany, and non-EU citizens are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. These limitations may be exceeded by students working at the university as teaching or research assistants.
However, due to the very concise nature of the two-year programme, students will have little time to work during the semester.

Arrival support

A pick-up service from the airport or the local train station is available via the help desk of the University of Bonn's International Office.
An orientation session is organised by the Master's Coordinator of the Department of Economics. It provides new students with information about the study programme, the Department of Economics, and the University of Bonn.

Services and support for international students

International students can address all questions regarding the programme to the International Coordinator of the Department of Economics. The International Coordinator also offers help with questions regarding accommodation, visas, and public authorities in Germany.
In addition, the University of Bonn's International Office offers a wide range of support for international students. This includes general information on living and learning in Bonn, and German language classes at different levels. The International Office also runs the "International Club", a perfect place to meet German and international students from different study programmes and to participate in activities such as excursions, discussion groups, film nights and theatre visits. For further details, see http://www3.uni-bonn.de/studying/international-students.
The International Office also publishes a very helpful brochure called "Insights for International Master Students in Bonn", which is available at: http://www3.uni-bonn.de/studying/international-students/counceling-and-service.

Accommodation

Affordable accommodation in student dormitories is available through the Student Services Office. Monthly rates for dorm rooms range from 180 to 490 EUR. The rent covers water, heating, and electric power. As capacities are limited, the Department of Economics reserves dorm rooms for international Master's students. Private accommodation can be found on the Internet, e.g. at http://www.wg-gesucht.de or http://www.studenten-wg.de.