Economics

The Master of Science in Economics teaches students the skills needed to thoroughly analyse economic issues and problems, understand and apply the relevant academic theory, and use the correct formal and empirical methods. This in turn will allow them to find creative approaches to problem solving and predict the political and social consequences of economic activity.

To this end, students will acquire profound knowledge in theoretically, empirically, and politically oriented economics as well as in one of the following specialisation areas:

• Innovation and Change
• Economics and Strategy
• World Economics
• Public Economics

At least 56 credits must be earned in the area selected. Each specialisation area includes core courses that must be taken by all students and optional courses from which they may choose.
Special features: this programme can be completed in two years of full-time study. It includes basic courses, a specialisation area, and a Master's thesis. The basic courses include the following required courses:

• Group Dynamics, Moderation, and Presentation
• Empirical Methods
• Approaches to Economic Science

The Master's thesis must be written in the student's specialisation area and should focus on one of the school's primary research topics.

Educational organisation

First semester:

• "Empirical Methods"
• "Approaches to Economic Science"
• one basic course
• two courses in specialisation area

Second semester:

• "Group Dynamic, Moderation and Presentation Part I"
• three basic courses
• two courses in specialisation area
• seminar

Third semester:

• "Group Dynamic, Moderation and Presentation Part II"
• two basic courses
• two courses in specialisation area
• seminar

Fourth semester:

• one course in specialisation area
• Master's thesis

For part-time students, all time-limits mentioned in the study regulations are doubled.

Study abroad unit(s)

Studying at another university is voluntary.

Internships

There are no integrated internships.

Forms of assessment

The examination depends on the module description. Typically, it is a mixture of written exams, homework, presentations and discussions in the classroom.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English (level B2: IELTS Band 6.0 or higher, TOEFL iBT score 90 or above).
Although the course programme is in English, some basic German language skills are recommended. This will also provide more opportunities to choose additional elective courses in the German language.

Academic requirements

• University degree with a duration of at least three years or
• Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits and a duration of at least three years
• Final mark: 2.5 or better. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree which contains professional qualifications have to be among the top 65% of their year.
• Good pre-education in mathematics, statistics, and economics; minimum requirements: 22 ECTS in economics, 6 ECTS in mathematics, 6 ECTS in statistics

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Semester fee (Student Services and Student Self-Government) including semester ticket for free use of public transport: approx. 190 EUR per semester and a one-off fee of 20 EUR for a multifunctional student ID (Thoska) card

Costs of living

We recommend that you budget at least 600 EUR per month for accommodation and food, and for books a further 50 EUR per semester.

Arrival support

Students are advised to arrive at Jena University by 1 October for the winter semester. Before classes start Jena University offers an orientation week in order to introduce international students to the city and university. Information about the orientation week is sent with the letter of admission.

Services and support for international students

At the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the International Office assists all international students and can direct them to the department responsible for answering any questions they may have. Jena University has ERASMUS agreements with more than 200 European partners and 30 bilateral agreements with partners in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the USA, Canada, and Japan. The university has 2,200 international students from 85 countries.
There is a comprehensive programme of counselling, administrative support, language courses, and tutoring for incoming students. The International Office also arranges accommodation for students who come to Jena on exchange or scholarship programmes.
The rooms in the student residences are distributed by Student Services ("Studentenwerk Thueringen": http://www.stw-thueringen.de). Private apartments are also available, but students must find them on their own. Student tutors assist incoming students by meeting them at the train station, showing them to their rooms, introducing them to the university and its facilities, familiarising them with the city of Jena, introducing them to student life, and helping them with their paperwork. Student associations and groups offer a wide variety of joint activities and events, tandem language courses, concerts, excursions, etc., all of which help the international students to feel welcome and integrated. The Language Centre offers German language courses at several different levels.

Accommodation

Accommodation in student residences is available. Please apply at the "Studentenwerk Thüringen" (http://www.stw-thueringen.de).
For further information, please visit our website at http://www.stw-thueringen.de/english/housing/wohnen.html.

You can also look for single or shared private accommodation yourself. In the buildings of the university, there are numerous information boards with accommodation offers. Note, however, that the availability of private accommodation in Jena is rather limited.