StudyQA — Master: Economics — University of Mannheim

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The Master of Science in Economics at the University of Mannheim is a first-class programme designed for a small group of excellent students who want to acquire the skills necessary for successful careers in international organisations or academia as well as leading positions in the public and private sectors.

The programme starts with a set of compulsory modules in the first semester. At the end of the first semester, students either continue in the field of study "Economics", which offers the opportunity to choose their own areas of specialisation from a wide range of elective courses, or they apply for the field of study "Economic Research", a fast track option to acquiring a PhD degree, in which they continue their studies focused on academic research.

FIELD OF STUDY "ECONOMICS"

The field of study "Economics" prepares students for work in a complex international work environment. In the second and third semesters, students have a high degree of flexibility and liberty. They can pursue courses according to their own interests, choosing from a wide range of elective courses. Students discuss their course choices with a faculty member who advises them at the beginning of the specialisation phase. In the fourth semester, students prepare their Master's theses.

FIELD OF STUDY "ECONOMIC RESEARCH"

The field of study "Economic Research" prepares students for writing a PhD thesis and builds the foundation for a successful academic career. Students attend courses from the PhD programme at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Economics (CDSE). At the end of the second year, each student prepares a dissertation proposal as his/her Master's thesis. After obtaining their Master's degree, graduates from this field of study can formally enter the PhD programme with a scholarship and start writing their doctoral dissertation.

Educational organisation

INTRODUCTORY PHASE (first semester)
After a two-week orientation phase, students can choose between the module combination "Economics" and the module combination "Economic Research Preparatory Courses", which is compulsory in order to apply for the field of study "Economic Research" at the end of the first semester.

The first semester consists of three to four compulsory core modules depending on the chosen module combination:

Advanced Microeconomics (lecture and exercise)
Advanced Macroeconomics (lecture and exercise)
Advanced Econometrics (lecture and exercise)
Mathematics for Economists (lecture and exercise)

(Note: this course is only compulsory for students who opt for the "Economic Research" field of study.)

SPECIALISATION PHASE (second to third semester)
In the field of study "Economics", students can choose freely from a wide range of elective courses (lectures, exercises, and two to four seminars). They discuss their course choice with a faculty member who advises them at the beginning of the specialisation phase.

In the field of study "Economic Research", students attend additional compulsory modules in the second semester:

Advanced Microeconomics II (lecture and exercise)
Advanced Microeconomics III (lecture and exercise)
Advanced Macroeconomics II (lecture and exercise)
Advanced Macroeconomics III (lecture and exercise)
Advanced Econometrics II (lecture and exercise)
Advanced Econometrics III (lecture and exercise)

In the third semester, students choose from the elective courses (lectures, exercises, and seminars) of the PhD programme.

RESEARCH PHASE (fourth semester)
All Master's students conclude their studies by writing Master's theses in the fourth semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students in the Mannheim Master's programme have the possibility and option to participate in two high-profile international exchange programmes:

In the field of study "Economics", we offer the ENTER Master Program, a double-degree exchange programme with leading European economics departments. Our partner universities are the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Stockholms Universitet, and Université de Toulouse I Capitole.
In the field of study "Economic Research", the ISAP Programme of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a two semester exchange with two of the leading US American universities: the University of California, Berkeley and Yale University.

Additionally, students can apply for a variety of other exchange opportunities (e.g., ERASMUS programme) within the network of Mannheim's partner universities. Access to these exchange programmes is competitive and limited. The programmes are subject to the ongoing approval by our partner universities and the DAAD.

Forms of assessment

Various forms of assessment (written and oral exams, assignments, presentations, etc.)

Course objectives

The programme is designed for a small group of excellent students who want to acquire the skills necessary for successful careers in management, administration (e.g., in consulting, in the manufacturing or service industry, in banks, public administration, international organisations, or non-profit organisations), or economic research.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills. The following are accepted:

A university entrance qualification acquired after at least two years of study at a school with English as the language of instruction
Passing at least one year of study in a university programme with English as the language of instruction
In all other cases, one of the following test results (none older than two years at the time of application) must be provided as proof of language proficiency:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79 (internet-based), 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Test: 6.5
- Verbal score of the GRE test: 320 (General Test), 140 (revised General Test)

Academic requirements

The prerequisites for admission are:

A Bachelor's degree in economics or equivalent. Applications from neighbouring fields (such as business administration) are very welcome. Students from other social sciences (such as political science, sociology, etc.), quantitative fields (such as mathematics or engineering), and humanities are welcome if they have economics as a minor.
A grade point average of 2.5 (German grading system)
High proficiency in the English language
A letter of motivation
Two letters of recommendation from different professors

Enrolment fees

139.35 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 700 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Limited financial support is available on a competitive basis in the form of teaching and research assistantships.

Funding opportunities within the university

The university offers several scholarship programmes for excellent students. The recipients of all scholarships are chosen based on their study performance and all scholarships require an application. Scholarships are directed at enrolled students as well as new applicants. In addition to the respective funding, important networking possibilities are offered.
http://www.uni-mannheim.de/stipendium/english/

Arrival support

The International Office provides support with all formalities (registration, etc.) and offers several orientation meetings during a "Welcome Week" (the week before the start of the lecture period).

Services and support for international students

To ensure an easier start, the four-week International Summer or Winter Academy for German Language and Culture at the University of Mannheim provides international and exchange students with or without previous knowledge of German with the opportunity to learn the language prior to the start of the semester. Cultural programmes including concerts, excursions, and sports accompany the language classes.

The International Office of the University of Mannheim offers support for international students in order to facilitate their entry into the university and help them get started in Mannheim. Among other services, the International Office organises a Coaching Programme for international degree-seeking students: if you wish, you will be matched with a local student who will support you in various student affairs. During the first weeks, he/she can help with visits to local authorities and finding accommodation. Also, during the semester, he/she will be your contact for questions and problems. The Coaching Programme is also a great opportunity to get to know local students and the German culture! Along with your letter of acceptance, you will receive a registration form for the Coaching Programme.

In addition, the International Office offers seminars and events during the semester, e.g., a seminar on academic writing and presentations as well as an intercultural training.

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk" (student affairs office) provides accommodation for students. You can apply online for an apartment: http://www.studentenwerk-mannheim.de/egotec/en/Housing.html.
If you are already in Mannheim, the following resources are available to help you find private accommodation: