Economics
Economics (M.Sc.)
The Master of Science in Economics (MSE) is a modern, internationally oriented Master’s degree program that provides students with a profound knowledge in economics. It is aimed at students with a strong interest in applied economics seeking a first-rate education preparing them for a variety of career paths, ranging from management positions in firms and other organizations to academia.
- Degree
- Master of Science
- Duration of studies in semester
- 4
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Nuremberg
- Number of students
- 50-150
- Subject group
- Economic Sciences, Law
- Special ways to study
- International degree program
- Teaching language
- completely in English
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
The Master of Science in Economics (MSE) is a modern, internationally oriented Master’s degree program that provides students with a profound knowledge in economics. It is aimed at students with a strong interest in applied economics seeking a first-rate education preparing them for a broad variety of career paths. A special focus of the program lies on modern methods of data analysis.
The language of instruction of all core subjects and a large variety of electives is English. As a result, the MSE can be studied fully in English, and the student body is very international. German skills are welcome, but not required for completion.
A core feature of the program is that small classes and seminars enable a face-to-face exchange with professors and researchers. Upon arrival, students get quickly integrated into the academic community at the department through close interaction with professors and their research teams. A mentoring program connects students with junior scientists, and students can apply for paid jobs as research assistants.
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The MSE is a two-year program split into four teaching terms (semesters). For graduation, students are required to earn a total of 120 ECTS. The first (fall) semester comprises a total of six compulsory courses, covering the basic fields of economics. In the second and third semesters, students choose electives from a very broad range of subjects. By choosing appropriate electives, students can complete different fields of specialization. On the list are Labor economics, Macroeconomics and finance, Public economics, Energy markets, and Health economics. In the fourth semester, students write their Master’s thesis under close supervision of one of the department’s lecturers.
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The study program targets highly motivated students who have completed (or are about to complete) a Bachelor’s degree in economics or related fields. The program’s student body is very international, and the department invites applications from students all across the world. Especially welcome are applications from students interested in obtaining a high-class education in applied economics, with a special focus on modern methods of data analysis. As FAU is a state university, there are no tuition fees.
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The main career paths taken by graduates of the degree program lead them to work for consultancy firms and large companies, international organizations, public administration, professional associations, and academic institutions, such as universities and research institutes.
To broaden students’ perspectives and prepare them for the job market, students can participate in regular field trips, allowing them to learn about job opportunities for economists and the work of professionals. Furthermore, the department offers a placement program into internships at selected partner institutions, including several research institutes, international organizations, and the Bundesbank. Finally, excellent graduates aiming at a doctoral degree can apply for a scholarship to finance the initial two years of their doctoral studies.
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The department encourages and supports students who want to study abroad for up to two semesters at one of our partner universities. The program also supports students who want to collect up to five credits via an internship at one of our selected partner institutions, including several research institutes located all over Germany.
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- Qualification assessment
- Application deadline winter semester
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31.05.
- Content-related admission requirements
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- General information about the application process and admission requirements for Master Programmes at FAU can be found here.
- Specific information about the application process for the MSE are available here.
- Applicants will be evaluated regarding their university performance (Bachelor’s degree), as well as regarding their qualifications, knowledge, and skills in the field of economics. Applicants should have an academic degree (with above-average grades) in economics, mathematics, social sciences, engineering or related disciplines.
- Further accomplishments and qualifications (e.g. internships, language skills, and international experience) will be taken into account.
- Candidates might be invited to an interview. If this is the case, you will be personally informed.
- A selection admission committee decides upon admissions.
- For additional information on the admission rules, check the Examination Regulations of the Master in Economics.
Requirements
Please note: Applications not fulfilling the following requirements will be directly rejected:
- Bachelor degree with GPA no worse than 2.89 according to the German grading system
- At least 40 ECTS in economics and quantitative courses combined (not counting business or finance)
- Evidence of sufficient English skills of at least the B2 level of the CEFR
- A letter of application in English of no more than 2 pages (font = Arial, font size = 11 pt, line spacing 1.5, page margins > 2 cm, maximum 800 words, file format = pdf) outlining your qualifications relevant for the study program, with particular emphasis on your preparedness for the compulsory modules and the specialization(s) you plan to focus on
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- No DSH, English (level B2, CEFR)
- Details and notes
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Required documents:
- Curriculum vitae: tabular form
- University entrance qualification: school certificate (e.g., Abitur, Bachillerato)
- University degree and average grade: include Bachelor’s degree and transcript of records
- Candidates who have not completed their Bachelor’s studies at the time of application must provide an official transcript of all exams passed to date and GPA. A minimum of 135 ECTS (i.e., 75 % of the required credits for completion) is required.
- A letter of application in English
- Applicants who completed their first degree in China, Vietnam, or India also require an APS certificate
- Evidence of sufficient English skills of at least B2 level of the CEFR:
- For international candidates, a certificate equivalent to at least the B2 level of the CEFR.
- For German candidates, it is sufficient to present a German school certificate documenting proficiency in English.
- Here you can find an equivalence table on internationally recognized English language tests.
Additional documents (optional):
- Certificates of internships
- Certificates relating to exchange semesters
- Foreign language certificates
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.