The programme is taught entirely in English. German language proficiency is not required.
The programme starts annually in September with a preparatory maths course taking place at the end of August. The programme has a regular study duration of two years. The majority of courses are offered on-campus only. Attendance in lectures is expected, but it is not strictly mandatory. The majority of courses have a final written exam, but in some courses, the active participation and presentations are graded as well.
The application period for the following winter semester opens 1 April and closes 15 May.
Please also check the website of the admissions office regularly for the current application deadlines.
International students from non-EU / EEA countries are required to pay a tuition fee of 1,500 EUR per semester.
International students who fulfil certain exceptional criteria are not obliged to pay tuition fees: Tuition Fees for International Students
The Master of Science in Economics programme 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.
In the introductory phase, advanced knowledge in macro- and microeconomics as well as in econometrics is imparted. Our students are thus perfectly prepared to deal with theoretical and empirical work in economics and related fields in an independent, systematic, and well-founded manner. In addition, necessary theories and methods for the further course of studies are imparted.
The further course of study depends on the specialisation chosen in the advanced phase:
ECONOMICS
This study track gives students the opportunity to build their unique profile from a wide range of courses. Starting with the second semester, all courses are electives, which gives students a high degree of flexibility of choosing their preferred areas and in deciding their own degree of specialisation. Throughout the specialisation phase, students may discuss their choices with a faculty member in order to optimise the study programme by tailoring it to their individual needs and capabilities. In the fourth semester, students work on their Master's theses.
COMPETITION AND REGULATION ECONOMICS
This study track is tailored to students interested in pursuing professional careers in organisations, governmental institutions, and companies where specialised knowledge in the field of competition and regulation economics is required or desirable (e.g. competition and regulatory authorities, companies in regulated sectors such as energy and telecommunications, and consultancies). Electives during the specialisation phase are complemented by specialised modules in the fields of competition policy and regulation economics as well as a tailor-made lecture series with talks by leading practitioners. Furthermore, opportunities for internships, field trips, and other forms of collaboration with our partners are offered. Students finish their studies in the fourth semester by writing their Master's theses.
ECONOMIC RESEARCH
This study track prepares students for writing their PhD dissertations and lays the foundation for successful academic work. The second semester broadens and deepens the first semester courses in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. In the third and fourth semester, students take electives that introduce them to research questions in specialised areas. At the end of the second year, students prepare a thesis proposal. After obtaining a Master's degree, graduates from this track can formally enter the PhD programme at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Economics (CDSE) with a scholarship and start writing their doctoral dissertations.
INTRODUCTORY PHASE (first semester)
After a two-week orientation phase, students can choose between the module combinations Economics and Economic Research Preparatory Courses. The latter is compulsory for students who wish to apply for the Economic Research track at the end of the first semester.
The first semester consists of three to four compulsory core courses, depending on the chosen module combination:
Economics:
Economic Research Preparatory Courses:
ADVANCED PHASE (second and third semester)
In the Economics track, students can freely choose from a wide range of elective courses covering topics from micro- and macroeconomics, econometrics, and industrial organisation (IO) to finance, game theory, policy analysis, economic history, and international trade. Furthermore, modules from other programmes, such as Mannheim Master in Management, Business Mathematics, Political Science, and Sociology can be chosen.
In the Competition and Regulation Economics track, elective courses are complemented by tailor-made courses:
In the Economic Research track, students attend the following compulsory modules in the second semester:
In the third semester, students choose from the elective courses offered in the PhD programmes at the Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (GESS). At least four of the elective courses have to be from the CDSE course catalogue.
RESEARCH PHASE (fourth semester)
All Master's students conclude their studies by writing a Master's thesis in the fourth semester. In the Economic Research track, the Master's thesis will be written in the form of a dissertation proposal.
450 partner universities across five continents: When opting for a stay abroad, students of the University of Mannheim can choose from a variety of partner universities in cities such as New York, Singapore or Barcelona to develop their subject knowledge. You have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, to form international friendships, and to brush up on your foreign language skills. Thanks to the exchange programmes offered by the University of Mannheim, you have the possibility to study abroad without having to pay tuition fees. Spending a semester abroad is not mandatory, but we support students who would like to make use of this opportunity at every step of the process. Suitable courses taken abroad can be recognised in the specialisation phase of the programme.
An internship completed in the course of the Master's programme can be recognised for credit if it meets the requirements of the internship module. Students in the Competition and Regulation Economics track have various opportunities for internships, excursions, and other interactions with our partners, such as Bundesnetzagentur, German Monopolies Commission, Competition Commission of Singapore, Compass Lexecon, CRA, NERA Economic Consulting, etc.
International students from non-EU / EEA countries are required to pay a tuition fee of 1,500 EUR per semester.
International students who fulfil certain exceptional criteria are not obliged to pay tuition fees: Tuition Fees for International Students
The semester contribution amounts to approx. 200 EUR per semester. There are several ticket options for public transport available in the Mannheim-Heidelberg metropolitan area. Each will incur different additional costs.
Approx. 750 to 850 EUR per month to cover all personal expenses
The University of Mannheim has one of the most differentiated scholarship systems among public higher education institutions in Germany, and it cooperates with a large network of partners and sponsors.
A Bachelor's degree in economics ("Volkswirtschaftslehre") or an equivalent qualification is required. The final grade or the current grade average of the Bachelor's degree shall be 2.5 or better (according to the German grading system). The Bachelor's degree must correspond to at least 180 ECTS credits or have a standard period of study of at least three years. Degrees from neighbouring fields such as Business Administration, other Social Sciences (such as Political Science or Sociology), quantitative fields (such as Mathematics or Engineering), and Humanities can only be recognised as equivalent by the admissions committee if the following minimum requirements are fulfilled:
A definite decision on your eligibility can only be made during the admissions procedure, during which all of your documents will be assessed in detail. In case of doubts, please do not hesitate to contact the programme manager for a preliminary assessment.
For further information on the admission process, please visit our website for prospective students.
Applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. Application without proof is possible. Valid proof has to be submitted during the enrolment process or by 15 August at the latest. The following documents are accepted:
The admissions committee decides on exceptions from the requirements and, if applicable, determines individual requirements.
The application period for the following winter semester opens 1 April and closes 15 May.
Please also check the website of the admissions office regularly for the current application deadlines.
Universität Mannheim
Zulassungsstelle (Admissions Office)
L1,1
68161 Mannheim
Germany
Various student assistant positions in administration, research, and teaching are available at the university.
The International Office offers support in finding dorm rooms and private accommodation.
Student halls of residence are the ideal place to get to know not only German students but also fellow students from all over the world. Depending on the hall, you will live with two to eight fellow students in a shared apartment. Every student has his or her own room, but the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are communal. Additionally, the International Office offers a very limited number of one-bedroom apartments with a small in-room kitchen and bathroom. The kitchens are fully equipped with cooking facilities and a refrigerator.
The university strives to provide international degree-seeking students with the same opportunities as their fellow German students.
There are a number of institutions within the university that offer support in job and career issues. The Career Network is the central information platform of the University of Mannheim focusing on work and career and accompanies students and graduates on their way to start their career with a diverse range of services.
Furthermore, the project "Step by Step", which is offered by the university’s International Office, aims especially to facilitate the integration of international graduates in the (German) labour market. The project seeks to increase students' career opportunities and strengthen their intention to stay in Germany.
For generations, the University of Mannheim has been preparing students to take on leadership roles in business, academia, and society. One of the university's strengths in this task is its profile, which is characterised by the economic and social sciences. It is in these fields that the University of Mannheim has repeatedly been ranked as one of the top 20 European research institutions.
Staff members at six schools and departments teach and carry out research in business administration, economics, the humanities, social sciences, law, business informatics, and mathematics.
Global Network
Researchers at the university collaborate with numerous national and international partners. The university has a particularly close relationship with the ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research, one of the leading economic research institutes in Germany, the GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, and the Leibniz-Institut für Deutsche Sprache (IDS). The Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES) is the largest research institution for social sciences at a university in Germany, and it is one of the leading institutions of its kind on the international stage.
International Campus
The campus surrounding Mannheim's baroque palace is a place where bright minds from across the globe come together to learn, discuss, research, and prepare to make their mark on the world. Every fifth student at the university comes from abroad to pursue a Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degree in Mannheim. Students of the Mannheim Business School also come from overseas to obtain a management qualification at one of the top 25 MBA providers in the world.
Research that Benefits Society
The University of Mannheim is known for its practical orientation and its knowledge transfer with society. Numerous researchers are members of national or international bodies, or they work at institutes or associations that have an advisory role in business, society, and politics. Students are also active in society. The many organisations and associations on campus give them the chance to help make the world a better place.
Mannheim has more than 300,000 residents and is located in Baden-Württemberg at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar. The city impresses with its diversity: a successful mixture of shopping districts, industrial and service centres, places of cultural interest, art nouveau buildings, the large baroque palace which houses the university, and several extensive recreational areas. The beautiful regions of Odenwald and Palatinate, both of which are very popular for walking and cycling, are close to Mannheim. The symbol of Mannheim is its water tower, a 60-metre-high sandstone colossus next to the city centre, which is characterised by its chessboard-style street grid that is unique in Germany.
Thanks to Mannheim's central location and extensive transport connections, a variety of charming towns are within easy reach, and France and Switzerland are only a relatively short journey away. Frankfurt airport can be reached by train within 30 minutes.
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