The teaching and examination language is English.
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The Master's in Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods is a four-semester English language programme that equips students with specialised knowledge in quantitative methods for evidence-based economic policy analysis. Based on a strong theoretical foundation, the programme focuses on two core branches, one in economic policy and one in quantitative methods that enables students to empirically assess economic policy.
The Master's programme addresses current economic and sociopolitical topics related to labour markets, inequality, human behaviour, economic growth and sustainability and discusses instruments of economic policy to tackle these issues. The programme offers students the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and skills in the economic analysis of policy instruments that are essential for evidence-based policy making. Besides a strong theoretical core in economics, the programme has a particular focus on methods for quantitative empirical analysis, which can be applied to different economic policy topics at local, regional, national and international levels.
In the four-semester programme, students earn a total of 120 credit points. In the first semester, students are required to earn a total of 27 ECTS credits (CP) from advanced courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics and microeconometrics. Following that, they can choose from a large array of courses in economic policy (30 CP) and quantitative methods (24 CP). They can use 18 CP attached to the electives module to either further specialise in economic policy or quantitative methods or acquire up to 12 CP through internships or other modules. In the final semester, students prepare their Master’s theses and present their work in the research colloquium to earn 21 CP.
EPQM students are also offered the opportunity to participate in selected doctoral courses at the Berlin School of Economics (BSE). This can be used as a fast-track option to the PhD degree.
Students can gain part of their regular workload studying abroad. In order to ensure a smooth transfer of credits, we conclude "Learning Agreements" for these visits. On top of the regular courses, students can use the internationalisation module (6 CP) to gain extra credits in a topic that is not necessarily part of our curriculum (e.g. related disciplines, languages, etc.).
The Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Potsdam maintains various partnerships with universities in Europe. These ERASMUS+ partnerships exempt students from tuition fees at the participating university and also provide financial support through an ERASMUS+ scholarship. ERASMUS+ partnerships exist with universities in Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Italy, Lichtenstein, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.
The University of Potsdam also cooperates with non-European universities where students are exempt from tuition fees. Students can also apply for scholarships that cover additional living expenses. Partnerships are in place with universities in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Georgia, Israel and Palestine, and the USA.
In addition, the joint double degree programme "International Master's in Public Policy" in cooperation with the University of Rennes is available for interested students.
The programme includes a voluntary internship module (for up to 12 CP) and thus offers the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in economic policy analysis and evidence-based policy making.
As part of the Center for Economic Policy Analysis (CEPA) internship programme, we offer selected Master's students the opportunity to complete an internship at one of our partner institutions. The partner institutions include the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).
See our website for more details: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de/cepa/cepa-internship-program.
No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee, which currently amounts to 316 EUR. This semester contribution includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin.
Living in Germany is rather cheap compared to other countries in Northern and Western Europe. Monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam vary between 870 and 1,200 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.
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https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/application-enrollment/application-master/consecutive.html
Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. The German capital, Berlin, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.
There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Potsdam's Association for Student Affairs ("Studentenwerk Potsdam"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.
For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click this link.
The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English.
Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2022 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked #1 in Germany and #28 worldwide.
Situated in the multicultural area of Berlin-Brandenburg, the UP attracts more than 20,000 students from 127 countries. We offer a broad range of degree programmes in various fields, including a large number of English-language Master’s degree programmes. Moreover, you can choose from a number of specialised programmes, such as short-term summer courses or a preparatory year.
Students at the University of Potsdam benefit from our co-operations with more than 40 internationally renowned research institutes in the region, such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research or the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics. In fact, Potsdam is the city with the highest density of scientists and academics per capita in Germany.
With its many charming castles, surrounding woodland and lakes, Potsdam is the perfect choice for studying in an inspiring and history-soaked environment.
A city of royal residences and enchanting park landscapes, the centre of the German enlightenment, a hotspot of international film production: Potsdam is all of this – and much more.
Potsdam can boast 17 royal palaces and grand buildings. It all started when the enlightened King Frederick the Great dreamt up the Sanssouci Palace and its magnificent park in 1745. Today Potsdam’s palaces and parks form one of Germany’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But living in Potsdam is not only about connecting with its historical heritage; there is also a rich cultural scene to discover. In the town centre, one can find lots of inspiring theatres, concert halls and museums. Potsdam is also home to one of the world’s oldest film studios, Studio Babelsberg. Famous films like Nosferatu, Metropolis, Inglorious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed here.
The city also has a lot in store for nature addicts. Situated alongside the Havel River and surrounded by lakes and greenery, Potsdam is the perfect spot for long strolls, running, swimming and paddling outdoors. One can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bike.
As a young and medium-sized city, Potsdam offers good conditions for families, providing lots of childcare and family support facilities. Moreover, it provides a very safe living environment.
If you’re someone who enjoys big cities, then just hop on the next train and within only 30 minutes, you’ll reach Germany’s bustling capital of Berlin.
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