International Programmes 2024/2025

Economics: Data Science and Policy Economics: Data Science and Policy

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg • Halle (Saale)

Degree
Master of Science
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

All classes that are required for graduation are offered in English. Electives are offered in English. You may select a maximum of two electives in German, typically from other faculties, if they cater to your interests and contribute to the goals of the programme.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

Classes contain online components, but this is not a distance-learning programme.

Application deadline

The following application deadlines apply:

  • Applicants who obtained their Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Germany must apply by 15 July.
  • Applicants who obtained their Bachelor's degree or equivalent abroad must apply by 15 June.

Note: You may apply if you have obtained two thirds of the credits in your Bachelor's degree programme. Your final diploma can be handed in later. Please check our website for more details.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Master's programme in Economics: Data Science and Policy at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is an internationally recognised, two-year degree programme that provides state-of-the-art education in economics with a particular focus on data science and policy analysis. You will learn how economists derive insights from data, analyse issues of economic policy, and communicate their research results effectively.

The course of study emphasises a hands-on approach to learning. You will have ample opportunities to actively work on your own projects and to engage in critical thinking in exercises and seminars. The international environment and small class sizes create an interactive and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

The programme is closely linked to the Halle Institute for Economic Research (Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle, IWH), an internationally renowned economic research institute located in Halle. IWH staff members both contribute to the curriculum and supervise programme interns at the institute. The close connection with the IWH will give you the opportunity to gain insights into real-world policy consulting and to attend research seminars with international speakers.

Course organisation

The programme consists of three main building blocks. First, you will study advanced, state-of-the-art concepts of micro- and macroeconomics. Second, modules in economic data science provide a systematic and comprehensive introduction to key statistical methods and software. Third, you will learn how to apply economic expertise in evidence-based economic policy analysis.

The modules in this programme cover a wide range of subject areas and allow you to engage in applied labour and health economics, monetary economics, development economics, and more. For details, please see our sample curriculum below.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
Integrated internships

Internships are encouraged, but they are not mandatory. The programme is closely linked to the Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle (IWH), an internationally recognised economic research institute located in Halle. Both MLU and IWH offer student assistant or intern positions on a regular basis.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Approx. 280 EUR

Costs of living

The cost of living in Halle is comparatively affordable. Applicants should anticipate total monthly expenses of 650 to 750 EUR, including rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

The International Office at MLU helps international students obtain access to small scholarships. However, these do not suffice to fully fund your stay.

Academic admission requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent (minimum GPA of 2.5 on the German scale, i.e., "good")
  • 60 ECTS/credits of economics/business-related classes in your Bachelor's degree
  • Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge)
Language requirements

We require good command of the English language that is documented by TOEFL (iBT min. 72), IELTS (min. 6.0), or similar test results. For a list of recognised proofs of proficiency, please visit our website.

We do not require any previous knowledge of German.

Application deadline

The following application deadlines apply:

  • Applicants who obtained their Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Germany must apply by 15 July.
  • Applicants who obtained their Bachelor's degree or equivalent abroad must apply by 15 June.

Note: You may apply if you have obtained two thirds of the credits in your Bachelor's degree programme. Your final diploma can be handed in later. Please check our website for more details.

Submit application to

Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
c/o uni-assist e.V.
11507 Berlin
Germany

Possibility of finding part-time employment

International students have the option to work as interns at numerous companies in Halle and Leipzig. Outstanding students may also be hired as tutors or assistants by various chairs at the faculty or at the economic research institute located in Halle.

Accommodation

Students typically live either in dormitories or shared accommodation. You can apply for a room in the dormitories upon admission or try to find accommodation on your own. Due to a high vacancy of apartments, it is fairly easy to find affordable accommodation once you arrive in Halle. The best places to check are the bulletin boards in the main building and in the cafeterias. Our tutors will also assist you in the search for accommodation.

Career advisory service

MLU has a career centre that helps students find internships, part-time jobs, and employers upon graduation.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
Supervisor-student ratio
1:8

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Content Bild
University campus © Uni Halle / Markus Scholz

Despite its name, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is a secular university that looks back on a long tradition. It offers a complete range of studies in law, economics, humanities, and the sciences. There are currently more than 20,000 students who are enrolled in nine different faculties. The Faculty of Law, Economics, and Business is the largest faculty, with about 5,000 students.

As a student, you will have access to many classes offered by other faculties, and you will be encouraged to enhance your understanding of economics and business management with insights from different fields. You will also be able to engage in a large number of extracurricular activities, ranging from university sports to representing the student body as an elected member of the student council.

24 Number of students in the Economics: DSP programme (per year)
65% Share of international students in the programme

University location

The city of Halle is the largest and most densely populated city in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and lies on the banks of the Saale river. It is an important historical and economically aspiring city in the heart of Germany. Since the reunion, Halle has been transformed from a former East German chemistry metropolis into a town of education and sciences. With its university and two colleges, renowned research institutions for economics and biosciences, and a booming logistics industry, it is one of the thriving cities in the region. The beautiful scenery and parks, which are inviting locations for sports or a barbecue with friends, as well as numerous cafés, bars, and clubs make Halle an attractive place to study.

Halle's rich 1,200-year history is reflected in its large variety of cultural opportunities and architectural monuments such as the Moritzburg and Giebichenstein Castle, the Cathedral, the Halloren and Saltworks Museums and the Franckesche Stiftungen as a UNESCO World Heritage site – to name only a few. These old, intricately restored buildings from different epochs along with attractive, modern architecture make for a unique townscape. As the birthplace of Georg-Friedrich Händel, Halle is also the acknowledged cultural capital of Saxony-Anhalt and a distinctive arts community. The Opera House and the Händel Auditorium as well as numerous other theatres and stages have much to offer to the inclined audience.

Apart from the local attractions, Halle is a great starting point to do more travelling in Germany. You can easily reach every other city via two major interstate highways, railway or the Leipzig-Halle Airport.

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