International Programmes 2024/2025

MSc Economic Systems MSc Economic Systems

Freie Universität Berlin • Berlin

Degree
Master of Science in Economic Systems
In cooperation with

University of Belgrade, Serbia

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The language of instruction is English. Participants have to complete all assignments and the Master's thesis in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Additional information on beginning, duration and mode of study

Students spend the first year of studies at the University of Belgrade and the second year at Freie Universität Berlin.

Application deadline

31 May

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

The MSc programme in Economic Systems in cooperation with the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Belgrade is designed for high-achieving students with an interest in:

  • theoretical models and empirical methods in comparative and international economics
  • socio-economic development and economic policy in emerging economies, especially in East-Central and South-eastern Europe
  • the elaboration of applied economic solutions under global and institutional uncertainty, the evaluation of their effects, and the design of necessary regulations and activities in this context
  • advanced academic training in economics and quantitative methods
  • performing economic analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective

The structure of the programme is defined by the study and exam regulations, containing detailed descriptions of the contents and goals of individual modules as well as definitions of the type of and requirements for individual assessments in the modules and the final examination for the programme. These regulations also define the available credits for each module and the required hours for the completion of the programme.

The Master's degree programme teaches general theoretical and empirical economic skills (microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics), which build on the foundations of a previously completed economics or mathematics-oriented degree programme. The course introduces students to comparative, international, and institutional aspects of economics, with a regional focus on emerging countries, particularly Eastern Europe. In addition, practical and theoretical in-depth knowledge of interdisciplinary area studies, with a focus on Eastern Europe, is taught. In geographic terms, the concept of Eastern Europe used here includes Russia and the post-Soviet states as well as East-Central and South-Eastern Europe. The principles of academic work and good academic practice are introduced and applied.

The programme provides theoretical and practical knowledge related to South-Eastern Europe and the entire post-socialist region. Students explore critically contemporary and historical economic and political problems in the region and work in groups to develop useful analyses. In doing so, they practice adopting an interdisciplinary perspective. Students deal with gender and diversity aspects in work processes and are encouraged to critically reflect on and apply these findings on an ongoing basis.

The Master's degree programme provides the scientific basis and practical experience for a career as an economic expert for emerging markets in the following areas, among others: economic analysis and economic consulting in the public and private sector, international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and scientific institutions. In addition, the Master's programme qualifies students for admission in a doctorate programme in economics or social sciences per the respective admission requirements.

Course organisation

The Master's programme year at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Belgrade is divided into the following areas (60 CP):

1. Foundation area of 55 CP, in which the following modules must be completed:

a. Compulsory modules:

  • Module: Mathematics and Modelling (5 CP)
  • Module: Applied Microeconomics (5 CP)
  • Module: Intermediate Public Finance (5 CP)
  • Module: Intermediate Econometrics (5 CP)
  • Module: Microeconometrics (6 CP)
  • Module: Policy Analysis and Impact Evaluation (6 CP)
  • Module: Machine Learning and Data Mining (5 CP)
  • Module: Intermediate Macroeconomics (6 CP)
  • Module: Applied Macro-Finance (6 CP)

b. Compulsory elective modules: One module from the following two modules must be selected and completed:

  • Module: Growth Theory and Economic Policy (6 CP) or
  • Module: Topics in Economics (6 CP)

2. Practical work experience of 5 CP: The following module must be completed.

  • Module: Professional development – Internship and Language Course (5 CP)

The Master's programme year at Freie Universität Berlin comprises a specialisation area of 45 CP and a Master's thesis of 15 CP. The following modules must be completed:

  • Module: Economies of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia (10 CP)
  • Module: Comparative Economics (10 CP)
  • Module: Research and Writing (5 CP)
  • Module: Selected Topics in Economics (12 CP)
  • Module: Selected Topics in East European Studies (8 CP)

The Master's thesis should demonstrate that the student is capable of independently addressing a defined research subject. Following the successful completion of the programme, the candidate will be awarded the degree Master of Science in Economic Systems.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International guest lecturers
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • Content-related regional focus
Description of other international elements

The first year of studies is offered by the University of Belgrade in Serbia, while the second year of studies is offered by Freie Universität Berlin.

Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)

Students will spend the first year of studies at the University of Belgrade in Serbia.

Diverse intercultural background of students
Students come from all over the world.
Integrated internships

Internship in Serbia

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

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 304.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use public transportation in Berlin for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 63 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Costs of living

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen somewhat in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 950 to 1,200 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.

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

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship enables students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) from all nations and walks of life to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you must already be enrolled and be within the standard period of time given to complete your degree during the funding period, or you must have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

Academic admission requirements
  • Professionally qualifying German or equivalent foreign university Bachelor's degree in economics or statistics, or another Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 60 credit points (ECTS) in economic theory, mathematics, statistics, or econometrics
  • Proof of English skills (details below)
  • No German language skills required
Language requirements

Proficiency in English at level C1 CEFR

Application deadline

31 May

Submit application to

Candidates holding a first degree from a German university should apply through the FU application portal.

Candidates who have a first degree from a non-German university should apply via uni-assist e.V.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.

The student support service at the university, called studierendenWERK Berlin, and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students. When searching for a job, look at online job boards, ads in local newspapers, and notice boards on campus.

Accommodation

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the city's size.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Student Support team at FU Berlin regularly offers information events that include Q&A sessions. While personal office hours are not available due to our team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries, or seek assistance from the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for more complex concerns. Additionally, the team continually enhances its expertise in international affairs, thereby contributing to FU Berlin's internationalisation process.

Freie Universität Berlin

Content Bild
Institute for East European Studies at Freie Universität Berlin © Bernd Wannenmacher

Freie Universität Berlin is a leading research institution. It is one of the 13 German universities being funded through the German government’s Excellence Strategy and is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence, the Berlin University Alliance, which consists of four partners in Berlin: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

You can choose from more than 180 subject areas. No matter which area you are interested in, be it archaeology, physics, Jewish studies, law, or psychology, you will find your subject at Freie Universität Berlin.

As an international university, Freie Universität Berlin has partnerships with numerous universities across the world and maintains offices in Beijing, Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, Moscow, and São Paulo. About 17 percent of the students come from abroad, as do 38 percent of the doctoral students. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.

Various support services are available for students. In particular, students who are new to a German university and to Berlin will profit from these services, for example, the introduction week, the mentorship programme, or the Student Services Centre. UniSport offers programmes ranging from Aikido to Zumba, which are very popular among students. The many cafeterias and canteens on campus offer food and drinks; this also usually includes fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options. Environmental protection and sustainability are generally important topics at Freie Universität Berlin, and there are many opportunities to get involved in related activities offered by students and the university.

University location

Freie Universität Berlin is one of the major universities in the capital of Germany. It is located in the green district of Dahlem, in the south-western part of the city. There is no other campus in Berlin that is as green as the campus of Freie Universität Berlin. You can simply step out of the university buildings to enjoy outdoor activities: lunch on one of the many terraces and rooftops, swimming in the nearby lakes, or reading between cherry and apple trees. Dahlem is also home to one of the biggest botanical gardens in Europe. By using public transport, you can easily access the heart of Berlin and enjoy its cultural life and diversity. The U3 subway line connects Dahlem with the popular and central districts of Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain; however, all of the other districts can also be easily reached.

Activate map

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.