Master Quantitative Economics

The (Research) Master’s degree programme in Quantitative Economics (QE) is organized jointly by the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics and the Center for Mathematical Economics (IMW). Its quantitative analytical approach to economics provides the relevant skills to model and solve economic problems on an abstract level and to transfer the analytic solutions to real world applications. This encourages a flexible and creative approach to complex economic issues like those found typically in the real world.

All courses in the programme are taught entirely in English. Consequently, proof of German language proficiency is not required for admission. Furthermore, graduating with this Research Master’s in Quantitative Economics delivers the necessary qualifications for admission to the Faculty’s Bielefeld Graduate School of Economics and Management (BiGSEM).

Students can choose between two different tracks of the Master’s degree programme: The regular programme QE and the international track of QE. Both offer the same contents but the international track includes usually student exchanges at partner universities, because one of the two examiners of the Master's thesis needs to be a member of the partner university.

The Master’s degree programme in Quantitative Economics teaches students quantitative mathematical methods in economics and prepares them to carry out their own independent work at the cutting edge of research. In their first year, students attend obligatory courses delivering the main scientific and technological skills to carry out their own research. The University offers courses in economics that focus on different methods. Students will need to carry out research in their own specific field.

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Probability Theory and Statistics
• Optimization

In their second year, students specialize in their chosen research field by attending in-depth lectures and seminars that will familiarize them with scientific issues and enable them to develop their own ideas on what to specialize in for the research project that will form their Master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

In each semester, students also attend supplement courses. Here, they are free to choose any courses. However, we recommend attending language courses and courses on intercultural competence when planning an exchange visit abroad. For incoming students, taking German language courses is crucial for being fully integrated.

For more information please check the curriculum.

Admission Requirements and Application

A prerequisite for the degree programme is participation in an application procedure, in which it is determined who is suitable for the degree programme and is granted approval. As part of this procedure, it is verified whether a first university degree qualifying for the master's programme is available. This is verified by means of the degree certificate and the associated documents (transcript of records, diploma supplement, etc.). To what extent further approval requirements exist or the submission of further documents is intended (language requirements, elaboration with statements on qualification, exposé, project drafts or similar), please refer to the current subject-specific regulations (FsB) (here in English) of the degree programme. There you will also find regulations on how the individual criteria are evaluated and weighted.

Fees and Costs

There are no tuition fees at Universities in North-Rhine Westphalia. Students only have to pay the social fees (please check this website for information on current fees). Paying the fees entitles each student to receive the “Semesterticket”, which allows using public transport free of charge throughout the region, free library access, subsidized meals, etc.. Approximately 700 EUR per month should cover all personal expenses, including mandatory health insurance.

Scholarships can be a great support during your studies and there are numerous institutions that offer scholarships. The types of support and the requirements you need to fulfill differ greatly. For incoming students that seek more information, the IO has collected useful information here.

International Exchange

Students who are interested in spending a semester (or longer) at a European partner university can apply for a regular Erasmus Socrates scholarship. Erasmus agreements have been made with various European partners. A successful application for an Erasmus grant can provide financial support for a student to spend up to 10 months in a foreign country. We advise students to spend their semester abroad during their first year of study.

Further Links

Course information (Formalities, List of modules, etc.)

Electronic course catalogue (eKVV), including Syllabi

Center for Mathematical Economics (IMW)