Theoretical foundations and methods for carrying out innovative economic research

The Cologne Graduate School of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences invites candidates to apply for its two-stage graduate programme in Economic Research ("PhD programme in Economics"). In the first stage, students complete their study and research work at graduate level in an exclusive two-year masters programme (M.Sc. Economic Research). Having obtained their master's degree in Economic Research, students may enter the second optional PhD stage.This programme provides students with knowledge of theoretical principles and methods for conducting innovative economic research. The courses are taught in English by lecturers and renowned guest researchers of the Cluster of Excellence. After completing the Master in Economic Research, students usually enter the second phase. As doctoral students, they develop research projects in their dissertation and complete them with a PhD.

Key Facts

• Standard period of study: 4 semesters, full-time
• Scope: 120 ECTS
• Start: Fall term
• Degree title: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• Language: English 
• Fees: Only Social fee  (approx. 280€ per semester including ticket for public transport, see here for more information)

Flyer (PDF) >

Programme Structure

The master’s programme carries 120 ECTS credits and comprises a Core and Advanced Section, a Specialisation Section, a Supplementary Section and a Master Thesis.

• Core and Advanced Section (30 ECTS)
• Specialisation Section (36 ECTS)
• Supllementary Section (18 ECTS)
• Master Thesis (30 ECTS)

The Core and Advanced Section of the master programme Economic Research contains 36 ECTS credit points. This area covers the advanced and research oriented basis of micro- and macroeconomics, statistics, econometrics and mathematics. These competencies enable students to comprehend scientific literature of economic science and furthermore to independently analyse economic problems on an advanced theoretical and empirical level. 

In the Specialisation Section, you choose four specialisation courses in the research area you want to proceed your studies. Furthermore you can also broaden your general knowledge by choosing from core courses you did not attend in the core section before. Two Reading Groups in micro-, macroeconomics or econometrics are compulsory. In these modules you read and discuss the latest research papers in the respective research area.

The Supplementary Section serves as an additional section to develop a more specific profile – either by deepening and specialising or by diversifying knowledge. Further modules of the extensive course offer of the faculty from economics are available to students.

Study at the University of Cologne

"This programme provides an excellent graduate education tailored to economic research on markets and public policy. As a student of the programme you benefit from individual support by a team of distinguished researchers. It gives you an opportunity to start your doctoral studies and to boost your career inside and outside academia." (Andreas Schabert, Professor at the Department of Economics)

Career Opportunities

This programme equips you with knowledge of theoretical foundations and methods to conduct innovative economic research. Specialization courses particularly cover the research areas of the cluster of excellence ECONtribute, like Behavioral Economics, Market Design, Organizational Design, Consumer Protection, Political Economy, Distribution and Financial Stability. Courses are entirely thought in English by faculty members and renowned guests of the cluster. Having obtained your master's degree in Economic Research, students usually enter the second stage. As a doctoral student you develop research projects in your dissertation and complete it with a PhD.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree:

Application in the case of unfinished Bachelor studies: In cases where present Bachelor studies have not been fully completed, application is permitted if the candidate has earned at least 70% of the required credits and will have achieved the remaining results by 30 September at the latest. The specific admission criteria governing the designated course of study (including the overall grade) must already have been fulfilled on the basis of the exam results available at the time of application.

Overall grade of at least 2.5 (German grade) in the Bachelor’s degree.

Language requirements: English language skills C1

Application deadline: June 15th