Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Further settings

Login for editors

M.Sc. Economics: Data Science and Policy

General Information
DegreeMaster of Science
Credits120 ECTS
Standard Period of Study4 Semesters
Start of Studieswinter semester
Accreditedyes
Language of InstructionEnglish
Restricted Admissionyes
Form of Studyon-site, full-time, international
Tuition FeesNone

Programme Characteristics and Goals

The master's programme in Economics: Data Science and Policy at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is an internationally recognized, 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, analyze issues of economic policy, and communicate their research results effectively.

The programme consists of three main building blocks: First, you 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 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 e.g. applied labor and health economics, monetary economics, or development economics.

The course of study emphasizes 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 (IWH)   , an internationally renowned economic research institute located in Halle. IWH staff both contributes to the curriculum and supervises 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.

Career Opportunities

The programme prepares for employment in the private sector, public administration or for a research-oriented career at a research institute or university. Graduates are qualified to successfully work in various professional areas where an understanding of economic issues is essential. Our graduates have entered the following fields:

  • Research institutes / Think Tanks
  • International organizations
  • Business
  • Ministries
  • Parties / Associations / Unions
  • Media / Journalism

Programme Structure

The program is structured as follows

  1. Compulsory Modules (15 CP)
  2. Economic Data Science (35 CP)
  3. Economic Policy (35 CP)
  4. Electives (10 CP)
  5. Master's Thesis (25 CP)

Compulsory modules in advanced microeconomics, advanced macroeconomics and advanced monetary economics bring all students up-to-date in these core subjects. The economic data science and economic policy building blocks both contain 3 compulsory classes, 1 seminar and 3 additional classes you are free to choose. That way every student is exposed to key concepts of the respective fields and acquires the skills required to both work with empirical data and to apply the results in the context of evidence-based policy advice. Two electives allow you to choose additional data science/policy classes or to select from a wider range of content. A Master's thesis concludes your studies.

Program Structure

Program Structure

Please find below a sample schedule that lists all compulsory subjects and provides an example of a typical curriculum. Detailed programme goals, course content and classes of the programme can be found in the study and examination regulations as well as the module handbook. These documents have just been updated and will be available in English again shortly.

Studying in Halle

Aside from academic success, your time at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg can and should be very enriching personally. Staff and student tutors, orientation week and events organized by our International Office will help you settle in quickly and you will make friends that just  might accompany you throughout your studies and potentially for the rest  of your life.

International Community

International Community

The city of Halle is the largest and most densely populated city in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Architectural monuments, an opera house, the Händel auditorium and multiple theaters and stages, make Halle an important historic and cultural destination. The banks of the Saale river as well as numerous parks and pubs invite students to pursue recreational activities and to hang out with friends. With its university and two colleges, renowned research institutions for economics and biosciences as well as a booming logistics industry, Halle is also one of the thriving cities in the region.

MLU Halle-Wittenberg does not charge tuition fees but only a small administration fee per semester. Students should anticipate total monthly expenses of approximately 750 Euros including rent, food, transportation and health insurance. Students typically live in either dormitories, shared accommodation or single appartments that range from 150-300 Euros. As university education is tuition free in Germany, there are only limited financial support schemes available for international graduate students but you may work a limited number of days to support your studies. Our International Office will be happy to assist you in these matters.

Admission Requirements

A necessary requirement for admission is a successfully completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a business or economics-related programme (at least 60 ECTS in economics-related modules) with a minimum GPA of "good" (2.5).

Additionally, all applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English by means of one of the folllowing test results:

  • Cambridge: minimum FCE with grade C
  • IELTS: minimum total band score of 6.0
  • Native speaker: You must have obtained your high school or Bachelor's degree in one of the following countries and completed at least the final 2 years of your education/degree there: Australia, Canada (excl. Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA
  • TOEFL ibT: minimum score of 72
  • UNIcert II
  • IELTS Indicator: minimum total band score of 6.0

Please also read our FAQ to learn about the advantage of submitting an internationally-recognized test score.

Application

Admission to the master's programme Economics: Data Science and Policy 120 CP is currently restricted (Uni-NC). The following application deadlines apply:

  • Applicants who obtained their Bachelors degree or equivalent in Germany must apply via MLU's online portal until July 15.
  • Applicants who obtained their Bachelors degree or equivalent abroad must apply via www.uni-assist.de    until June 15.

(Please be aware that applications via the respective portals are expected to start on 01 May)

MLU reconsiders its admission policy every winter semester and determines whether admission to a study programme is restricted (Uni-NC) or open (no NC). We will update the admission status for the upcoming winter semester at this location each year in May.

All applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • Authenticated copies of your Bachelor's diploma or equivalent and your official transcript. If you are scheduled to complete your Bachelor's degree or equivalent after the application deadline, your  current transcript must reflect at least 2/3 of your current degree's  total credits. Your final diploma must be presented until March 31 in the year following admission.
  • Recognized proof of your proficiency in English
  • if applicable: authenticated translations of your Bachelor's diploma and transcript unless the originals are in English or German
  • if applicable: proof of any relevant academic knowledge or relevant practical experience as outlined in the selection regulations

Selection Process

For detailed information about the selection process, selection criteria and recognized proofs of proficiency please see our selection regulations.

Contact Us

Answers to frequently asked questions about admission requirements, the  application procedure or your course of studies are provided in our FAQ. If you have any remaining questions that are not addressed in our FAQ, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Contact

Christian Geißler

room 130
Große Steinstraße 73
06108 Halle

phone: +49 - 345 - 55 23340

Up