Master of Science in Economics

Overview

• Degree: Master of Science in Economics
• Teaching language: English
• Program duration: 4 semesters
• Beginning: Winter semester 2020
• Tuition fees per semester in Euro: None
• Supervisor-student ratio: 1:5
• Joint degree / double degree program: Yes
• Description/content:
  • The Department of Economics at Trier University offers an international and interdisciplinary two-year Master's program in Economics. It is designed for students who are interested in gaining a broader perspective on economics. The program has a special focus on the European context.
  • The program combines application and research-oriented courses and has a special emphasis on empirical methods. In addition to thorough training in economic theory and econometrics, students can attend a varying number of courses offered, e.g., by the Business Department, the Political Science Department, or the Sociology Department.
  • Students will be prepared for a career in both the private and the public sectors. The program also will qualify students for a Ph.D. program.
  • For further information, please use this link: www.msc-econ.uni-trier.de

Course details

Course organization

The Master's program MSc Economics is a two-year full-time program. All students attend the same courses in the first semester (Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, and Econometrics). Beginning in the second semester, students can specialize in one of the following six fields:

• European Political Economy
• International Labour Markets and Innovation
• International Finance
• Applied Statistics and Econometrics
• European Social Security and Health Systems (Some of the courses in this specialization are only offered in German.)
• European Economic Integration (for double-degree students)

From the second semester onwards, students can also attend courses in other departments. In the fourth semester, students complete the program with their Master's thesis. The Master's degree will be awarded based on the credit points acquired and the results of the Master's thesis.

For further information about the specializations, please read more on our website.

Integrated study abroad unit(s)

Students can spend their second year of studies at the University of Warsaw or the University of Bergamo and obtain a double degree.

Costs / Funding

Tuition fees per semester in Euro

None

Semester contribution

Trier University does not charge tuition fees. Students only have to pay a social fee ("Semesterbeitrag") of approx. 285 EUR for the first semester and 270 EUR from the second to the fourth semester. This includes a semester ticket that covers public transport in Trier and the region of Trier. This fee acts as a contribution that benefits Trier Student Services ("Studierendenwerk Trier") and the student union. It also enables students to buy meals at reduced prices at the university's canteens.

Costs of living

Students should expect expenses of approx. 750 to 850 EUR per month. For instance, monthly housing costs are approx. 230 EUR to 250 EUR (for a basic dorm room) and 350 to 500 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market). A meal in the student cafeteria costs approx. 2.50 to 4 EUR.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Trier University offers some funding opportunities for international students in the final stage of their degree programs (maximum duration: six months). However, there are no funding opportunities within the university for the whole course of study or the first three semesters of the program.

Requirements / Registration

Academic Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Social Sciences, or a field that provides sufficient background in economics.

Language requirements

Applicants must prove their English language proficiency level C1, based on the Common European Framework through one of the following tests. The test must have been taken within the last three years:

• TOEFL (Code 9208): at least 215 points (computer-based) or 550 points (paper-based) or 80 points (internet-based)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) / C1 Advanced
• IELTS (at least 6.0 points)
• UNIcert III

Equivalent to one of the tests is proof of:

• Native speaker
• Two years of full-time study in an English-taught program, in an English speaking country and undertaken within the past two years
• At least five school years of English in secondary education and at least five points in English at "Abitur" level (only Germany and Luxembourg)

Application deadline

• International applicants (non-EU citizens):
  • 31 May 2020 for the winter semester 2020/21
• EU citizens:
  • 15 July 2020 for the winter semester 2020/21
• Applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:
  • 15 September 2020 for the winter semester 2020/21

Submit application to

Please apply directly via Trier University's Online Application Portal (PORTA).

Services

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted access to the German labor market. International students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. The Career Service of Trier University and the "Agentur für Arbeit" provide an online database for student jobs. Additionally, some temporary student jobs can be found on the university's pinboards. However, many job offers will require at least some knowledge of German.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in student halls of residence through the Student Services Office or on the private market (e.g., http://www.hunderttausend.de). Monthly housing costs are approx. 230 to 250 EUR (for a basic dorm room with a shared bathroom) and 350 to 500 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market).

Career advisory service

The Department of Economics offers intensive academic support for international students. Due to our long-time cooperation with the DAAD, our advisers know the problems foreign students may face and how these problems can be solved. Moreover, international students are assigned a mentor from the group of professors.

Trier University’s career service offers a broad range of advisory services, seminars, and events.

Additionally, the International Office offers a program specifically targeted at international students.

Specific specialist or non-specialist support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Tutors
• Specialist counseling
• Buddy program
• Accompanying program
• Cultural and linguistic preparation
• Visa matters

About Us

Trier University was founded in 1473 and reopened in 1970 as a modern campus university. Built on a high plateau overlooking the Moselle River and surrounded by luscious green nature, it is said to be one of Germany's most beautiful campuses. Faculty and departmental buildings are connected by bridges and grouped around the Forum and the Central Library.

Trier University has a strong focus on the humanities, social sciences, and economics, but it is also steadily strengthening its environmental sciences programs. There are six faculties that together cover more than 30 subject areas. Many research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and embedded in global networks.

With its roughly 1,200 employees and 13,000 students (including more than 11% international students), Trier University embraces contrast: young, yet true to tradition; internationally oriented and regionally rooted; on the geographic edge of Germany, but in the heart of Europe.

• 13,000 Total number of students
• 11 Percentage of international students

University Location

Trier is situated in the western part of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the Moselle valley. As the oldest city of Germany, founded over 2000 years ago, Trier became a residence city of Roman Emperors, saw the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, and is the birthplace of philosopher Karl Marx. Thanks to its historic landmarks, the Porta Nigra, the Trier cathedral and other significant architectural monuments, Germany’s oldest city is an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Today, Trier is anything but old, with the cityscape being a fusion of history and modern lifestyle, not least characterized by vibrant student life. With bars, cafés and a colourful range of cultural offerings and festivals, Trier is a tourist attraction with international appeal and a beautiful place for the city's 110,000 residents to live. Sports and outdoor activities are widely spread due to the staggering beauty of the surrounding rivers, nature preserves and national parks, and due to the numerous sports clubs and gyms.

While Trier is far in the west of Germany, it is in close proximity to France, Belgium and Luxembourg and thus not at all remote. The region has five international airports and high frequency connections via trains and busses. Trier University and seven other universities from the quadripoint constitute the University of the Greater Region, allowing students to visit courses abroad with guaranteed acceptance.

Major enterprises and many medium-sized businesses, the financial centres of Luxembourg and Frankfurt, and several EU institutions characterize the economy of the region, all with ties to Trier University.