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The Master in Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods is a four-semester English-language program that equips you with specialized knowledge in quantitative methods for evidence-based economic policy analysis. Based on a strong theoretical foundation, the program focuses on two core branches, one in economic policy and one in quantitative methods which enables students to empirically assess economic policy. You will profit from the department’s great staff-to-student ratios, its fruitful exchange with external research institutions (DIW Berlin, PIK, MCC) and opportunities from the accompanying internship program through the Center for Economic Policy Analysis (CEPA).
| Name | Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods |
| Degree | Master of Science |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Start of study (1st semester) | Winter semester |
| Campus | Griebnitzsee |
* subject to approval by the MWFK.
As long as no application for this course is possible due to the lack of approval, you can send an email (pa-vwluni-potsdamde) and express your interest. You will be informed as soon as the application is possible.
The master’s degree program in Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods addresses current economic and socio-political topics related to labour markets, inequality, human behaviour, economic growth and sustainability and discusses instruments of economic policy to tackle these issues. An effective policy design in these areas should be based on rigorous theory and sound empirical evidence. The program offers you the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills in the economic analysis of policy instruments which are essential for evidence-based policy making. Besides a strong theoretical core in economics, the program has a particular focus on methods for quantitative empirical analysis, which can be applied to different economic policy topics at local, regional, national and international levels. Incorporating an internship module, the program offers the possibility to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in economic policy analysis and evidence-based policy making.
Through the Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods program, you acquire knowledge that is in demand in many fields. It prepares you for successful careers as professional economists and policy analysts in national and international organisations, institutions and companies. There is major demand for evidence-based policy making and economic policy analysis, recommendations, and expertise at universities and research institutions, state institutions such as federal and state ministries, associations and foundations, insurance companies and banks, journalism and media. The Master degree also paves the way for Ph.D. studies and an academic career. Students can participate in selected Ph.D. classes already at early stages.
„This research-oriented Master program combines intensive training in quantitative methods with the acquisition of hands-on knowledge in economic policy analysis. Students also benefit from a range of courses that address current research in the field of economic policy.“
In general, the prerequisite for studying in a master’s degree program is a first professionally qualifying academic degree, e.g. a bachelor’s degree. You should have acquired this first degree in an economics course or a course with related content, if this course comprises a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters, comprises at least 180 credit points and within the scope of this course at least 60 CP in economics and at least 18 CP in statistics, econometrics and mathematics.
The program additionally requires proof of good English-language skills corresponding at least to the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Applicants who are not German must demonstrate sufficient German language proficiency corresponding to the level DSH 1.
You can read more about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective Admission Regulations.
In the four-semester master’s program, you earn a total of 120 credit points, consisting of the following modules and your master’s thesis. For additional information on specific modules, please consult the subject-specific Degree Regulations or the Departmental Advisory Office.
„We offer our students excellent conditions in small groups with intensive support. Our teaching is close to current research and relevant economic policy issues.“
Modules | Credit points |
|---|---|
A. Basis Courses
| 27 CP |
| B. Specialization Students must complete 54 CP of Specialization Modules. Students choose 30 CP of Economic Policy Modules and 24 CP of Quantitative Methods Modules. | 54 CP |
B.1 Economic Policy Modules
| 30 CP |
B.2 Quantitative Methods Modules
| 24 CP |
| C. Electives Students must complete modules of 18 CP. The modules can be selected from the following modules and the modules from area B. Specialization. Modules that have already been completed cannot be re-occupied. A maximum of 12 CP can be acquired through an internship.
| 18 CP |
| D. Master’s Thesis and Research Colloquium | 21 CP |
Research Colloquium Master's Thesis | 3 CP 18 CP |
| Total | 120 CP |
With its proximity to national institutions of economic policy making in Berlin and regional institutions in the state capital of Brandenburg, Potsdam is a perfect location to study economic policy issues. Close interaction with the faculty at the University of Potsdam, for example through the weekly Potsdam Research Seminar in Economics (PRSE), where faculty members and external guests present and discuss new research projects, as well as strong contacts with research institutes (German Institute for Economic Research - DIW Berlin, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research – PIK, Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change - MCC) offer you the opportunity to learn from and interact with actual economic policy analysis researchers. In addition, students will also profit from the Center for Economic Policy Analysis (CEPA) which is a platform for scientific exchange and the advancement of quantitative economic policy research. Besides hosting scientific workshops and policy events for evidence-based policy making as well as the publication of a Discussion Paper Series, it focuses on an internship program giving selected students from the Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods program the opportunity for internships in evidence based-policy making and diverse research areas of its participating research institutes.
Due to its international orientation and full English language focus as well as foreign exchange opportunities worldwide, students are given the possibility to participate in the global advancement of economics and to form strong international networks.
The University of Potsdam takes into account the actual living conditions of its students and has introduced the possibility of part-time study for many degree programs. This also pertains to the Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods program. To learn more, and to find a list of subjects appropriate for Part-Time Study, please see part-time study at the University of Potsdam.
Have you decided to study the English-language master’s degree in Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods at the University of Potsdam? Then you should take the next step on the application pages to find out more about current application and enrollment procedures.
Bettina Frenz
Coordinator for Study Organization & Examinations in the Department Economic Sciences
Phone: +49 331 977-3262
E-Mail: econ-masteruni-potsdamde
Prof. Dr. Marco Caliendo
Examining Board Director and head of the program „Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods“
Telefon: +49 331 977-3225
E-Mail: econ-master@uni-potsdam.de
Prof. Dr. Lisa Bruttel
Contact person for questions on content, structure, emphasis of the study subject and achievement requirements
Phone: +49 331 977-4543
E-Mail: lisa.brutteluni-potsdamde