Economics: Data Science and Policy (Master of Science (M.Sc.) – 120 LP)

Allgemeine Informationen

Charakteristik und Ziele

The master's programme Economics: Data Science and Policy at Halle University is an internationally recognised, 2-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, analyse 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.

Darum Halle!

Aside from academic success, your time at Halle University can and should be very enriching personally. Staff and student tutors, the Orientation Week and events organized by the 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.

The city of Halle is the largest and most densely populated city in the Federal 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.

Halle University does not charge tuition fees but only a small social contribution, i.e. a semester fee, which includes public transport. 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. There are only limited financial support schemes available for international undergraduate 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.

Berufsperspektiven

The programme prepares for employment in the private sector or 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 organisations
• Business
• Ministries
• Parties / Associations / Unions
• Media / Journalism

Akkreditierung

This study programme has not yet been accredited. The accreditation is currently being prepared.

Struktur des Studiums

The programme is structured as follows:

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

Studieninhalt

The content, learning objectives, workload, requirements and prerequisites of specific modules are published in the module catalogue and in the study and examination regulations (in German only), respectively.   

Praktika

An internship in business and administration is recommended but not compulsory.

Auslandsaufenthalt

We recommend for you to study one semester at a foreign university but an exchange semester is not compulsory. The Faculty of Law and Economics of Halle University maintains partnerships with several universities abroad, which include student exchanges. However, students can also organize and arrange stays abroad on their own initiative. Students are advised by the Faculty of Law and Economics on their planned studies abroad and are supported during the exchange.

Zulassungsvoraussetzungen

Applicants for the MSc Economics: Data Science and Policy 120 CP must

• hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in a business- or economics-related programme (at least 60 CP in Business Studies or Economics) with a minimum grade of 2.5.

Additionally, all applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English at the B2 level. Exclusively, the following proofs are accepted:

1. Cambridge: minimum FCE with grade C;
2. Placement test B2 at Halle University: passed, if offered*;
3. Native speaker of English: A native speaker is defined as someone who has obtained the university entrance qualification or bachelor's degree or an equivalent educational qualification in one of the following countries and has completed at least the last 2 years of the school or university education there: Australia, Ireland, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, USA;
4. IELTS: minimum total band score of 6.0;
5. TOEFL ibT: minimum score of 72;
6. UNIcert II
   
   (only this year) TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: minimum score of 72
   (only this year) IELTS Indicator: minimum total band score of 6.0

*If you wish to participate in the placement test at Halle University, you need to be able to travel to Halle for this purpose: We do not issue invitation letters for visas to take the test. Please also read our FAQ to learn about the advantage of submitting an internationally recognised test score.

The proof of proficiency in English above are all recognised as valid for an unlimited period.

A sound knowledge of mathematics, statistics and experience in using information and communication technologies is strongly recommended.

Zulassungsvoraussetzungen (German version)

Zum Masterstudium kann zugelassen werden, wer über einen ersten berufsqualifizierenden Hochschulabschluss verfügt und die englische Sprache in Wort und Schrift beherrscht.

Der  berufsqualifizierende Hochschulabschluss ist durch ein abge-
schlossenes Bachelorstudium mit mindestens der Abschlussnote 2,5 in  einem wirtschaftswissenschaftlich orientierten Studiengang (mindestens 60 LP) oder durch einen vergleichbaren Abschluss mit mindestens der Abschlussnote 2,5 in einem  wirtschaftswissenschaftlich orientierten Studiengang  (mindestens 60 LP) nachzuweisen.

Die Beherrschung der englischen Sprache wird durch das Vorliegen des Sprachniveaus B2 nachgewiesen. Dafür werden ausschließlich folgende Nachweise anerkannt:

1. Cambridge English: First Certificate in English (FCE) mit der Mindestnote C, oder höherwertig;
2. Einstufungstest B2 am Sprachenzentrum der MLU mit dem Ergebnis "bestanden“, falls angeboten;
3. Muttersprachliche Englischkenntnisse: Als Muttersprachler gilt, wer seine Hochschulzugangsberechtigung oder seinen Bachelorabschluss bzw. äquivalenten Bildungsnachweis in einem der folgenden Länder erworben und dort nachweislich mindestens die letzten 2 Jahre seiner Schulzeit bzw. Hochschulzeit absolviert hat: Australien, Irland, Kanada (ohne Quebec), Neuseeland, Singapur, Vereinigtes Königreich, USA;
4. IELTS mit einer Mindestnote von 6,0;
5. TOEFL iBT mit einer Mindestpunktzahl von 72;
6. UNIcert II.

Die anerkannten Nachweise der englischen Sprachkenntnisse werden alle zeitlich unbegrenzt als gültig anerkannt.

Fundierte Kenntnisse in Mathematik , Statistik sowie Erfahrung im Umgang mit Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien werden dringend empfohlen.

Deine Bewerbung

Haben wir Dein Interesse geweckt? Dann freuen wir uns auf Deine Bewerbung!