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Why Study Economics in Mannheim?

The advantages are clear: customizable programs, international orientation, and outstanding quality

The University of Mannheim is not the only institution to enable its students to complete their whole higher education – from bachelor's degree to doctoral degree at its own graduate school – in one place. But at the Department of Economics, we do our best to ensure that our core values are reflected in every stage of your education: namely our commitment to an outstanding standard of teaching and research, our international outlook, and our dedication to ensuring that our students reach their full potential. To this end, we provide you with as much freedom as possible to personalize your Economics degree program. The Department of Economics is considered to be one of the best of its kind in Europe. Our high quality is accredited and confirmed by top positions in national and international rankings.

A master's course schedule that is customizable and structured

The master's program in Mannheim does not just provide you with a thorough education in advanced economic theories; the exceptionally broad range of modules on offer enables you to tailor your studies to your interests. The first semester of study form the introductory phase of the program, during which focus is placed on economic concepts. From the second semester onwards you can select modules from the large variety on offer, and focus on areas that suit your goals and interests. You can also integrate modules available at other Schools into your program of study.

Outstanding quality and with practical relevance right from the start

According to Immanuel Kant, there is nothing more practical than a good theory, and we agree. We therefore place great importance on thorough instruction in economic theories. Empirical economics are addressed at an early stage, and the diverse experiences gained by our professors through acting as consultants and advisors on policy are reflected in the modules available on our program from the first semester onwards. Depending on the topic, students also work on a number of practice-oriented questions during elective modules. If students do well in their coursework, they have the opportunity to work as a student assistant at a chair, a collaborative research center, or at the neighboring ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research. They may also lead tutorials and gain initial teaching experience. Such jobs are not just interesting, they also put concrete work experience on your CV and can make finding your first job after graduation easier.   

An academic calendar that is internationally oriented

The Economics degree program at the University of Mannheim begins each year in the fall semester. Since the university aligned its academic calendar with institutions abroad in 2007, the fall semester begins in August, with the lecture period starting in September. The semester ends on 31 January, although the examination phase is usually over before Christmas. The spring semester begins in February and ends in July, with the lecture period finishing at the start of June. This international academic calendar comes with several advantages: 

  • Compared to the standard German system, it is much easier for students to integrate a semester abroad into their studies.
  • When applying for internships in Germany, for example, students can apply for periods with small competition from students of other German universities.

Reach your goals: studying Economics gives students good career prospects

Like the discipline itself, the career prospects for economists have changed and developed over the years. In order to do justice to the different career options open to economists, the master's program in Economics:

  • ensures you are familiar with fundamental terms and contexts relating to the economic sciences,
  • gives you a advanced understanding of the field,
  • introduces you to the latest developments in research and practice in selected areas of the discipline, and
  • puts you in a position where you can successfully begin a career or take up a doctoral program.

Economics graduates from the University of Mannheim are able to overcome theoretical and practical issues using academic methods. They can use their own initiative to develop solutions and make decisions independently. These skills are highly valued by employers and constantly lead to new opportunities for economists outside of the traditional occupations. (Find out more about our program's learning outcomes.)

Mannheim and the University

The University of Mannheim may be one of the most beautiful universities in Germany. The university’s roots go back to the Handels­hochschule founded in 1907, one of the first institutions of its kind in Germany. Even then, the institution was based in the impressive baroque palace, or Schloss – one of the largest palaces in Europe which was built for the Prince Elector, Carl Philipp, in 1720.

The university consists of five schools, and focuses on the Economic and Social Sciences. In the past, the University of Mannheim has been able to confirm its position as a leading higher education institution in these fields in a number of rankings. It is renowned for giving its students an excellent academic education.

In addition to its range of degree programs, the university organizes different activities.

Leisure time in Mannheim

Mannheim and the neighboring cities of Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg form the economic and cultural center of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The city itself has more than 300,000 inhabitants and lies on both the Rhine and Neckar rivers. You can reach Stuttgart and Frankfurt am Main in around 30 minutes with the high-speed ICE trains.

Mannheim has a vibrant, young atmosphere with a variety of cultural facilities, such as the National Theater, the Kunsthalle art gallery, and the Alte Feuerwache cultural center. Movie theaters, small theaters, bars, and clubs complete student life in the city. Next to its industrial charm, Mannheim has many green areas along its two rivers and the palatine area, a wine region ideal for hiking, is at arms length. Art enthusiasts, partygoers, and nature lovers, will all find something to do here.

 

Housing in Mannheim

Compared to other cities, the cost of living in Mannheim is relatively low, especially when it comes to the rental market.
In addition to the city center (the Quadraten), the districts of Lindenhof, Schwetzinger Vorstadt, Neckarstadt, and Jungbusch are very popular. The Studierenden­werk can advise you on how to find a suitable place to live. The Studierenden­werk also manages modern student housing.

For further information please visit the central website for prospective students.

Take a glimpse at how studying Economics in Mannheim can look: