Information for First-Year Students

In order to help you to get started, we offer E600 Mathematics, a preparatory math course, that we urge you to participate in. It will take place online and on-campus 20 – 29 August and will cover the vital mathematical concepts required by any graduate student in economics. The course is designed to help you with the core curriculum in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Furthermore, this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students. For the first week of the course a digital option will be offered.

The script for the course can be downloaded here (the access information for the course website can be found in the welcome letter or be requested from the program manager). Please read chapter 0 prior to the beginning of the course. This introductory section deals with fundamental, overarching concepts that may be viewed as prerequisites for any mathematical application and study, regardless of its purpose or context.

Welcome sessions

The orientation session for master's students will take place on 1 September at 9:00 AM (room tba). After the welcome session the lecture period for the core module begins.

During the welcome session, you will learn more about the master’s program and the two week orientation phase, and find out all you need to know to successfully complete your first semester. Information on the different tracks will also be provided.

Orientation sessions

Orientation Session for all new Degree-Seeking Students

When? Wednesday, 27 August 2025, 1.30 p.m.

Where? Ostflügel, SN 163

Welcome Reception for International Students

When? Friday, 29 August 2025, 4 p.m.

Where? A3

Information session: exchange opportunities

Students interested in going abroad should attend one of the “Introductory Study Abroad Session” run by the International Office. The session will give you an overview of options for going abroad, the application process and funding programs. The dates can be found here.

An information session on the exchange opportunites in our M.Sc. Economics program will be offered in October. This session will provide more detailed information on the program-specific exchange programs, application procedure, and course recognition.

Orientation phase

During the first weeks of the lecture period you can try out modules from the “Economics” or “Economic Research Preparatory Courses” module combinations before deciding which modules to take for the rest of the semester, and which track you want to pursue. By default, students will be registered for the module combination “Economics”. If you want to try out the module combination “Economic Research Preparatory Courses” please register for E700–703 through the course catalog of the CDSE program. For more information, see paragraph 2, subparagraph 3a of the examination regulations.

Module combination: Economics

If you choose to complete the module combination “Economics” (schedule below), your first semester will comprise the following core courses:

• E600 Mathematics
• E601 Advanced Microeconomics
• E602 Advanced Macroeconomics
• E603 Advanced Econometrics

Module combination: Economic Research Preparatory Courses

Application to the Economic Research track requires successful completion of the module combination “Economic Research Preparatory Courses” (doctoral level):

• E700 Mathematics for Economists
• E701 Advanced Microeconomics
• E702 Advanced Macroeconomics
• E703 Advanced Econometrics

The module descriptions can be found here. E700 Mathematics for Economists is a core, intensive module (consisting of lectures and exercise classes) which takes place throughout September. During the orientation phase, you can give it a go. If you are comfortable with the contents you may register for the examination which takes place at the beginning of October and, once passed, continue with E701–703. Otherwise, you may drop the course at any time prior to the exam registration and follow E601–603 fo the rest of the semester.

It is recommended that participating master's students still try to attend classes from the “Economics” module combination during the first weeks. According to experience, many students who successfully attended E700 and started with the subsequent modules (E701–703) decide to change to the “Economics” module combination at a later point in time. If you have the feeling that the “Economic Research Preparatory Courses” module combination is too challenging, you can switch to the “Economics” module combination until four weeks prior to the end of the lecture time (beginning of November).

Depending on your track of study, you must take either three or four modules during the Introductory Phase.

Examination dates

Usually, examinations are taken during the examination period at the end of the semester (see our academic calendar for more details). Core modules may also include mid-term exams. If you are taking the module combination “Economic Research Preparatory Courses”, completion of module E700 Mathematics for Economists is mandatory in order for you to continue with the remaining modules of the Introductory Phase. Module E700 Mathematics for Economists is scheduled for the first four weeks of the semester, with the examination taking place in early October. The other modules in this combination begin once this examination has been taken.

Exam registration

You will automatically be registered for all module examinations that take place during the Introductory Phase. You cannot withdraw from these examinations.

Re-sit examinations

If you fail a module examination during the Introductory Phase, you will automatically be registered to retake it on the next available examination date (second attempt). A third attempt at an examination is only possible for one module during the Introductory Phase. If you fail a third attempt, or a second attempt of more than one module examination during this phase, you will be disenrolled from the master’s program in Economics. If you passed an examination but are unhappy with the grade, you may re-sit one examination of your choice during this phase. In such a case, you must register for the examination by contacting the Student Services office. The better of the two grades will then count towards your grade average.

Study and examination regulations

As a student, you should be aware of how your program is structured and the examination regulations that apply. You can find the full details here.

Sebastian Herdtweck is the program manager and exchange coordinator. He is responsible for all organizational issues concerning the master's program and our exchange programs. Please contact him anytime (contact details below under “Contacts”) if you have any organizational questions, want to know more about exchange opportunities, or would like to give us some feedback. You are also welcome to drop by his office during his consultation hours.