Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM) | Master

The Master in EPQM builds on our successful Bachelor programs in Economics (Volkswirtschaftslehre) and Policy and Economics (Politik und Wirtschaft) where students are well prepared for entering the Master program.

Why Study EPQM in Potsdam?

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. Students will profit from:

• the department’s excellent staff-to-student ratios
• a wide variety of courses that offer great possibilities to specialize in Economic Policy or Quantitative Methods
• our close cooperation with leading research institutes (DIW, PIK, MCC) and the associated internship program 
• the possibility to participate in selected Ph.D. classes of the Berlin School of Economics (BSE) at early stages
• workshops and policy events of our Center for Economic Policy Analysis (CEPA)
• close interaction with faculty members and guests in the weekly research seminar (PRSE)
• international orientation and the possibility to study abroad (Erasmus, partner universities, etc.).

A limited number of student research (RA) positions is available for talented students. Contract options range from six hours per week (monthly salary: 320 EUR) up to 12 hours per week (monthly salary: 640 EUR)

Program Content
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. Some courses also offer empirical/practical sessions in which students learn to use econometric and statistical software packages (Stata, R) to perform empirical analyses and to implement numerical methods. A command of these tools enables our students to write Master theses with genuine quantitative research results. 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.

Program Structure
Students will earn a total of 120 credit points (CP) in four semesters:

1st sem.: Adv. Microeconomics, Adv. Macroeconomics, Adv. Microeconometrics (27 CP)
2nd sem.: Economic Policy (18 CP), Quantitative Methods (12 CP)
3rd sem.: Economic Policy (12 CP), Quantitative Methods (12 CP), Electives (6 CP)
4th sem.: Electives (12 CP), Master Thesis (21 CP).

Electives can be used to further specialize in Economic Policy/Quantitative Methods and/or for the internship/internationalisation modules.

Future Career Options
Graduates of the M.Sc. in EPQM are well equipped to either pursue an academic career or an ambitious professional career. Students acquire knowledge about evidence-based policy analysis that is in demand in many fields. It prepares students for successful careers as professional economists and policy analysts in research, finance, business and policy advising as well as positions in the public sector or international institutions.

Prerequisites for Admission to the Master’s Program
The prerequisite for studying in a Master's programme is generally a first professional qualification degree, e.g. a Bachelor's degree. You should have acquired this first degree in Economics or in a related discipline. This degree must fulfill the following prerequisites: standard period of study of at least 6 semesters (comprising at least 180 credit points) at least 60 credit points in economics (including at least 18 credit points in statistics, econometrics and mathematics).

The program additionally requires proof of good proficiency in English corresponding at least to the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and you should submit a letter of motivation (more information here: [PDF])

You can read more about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective Admission Regulations.

Application
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.

Consultation & Contact

Examining Board Director and Head of the Program
Prof. Dr. Marco Caliendo
Phone: +49 331 977-3225
E-mail: econ-master@uni-potsdam.de

Study Organization & Examination Administration Economics
Bettina Frenz
Phone: +49 331 977-3262
E-mail: econ-master@uni-potsdam.de

Student Advisor Economics  
Prof. Dr. Lisa Bruttel
Phone: +49 331 977-4543
E-mail: studium-vwl@uni-potsdam.de

More Information can be found here.