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Universität Potsdam
Master English Law & Economics

Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM)

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

About the Program

The four-semester master's degree program in Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM) is an excellent preparation for those seeking evidence-based answers to today's pressing challenges such as growing inequality, continuing globalization, and climate change. The program combines theoretical foundations with a strong focus on application and covers the two core areas of economic policy and quantitative methods. Students gain insight into a variety of different fields of economics, including Labor, Health, Education and Gender Economics, Climate, Environmental and Urban Economics, Behavioral and Entrepreneurship Economics, as well as Growth and Distribution. The program offers students the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills in the economic analysis of policy instruments which are essential for evidence-based policy making.

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. Many courses offer empirical/practical sessions where students learn to use econometric and statistical software packages (e.g. Stata, R, Matlab, Dynare, Julia) and work with real data sets such as the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). The program includes an internship module that offers the possibility to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students benefit from the department's excellent staff-to-student ratios and opportunities from the accompanying internship program through the Center for Economic Policy Analysis (CEPA), with connections to external research institutions (DIW, PIK, MCC).

Students earn 120 credit points over four semesters with the following structure:
1st semester: Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Microeconometrics (27 CP)
2nd semester: Economic Policy (18 CP), Quantitative Methods (12 CP)
3rd semester: Economic Policy (12 CP), Quantitative Methods (12 CP), Electives (6 CP)
4th semester: Electives (12 CP), Master Thesis (21 CP)

EPQM students can participate in a Double Degree Program with the University of Rennes (France), spending their first year at the University of Potsdam and their second year at the University of Rennes to obtain degrees from both institutions.
Show the original English text
The four-semester master's degree program in Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM) is an excellent preparation for those seeking evidence-based answers to today's pressing challenges such as growing inequality, continuing globalization, and climate change. The program combines theoretical foundations with a strong focus on application and covers the two core areas of economic policy and quantitative methods. Students gain insight into a variety of different fields of economics, including Labor, Health, Education and Gender Economics, Climate, Environmental and Urban Economics, Behavioral and Entrepreneurship Economics, as well as Growth and Distribution. The program offers students the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills in the economic analysis of policy instruments which are essential for evidence-based policy making.

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. Many courses offer empirical/practical sessions where students learn to use econometric and statistical software packages (e.g. Stata, R, Matlab, Dynare, Julia) and work with real data sets such as the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). The program includes an internship module that offers the possibility to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students benefit from the department's excellent staff-to-student ratios and opportunities from the accompanying internship program through the Center for Economic Policy Analysis (CEPA), with connections to external research institutions (DIW, PIK, MCC).

Students earn 120 credit points over four semesters with the following structure:
1st semester: Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics, Advanced Microeconometrics (27 CP)
2nd semester: Economic Policy (18 CP), Quantitative Methods (12 CP)
3rd semester: Economic Policy (12 CP), Quantitative Methods (12 CP), Electives (6 CP)
4th semester: Electives (12 CP), Master Thesis (21 CP)

EPQM students can participate in a Double Degree Program with the University of Rennes (France), spending their first year at the University of Potsdam and their second year at the University of Rennes to obtain degrees from both institutions.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Economics

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM) at Universität Potsdam

Is Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods at Universität Potsdam taught in German or English?

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods at Universität Potsdam?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Potsdam — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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