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B. Sc. Economics (Volkswirtschaftslehre)

Economics examines macroeconomic relationships and provides recommendations for economic policy. It also takes into account individuals within society, looking at their needs, motivations, and goals, reflecting on possible causes and consequences of individual behavior, and analyzing social interrelationships.

Economists play a crucial role in addressing major social challenges such as the climate crisis, wealth distribution, and social justice on a global scale. Their expertise is also highly sought after by non-profit organizations, NGOs, and companies, where their knowledge complements the focus on business management processes and operational activities.

In the economics degree program, you will not only learn to calculate mathematical models and to analyze statistical data, but also how to create surveys or conduct psychological and social science experiments. These skills distinguish the programs offered by the University of Bonn and open up a wide range of career opportunities¹ for you.

Study program: Economics
Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Duration: 6 semesters (full-time) or 9 semesters (part-time)
ECTS: 180
Start of program: Winter semester
Language of instruction: German / English
Prerequisites:
General or subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification. The degree program is admission-free. Language requirements are expected to be announced in May 2024.

Apply for enrolment now ²

Module guide & Study schedule ³

Program Structure ³

Career opportunities ⁴

What is economics all about?

Economics explores how societies allocate scarce resources and how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions. Economists investigate a wide range of topics, from global challenges like climate change to individual behavior and company strategies. Key areas include:

Macroeconomics:
How do tax and social policies affect prosperity, employment, and energy consumption?
How do central banks influence economic activity, employment, and inflation?
What role do education, health, and climate play in a country’s economic performance?
How can the economic consequences of climate change be addressed in a socially equitable way?
Microeconomics:
How do markets and economic institutions function?
What is "market failure" and how does it differ from "government failure"?
When and how should governments regulate markets?
What are the effects of taxes and subsidies on supply and demand?
Applied microeconomics:
How do education, health, and climate affect individual economic outcomes?
How large is the gender pay gap—and what explains it?
Management:
How can companies motivate employees through wages, bonuses, promotions, or social recognition?
Finance:
What types of investment exist?
How can we understand price fluctuations in financial markets?
Statistics and econometrics:
How can we answer policy-relevant questions using data?
For example: Do unemployment benefits or minimum wages influence employment?
Scientific Reasoning and Communication:
How can economic arguments be communicated clearly and effectively?
What role do mathematical models play in structuring economic reasoning?

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If you want to dive deeper into economic topics, we recommend ECONtribute - the economics podcast.

For example listen to Prof. Christian Bayer⁶ on the topic of wealth, pensions, and reforms or Prof. Hanna Schwank⁷ on the issue of climate, disasters, and costs. (In German only)

Verteilt eine Aktienrente Vermögen gerechter?

Bild © ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy / YouTube

Was kosten Naturkatastrophen Betroffene?

Bild © ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy / YouTube

Why study Economics in Bonn?

Learning from the best

The Department of Economics has consistently ranked among the top in major academic rankings. It is one of Europe’s leading institutions for economic research and enjoys an excellent international reputation. Students benefit directly from cutting-edge research, as instructors regularly incorporate their latest findings into their teaching.

Broad spectrum of expertise

Our curriculum covers a diverse range of topics, from micro to macroeconomics, financial markets to environmental economics. Get to know the world of economics and develop a sound understanding of complex economic relationships.

International Perspective

The University of Bonn is proud to offer an international environment. Enjoy the exchange with fellow students from all over the world and build global networks for your future career. Broaden your perspectives through international exchange programs, internships, and lectures by leading experts from around the world.

Excellent Lecturers

Benefit from our experienced and dedicated professors, who are not only economic experts but also mentors. You will learn about Economics in interactive lectures, discussions and through personal support - thus benefitting from an individualized and high-quality education.

Professor (Hakenes) sitzt am Pult in Hörsaal C

Networks and Opportunities

The University of Bonn not only offers you an excellent education but also numerous opportunities to network. Take advantage of our alumni networks⁸ and career events⁹ to make valuable contacts during your studies.

Interdisciplinary

We value a holistic view and want to encourage creative approaches to problem-solving: In the elective courses¹⁰ and partly also in the mandatory courses¹¹, you have the opportunity enrich your studies with classes from study programs such as political science, law, legal economics, psychology, agricultural economics, sociology, mathematics or computer science.

Individual Profile

After the first year of study, you can freely select your classes and thus design an individual course of study. You can choose from a broad selection of subjects in all areas of economics. If you have special interests, you can specialize by focusing on subject areas such as:

Economics in German and English

Your choice: We offer all mandatory subjects in German and English, and a range of elective classes are also available in English or German.

What does the study program look like?

At the beginning of your studies, you will deal with the basics of economics. As your studies progress, you will acquire the skills to transfer this basic knowledge into a comprehensive understanding of interdisciplinary contexts and processes - and have the opportunity to develop an individual profile.

Study structure ³

Stay Abroad

Would you like to spend a semester abroad? The department has partner universities in Israel, France, the Czech Republic, Italy and many other countries.

International ¹⁹

Internship

Practical work during your studies? From the 2nd semester onwards, you have the opportunity to earn credits for an internship.

Internship ²⁰

Learn Languages

Arabic, Chinese, English, Spanish, Turkish? You can take up to three language courses during your studies.

Language Learning Center (SLZ) ²¹

What comes after the Bachelor's degree?

The economics degree program prepares students for Master programs in economics as well as for a career in the private sector, in research, in teaching, or in completely different professional fields.

Our graduates work among others in banks, stock exchanges, insurance companies, auditing firms, management consultancies, international corporations, international (non-governmental) organizations, and ministries, or as economists at top universities.

More about your career ²²

Master Economics ²³