B. Sc. Volkswirtschaftslehre

Bachelor of Science Volkswirtschaftslehre (Economics)

Economics plays a part in many aspect of modern life. It examines macroeconomic relationships and provides decision-making aids as well as recommendations for economic policy. At the same time, Economics also considers the choices of individuals, examines their needs and looks at their motivations and goals – thus reflecting on possible causes and consequences of individual behavior and analyzing social interactions.

Economists are needed wherever major societal challenges have to be solved: Whether it is the climate crisis, the distribution of wealth or social justice – economists are working on solutions to all these issues worldwide. At the same time, the skills and knowledge of economists are also of great interest to non-profit organizations, NGOs and companies, where economists complement the business focus on internal processes and operational activities with their insights.

In the Economics study program, you will learn mathematical model calculations, statistical data analysis, but also the creation of surveys or experiments using elements from psychology and the social sciences. It is these competencies that distinguish Economics study programs at the Univeristy of Bonn and that open up a wide range of career opportunities including e.g. in risk management of banks, in empirical market research or in environmental and resource management and many others.

Study program:  
Volkswirtschaftslehre (Economics)

Degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Duration: 6 semesters (full-time) or 9 semesters  (part-time)
Course language: German (DSH 2 level  or C1)
ECTS: 180
Start of studies: Winter and summer semester

Sample economics questions:

  • Is our society becoming increasingly unfair?
  • How big is the difference in wages and salaries between men and women in Germany (gender pay gap) really?
  • What does globalization mean for the rich and the poor?
  • Can climate protection and economic growth be reconciled?
  • Which incentives in companies are suitable for employee motivation?
  • Does speculation with food lead to hunger in the world?
  • What contribution do immigrants make to Germany's economic performance?
  • What are the economic effects of our social systems?
  • What influence do electoral systems have on the outcome of an election?

Structure of the Bachelor Program

The Bachelor of Economics is a three-year program (6 semesters) in which students earn 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points.

The first two years of the program are devoted to studying the foundations of the field. This includes an introduction to basic knowledge, technical terms, contexts, models and methods of Economics. The first and the second year of the program are made up of 14 mandatory courses (105 ECTS points). These modules include

  • Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics (5 courses = 37.5 ECTS)
  • Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (5 courses = 37.5 ECTS)
  • selected areas of Business Administration (3 courses = 22.5 ECTS)
  • introduction to academic research and writing (1 course = 7.5 ECTS).

In the third year, students specialize and take advanced courses in Economics. They can choose six elective courses in Economics (45 ECTS points) either freely from an extensive module catalog or by determining an individual focus. Possible specialization areas are:

In addition, two to three free elective modules (15 ECTS points) provide an interdisciplinary glimpse into other study programs at the University of Bonn. Electives include political science, law, psychology, philosophy and numerous foreign languages. An internship of six weeks or more can also be credited to the free elective part of the program. In the third year of study, the acquired knowledge is deepened and applied to selected economic issues.

In the third year of study, especially the 5th semester, there is also room for an optional stay abroad (study abroad or internship). Numerous partnerships and support programs (ERASMUS, Global Exchange Program) and extensive opportunities for credit transfer enable students to spend time abroad without delaying their studies. The study program is usually completed with the bachelor thesis (15 ETS points) in the sixth semester.

The study program can also be completed part-time in a standard period of study of 9 semesters. The basic structure is identical to the six-semester Bachelor program. However, only three modules are completed per semester instead of four.

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