Study

On this page you will find everything you need to know about the structure of the bachelor’s degree course in economics offered by the University of Münster, compulsory modules, modules selected from lists of options, and the bachelor’s thesis.

Course Structure

The normal length of the degree course is six semesters (three years of study). It has a modular structure, and the content rests on three pillars: business administration, economics, and a mixture of quantitative methods and law.
The course sequence is based on the assumption that students embark on their studies in the winter semester. Both the modules and the course sequence can be found in the module guide book, which will be an indispensable companion throughout your time at the University.

In the first two years of your studies, you will be familiarised with the essentials of economics. The spotlight will be turned successively on microeconomics and macroeconomics. You will also be introduced to the principles of business administration and private law, and you will be taught how to apply quantitative methods. In the third year you can specalise in subjects of your choice by selecting modules from a list of options. One of the modules you select must be a seminar in which you will learn how to do academic work by writing a term paper. In addition to the three compulsory elective modules about economics, you choose two compulsory elective modules about business administration. This will enable you to acquire in-depth knowledge in this domain, too. At the end of the course you have to write a bachelor’s thesis to demonstrate your ability to apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge to the resolution of an academic problem.

Compulsory Elective Modules for Students of Economics

The third year affords numerous opportunities for specialisation and the acquisition of in-depth knowledge. Thus, for instance, students can opt for classes in subjects such as energy economics, transport economics, international economics, business cooperation or economic history. A detailed list of core electives can be found in the module guide book. Altogether you have to take three compulsory elective modules devoted to economics. One of the three modules must be a seminar which will serve as a springboard for work on a bachelor’s thesis.

Bachelor’s Thesis

In a bachelor’s thesis acquired knowledge has to be applied to a current economic problem. The purpose of the thesis is to demonstrate that a BA candidate can tackle a problem with the aid of scientific methods and complete work within prescribed time limits without external assistance. Students working on a thesis develop the capacity to translate into a body of coherent arguments the knowledge they have accumulated during the course. They also learn how to write academic texts and read up specialist literature unaided.

Important Documents