Labour Market and Human Resources (MSc)

This research-oriented degree programme examines the many aspects of the labour market, the working world and human resources from various perspectives. It focuses in particular on an economic and social analysis of the structures, processes and impact of the labour market. It has a strong empirical and interdisciplinary perspective. Acquisition of subject-specific skills in several disciplines of economics and social sciences is a key aim of the degree programme.

During their studies, students are quickly introduced to relevant current international research. Furthermore, as they are taught a range of methodological skills, they gain the ability to conduct independent empirical analyses. They learn to solve problems independently and in a group, and to communicate and implement their solutions. Students are taught how to carry out independent academic work and participate skilfully in current discussions of economics and social policy.

In principle, all applicants with a Bachelor's degree in business and economics, and social sciences are eligible for this degree programme. More information about admission requirements is available below. If you are interested in the degree programme and have a degree in a different subject or a degree from a different university in Germany or abroad, please contact the degree programme coordinator.

In the first semester students learn the theoretical and empirical foundations in the core subjects. Following on from this, in the second semester students take a compulsory interdisciplinary seminar and select five out of a choice of nine modules, giving them an initial opportunity for specialisation. In the third semester students select three specialisations according to their interests and career goals. The degree programme is completed with the Master's thesis in the fourth semester.

An example study plan is available here.

The Master's degree programme in Labour Market and Human Resources is largely based around research and has a strong quantitative focus. In light of this, in addition to basic knowledge of business (especially economics), applicants should have an interest in statistics and econometrics.

Does the name of the programme, Labour Market and Human Resources, mean that aspects of the labour market are the main focus or are both areas considered equally?

As you can see from the study plan, more time is devoted to labour markets, although various elements of human resources are also part of the degree programme. If you are only interested in human resources, you would probably be more suited to a Master's degree in human resource management.

I have no knowledge of economics. Does it still make sense to apply?

No, one admission requirement are at least 10 ECTS in economics. Moreover, it is almost impossible to make up for a lack of knowledge of economics. You probably would not have the skills required for economics-based lectures and seminars on topics such as labour market economics and human resources economics.

I didn't study any sociology or psychology during my previous degree programme. Is that a problem; do I need previous knowledge of these subjects?

Knowledge of sociology and psychology is not required. The modules on these subjects in the Master's degree programme do not require any specific previous knowledge.

How much previous knowledge of statistics is required?

You should have completed modules with at least 10 ECTS in statistics and/or econometrics in your previous degree programme. These completed modules must have provided students with inferential statistics („inductive statistics“). Moreover, basic knowledge of linear algebra, calculating probabilities and distribution theory are expected. As the Master's degree programme has a strong empirical focus, you should have an interest in statistics.

I don't have a Bachelor's degree in business and economics. What previous knowledge of economics do I need?

You should have at least sufficient basic knowledge of economics acquired through introductory modules or modules in economics as minor subjects (at least 10 ECTS). You are required to have knowledge of indifference curve analysis and optimisation as taught by standard textbooks on microeconomics (such as Pindyck/Rubinfeld: Mikroökonomie, chap. 1–9).

Above average university degree in business and economics or social sciences with basic knowledge of economics and statistics/econometrics. Applicants who are in the final stages of their first degree programme may also be admitted. For Bachelor's degree students, a minimum of 135 ECTS credits are required for this.

Business Administration (BA)

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